Languages:
Living in Sharjah: Everything You Need To Know
Sharjah is the third-largest of the seven Emirates and the only one with territory on both the Arabian Gulf Coast and the Gulf of Oman.
Sharjah has a population of 1.5 million people. There are 1.2 million expatriates among them, with only 175,000 Emiratis.
The Emirate is jam-packed with family-friendly activities. One can picnic in one of the beautiful parks, play on the beach, visit many heritage sites and museums, and enjoy the natural beauty of the desert, mountains, and seas. One can also travel back in time by visiting one of Sharjah's old souks or shop like a diva in one of the modern shopping malls.
Sharjah also has a plethora of sporting activities, ranging from dune bashing to horseback riding, and jogging to shooting. It is an excellent community for expats with children because there is always something new to discover.
What’s better? Dubai is only fifteen minutes away if you need a change of scenery (depending on traffic).
Sharjah is known for housing some of the best museums and art galleries in the country, making it an interesting place to visit for anyone. Sharjah is also an appealing destination for everybody due to its laid-back and easygoing lifestyle, as well as a lower cost of living in Sharjah compared to Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Living in Dubai: Pros and Cons
Best Places to Live in Sharjah
List of Places in Sharjah to Live
Al Taawun
Al Taawun is a bustling district with beautiful waterfront apartments near the Dubai-Sharjah border. Apartments for sale and rent are available in many mid- and high-rise buildings in this area. On the ground floor of most apartment buildings, there are shops and supermarkets. It is a popular destination for both foreigners and real estate investors. Despite its popularity, the apartments in the area are still reasonably priced and family-friendly. Furthermore, the neighborhood provides both a healthy outdoor lifestyle and a busy street life. Al Taawun is perfect for families or singles who like to live in small communities.
Al Nahda
Because of its strategic location between Sharjah and Dubai, many people find it convenient to live in Al Nahda in Sharjah and work in Dubai. Furthermore, the area has significantly lower rents than Dubai, allowing residents to enjoy the best of both emirates. This neighborhood is home to a variety of apartment units in high-rise towers for families, couples, and singles. It is well-designed and well-equipped. There are numerous medical centers, schools, supermarkets, and entertainment venues in the surrounding area.
Al Qasimia
Al Qasimia, named after the royal family that has ruled Sharjah since 1600 AD, is one of the most popular expat neighborhoods. The neighborhood has affordable apartments for singles and families. The apartments are mostly outfitted with top-notch amenities and facilities, such as spacious bedrooms, parking, and security systems. There are numerous malls, supermarkets, schools, and medical centers in Al Qasimia. It is also surrounded by a welcoming neighborhood and tourist attractions such as Sharjah Beach, Al Majaz Waterfront, and King Faisal Mosque.
Muwaileh
Muwaileh, located on the outskirts of Sharjah, is a quieter suburb than the rest of the city. The neighborhood is made up of low-rise buildings with three to seven floors. It is particularly well-known for being the most cost-effective neighborhood. Although the neighborhood is less developed than other areas in downtown Sharjah, it is a popular choice for families because it is home to some of Sharjah's best schools, such as the Delta English School and Brilliant International Private School. There are some supermarkets in the area that sell a wide range of products for your monthly grocery shopping. Nesto Hypermarket and Al Mawal Supermarket are the most popular supermarkets.
Al Majaz
Al Majaz is a bustling district along the Buhaira Corniche. It is popular with both renters and investors due to its scenic and serene views of the clear water. This burgeoning neighborhood is now one of the most sought-after in the city. It's quiet, family-friendly, and well-developed. The neighborhood has plenty of open space for residents to enjoy outdoor activities. There are schools, nurseries, supermarkets, restaurants, and shopping malls on the premises. Because Al Majaz is primarily a tourist destination, residents are surrounded by tourist attractions such as Mamzar Beach, the Eye of the Emirates, and the Al Majaz Waterfront.
Al Khan
Al Khan is well-known as one of Sharjah's premier waterfront areas, as well as one of the city's oldest communities. Expats can choose from mid-rise to high-rise luxury apartment buildings of various sizes and types. Its proximity to Dubai results in higher rents than in other areas of the city. It is, nonetheless, completely equipped with all of the best amenities. Supermarkets abound, schools with an international curriculum are available, and reputable clinics are easily accessible. It also has a number of entertaining, shopping, and outdoor activities.
Factors to Consider When Looking for Renting an Apartment in UAE
On the outskirts of Sharjah, there are three towns:
Dibba Al-Hisn
Dibba Al-Hisn is an emirate of the Al-Sharjah enclave. It is bounded on the east by the Gulf of Oman, on the north by Dibba Al-Baya, and on the south by Dibba Al-Fujairah. It is also geographically located within the Dibba region. It is the smallest of the Dibbas in terms of size. It is best known for its fish market and the ancient fortress that gave it its name. It is also known for having a high population density in comparison to the other Dibbas. There is an American University of Sharjah community college as well as Alkhalidya Secondary School.
