Sharjah is the third largest emirate. Its population was 1.8 million in 2022. Its GDP reached AED 136.9 billion in 2022.
Sharjah is the third largest emirate in the UAE with an area of 2,590sq. km. It occupies 3.3 per cent of the total area of the UAE (not counting the islands). It is known for its picturesque landscapes and seascapes.
The emirate has many educational institutions, which ensure a continuous supply of fresh talent armed with the latest knowledge in engineering, science and technology and other skills that support economic growth.
The population of the emirate of Sharjah is approximately 1.8 million as per the Sharjah Census 2022 report. Individuals residing in Sharjah comprise 208,000 Emirati citizens, including 103,000 males and 105,000 females. The resident population of expatriates stands at 1.6 million, including 1.1 million males and 500,000 females.
It is the only emirate that lies on both coasts; the Arabian Gulf in the west and the Gulf of Oman (Indian Ocean) in the east. The coastline on the Gulf extends about 20km. and within 80km. to the Gulf of Oman.
The emirate has large desert regions, with some agricultural areas. Its islands include Sir Bu Nuair and Abu Musa. Sharjah has plenty of beaches, marshes and acacia forests.
Sharjah is home to the largest number of natural reserves in the UAE.
Sharjah has five major cities each with different features.
Khorfakkan - It is the largest town on the east coast, located midway between Dibba Al Hisn and Fujairah. It has an expanding container terminal and port.
Kalba - It maintains a historical charm and is known for its old forts. It attracts bird watchers, kayakers and hikers.
Dibba - It is a set of three seaside villages. Dibba Bayah belongs to the Sultanate of Oman, Dibba Muhallab belongs to Fujairah and Dibba Al Hisn which lies in between the two villages, belongs to Sharjah.
Al Dhaid - It is the third largest town in Sharjah and the main producer of fruit and vegetables such as strawberries, dates, limes, guava and mangoes which are sold in the UAE.
Al Badayer - Located in the Al Madam area, it is one of the most popular desert areas in the emirate of Sharjah, attracting campers and enthusiasts of off-road drives.
The preliminary estimates for the year 2022 indicate that Sharjah's GDP has grown by 5.2 percent, reaching AED 136.9 billion compared to AED 130.1 billion in 2021. The non-oil sector reported a 5.2 percent increase, bringing the total to AED 133.4 billion in 2022 compared to AED 126.8 billion in 2021.
The most prominent economic activities that contributed to the growth of the emirate's GDP were wholesale and retail trade, and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, reaching AED 32.9 billion, followed by manufacturing, which reached AED 22.9 billion.
Sharjah has three ports and several free zones.
Expo Centre Sharjah is one of the most popular trade exhibition venues in the region which hosts various B2B and B2C events.
Over the years, Sharjah has grown into a centre for arts and culture. Sharjah's cultural scene has flourished under the patronage of H. H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
In 1998, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) named it 'The Cultural Capital of the Arab World'.
In 2014, it was named the Capital of Islamic Culture for 2014 by Organisation of Islamic Countries.
Sharjah also was conferred the title of Arab Tourism Capital for 2015 during the 15th session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Tourism in Cairo on October 18 of 2012.
Further, it was declared the Capital of Arab Press 2016 during the opening of the fifth annual International Government Communication Forum (IGCF) and crowned with the prestigious 'World Book Capital' title for 2019 by Unesco.
Today, Sharjah is home to nearly a quarter of all of the UAE's museums and to popular events such as Sharjah Biennial and Sharjah International Book Fair.
Sharjah is a land with architectural heritage and cultural wealth. It is also known for its various touristic sites, which include historical areas like Heart of Sharjah and modern sites like Al Qasba and Al Majaz waterfront. Discover the emirate of Sharjah.
The emirate of Sharjah is ruled by H. H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi , continuing the legacy of Al Qasimi rulers since 1600 AD.
Dr. Sheikh Sultan launched key initiatives at the local, as well as, at the international level. He is a Founding Member of the Companion of The Guild of Cambridge Benefactors, Cambridge University. He is also a Founding Member of the University of Exeter's College of Benefactors, Exeter University.
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