Khor Fakkan
Khor Fakkan is located in the emirate of Sharjah but is surrounded by the emirate of Fujairah. It is Sharjah's largest town and the location for the expansion of a container terminal and port. Wadi Wurrayah is a well-known natural beauty spot about 15 kilometers inland from Khor Fakkan. The wadi, which is only accessible by four-wheel-drive vehicles, has a deep all-year-round pool with a seasonal waterfall.
Sharjah also has the Rub Al Khali, or "Empty Quarter," which has sand dunes as high as 300 meters in the southwest. Sharjah also has two offshore islands, Abu Mousa and Sir Abu Nu'air, off its eastern coast.
Kalba
Kalba is a Sharjah exclave located on the coast of the Gulf of Oman, north of Oman and south of the Emirate of Fujairah. Khor Kalba (Kalba Creek) is a mangrove swamp located south of town. There aren't many resident expats in Kalba, but there is one school for the younger kids, The English School of Kalba.
The Climate
Change in Sharjah Depending on the time of year, the climate in Sharjah ranges from mild to hot. There are no seasons in the traditional sense, and summer and winter are generally discussed in terms of climate. Summer lasts from May to September, and temperatures can reach 50 degrees Celsius; fortunately, most places are air-conditioned. The more pleasant season, or winter, lasts from October to April, with temperatures ranging from 18 to 30 degrees Celsius. This is the time of year when most people enjoy being outside. Sharjah does not get much rain, but it does rain from January to March. The summer months can be oppressively humid.
Living in Ajman: Everything You Need To Know
The Dress Code
Sharjah, the cultural capital of the UAE and the Gulf countries, embodies the essence of the Arabian lifestyle and Islamic culture through its restored heritage sites, mosques, and traditional old souqs.
Sharjah is indeed by far the most conservative of the seven Emirates, with a strict dress code that applies to both men and women. When visiting Sharjah, it is critical to be aware of the local culture. It should be noted that both men and women must remain covered when on a public beach. Dress code violators have been arrested and fined in the past. The following are the general dress code guidelines:
Ladies should always wear loose-fitting tops. Their arms and legs should be covered up to the elbows, and their legs should be covered up to the knees.
Unacceptable:
Clothing that bares the abdomen and back.
Tops that do not cover the arms to the elbows at the very least.
Above-the-knee shorts or skirts
Clothing that is tight and transparent and describes the body.
T-shirts with vulgar or profane language.
Men should be aware of the images, logos, and slogans on their clothing; they should not include any offensive images or words. Their t-shirts should cover their shoulders at all times, and their shorts should cover their knees at all times.
Extremely short pants in public or commercial places such as malls and government offices are unacceptable.
Nudity in the chest.
T-shirts with vulgar or profane language.
A Guide to Golden Visa in the UAE
Life in Sharjah Is Really Something to Consider
If you ask most Sharjah residents if they would relocate to another emirate, the majority of them will say no. Even if many residents work in Dubai, they would not trade their commute problems for a more expensive and less authentic lifestyle elsewhere.
Rent, schools, and entertainment are among the many low-cost options in the emirate. Life is comfortable there, and it's a great place to save money. Getting an apartment in Sharjah is a wise decision because you save a lot of money on rent. According to online listings, rents for one-bedroom apartments in Sharjah range from Dh30,000 to Dh40,000, rarely exceeding Dh50,000. Many Sharjah neighborhoods are diverse communities with easy access to amenities such as schools, hospitals, and grocery stores.
Average Cost of Living in Sharjah
Sharjah is a popular city in the UAE, known for its culture, traditions, and job opportunities that welcome expats and students for higher education. However, the average cost of living in Sharjah is $1405 for a family or couple, $1125 for students, and $1240 for a bachelor's.
Accommodation
Due to Sharjah's lower rents than Dubai, many expatriates working in Dubai choose to live in Sharjah and commute. Apartments range from studios to four bedrooms. There are also beachside villas with gardens for rent. It all seems too good to be true.
Depending on your lifestyle, you may prefer a shared apartment, a 1BHK, a 2BHK, or a studio apartment. Shared accommodation would cost between 300–500 AED, 1BHK would cost between 2100–3500 AED, 2BHK would cost between - 4000–5000 AED and a studio would cost between - 1500–2000 AED.
You can also find very cheap hotels for one or two nights' stay.
Transportation
You will find a lot of means of transportation in Sharjah including taxis and buses. Sharjah taxi service is provided by franchise companies that have obtained the license to operate taxi vehicles in Sharjah Emirate, covering all areas of the Emirate and cities, including shopping malls, residential areas, and the airport. You can easily view and download the correct route to get you wherever you want to go in Sharjah.
Advice from the Sharjah Public Transport Corporation:
• Do not be enticed by low-priced private vehicle drivers; avoid putting your life and property in danger; do not go with such drivers, especially late at night;
• Be wary of entering into a contract with any private vehicle driver or even a taxi driver who offers you to pay him to drive you daily, as this may expose you to fraud crimes or even murder.
Expat Mortgages: A House Loan Guide for Expats to the UAE
Education
Sharjah has adequate educational facilities to accommodate all students who live there. This eliminates the need for Sharjah parents to travel to Dubai in order for their children to attend school. Sharjah has schools ranging from kindergarten to university level. UAE education maintains its high standards.
Here are a few:
- Victoria International School of Sharjah
- American Community School Sharjah
- Australian International School Sharjah
- Brilliant International Private School
- Choueifat Sharjah
- Delhi Private School Sharjah
- GEMS Millennium School Sharjah
- German School Sharjah
- Gulf Asian English School
- New Indian Model School Sharjah
- Scholars International Academy
- Sharjah Autism Centre
- Sharjah English College
- Sharjah English Scool
Health
Sharjah's government has established advanced health infrastructure to meet the city's growing demand. The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) has established several healthcare centers and government hospitals in the UAE to meet the medical needs of residents.
All emergency patients in Sharjah's government hospitals receive free treatment.
List of Government Hospitals in Sharjah:
- Kuwaiti Hospital
- University Hospital Sharjah
- Al Qassimi Hospital
- Al Qassimi Hospital for Women and Children
- Al Dhaid Hospital
- Kalba Hospital
Other Healthcare Centers in Sharjah
- Al Zahra Private Hospital
- Al Nakheel Hospital
- Kalba Health Complex
- Zulekha Hospital
- Preventive Medical Centre Al Ghubaiba Sharjah
- Al Dhaid Preventive Medical Centre
- Preventive Medical Centre Dibba Al Hissn
- Khorrfakhan Preventive Medicine
- Kalba Dental Centre
- Al Mleiha Health Centre Al Modam
- Dibba Al Hisn HealthCentre
- Royal Hospital
- Medcare Hospital
- French Medical Centre
- Al Atta International Medical Center
- Al Bishara Medical Center
Entertainment
Shopping in Sharjah
In a busy city, you can shop almost 24 hours a day for everything from Oriental carpets to tropical fruits, gold, silver, and precious stones, jewelry, gifts and handcrafted souvenirs, designer fashions, delectable Middle Eastern sweets, the latest in electronics, and so much more. You can shop around for the right shape, size, or color whether you are looking for furniture, the latest digital camera, a gold necklace, or a diamond ring.
Sharjah is a treasure trove of modern malls, chic shops and boutiques, and one-of-a-kind souks and bazaars. The city has several distinct shopping districts, each with its own set of busy malls, large showrooms, and smaller department stores and centers, as well as exciting furniture warehouses full of artifacts and fantastic year-round promotions.
Sports
The Emirate of Sharjah provides outdoor adventurers with a variety of summer and winter sports. People tend to slow their heart rates during the summer months and explore what Sharjah has to offer beneath its waters. A dip in a cool swimming pool is also an option in the summer. However, during the winter, heart rates tend to race as the weather cools and becomes ideal for desert driving, hiking, camping, and wadi bashing. There are many team sports in Sharjah for sports enthusiasts, as well as individual sports like jogging for those who prefer to work out alone.
Walkers, joggers, climbers, and cyclists can enjoy scenic routes to stay fit. Team players and racquet sport enthusiasts can participate in a wide range of sports and clubs. The majority of Sharjah's larger hotel clubs offer courses, classes, and coaching in a variety of sports, as well as gymnasium facilities. Many of the smaller parks have playgrounds that residents can use on a first-come, first-served basis.
Basketball, volleyball, bowling, climbing, golf, cricket, and horseback riding are just some of the sports available in the Emirate's various centers, hotels, and clubs. The most popular activities in Sharjah, however, include bowling and golf.
Parks in Sharjah
Sharjah's beautifully landscaped parks, of which there are over 40 spread throughout the city, are maintained by the Municipality. Generally, admission is free. Parks include seating areas, sports fields, and green lawns. Many parks allow visitors to bring their own food and drinks, making it an ideal location for a family picnic. Sheesha pipe smoking is not permitted in public.
During the Holy Month of Ramadan and in the summer, park hours may vary, with parks opening and closing later in the day.
Beaches in Sharjah
The Arabian Gulf coast's city beaches offer safe, white, sandy palm-lined beaches with clear blue seas and gently shelving shores. The public beaches are open to the public but have limited facilities. Al Khan Beach and Al Mamzar are the most popular sunbathing beaches. On weekends, the Corniche Beach is popular, but it is not suitable for sunbathing.
Mountains and Deserts in Sharjah
Unlike Dubai, Sharjah is not flat. It has a huge desert with ever-changing sand dunes, as well as mountains and wadis that are popular with tourists, expats, and locals alike. Quad bikes and four wheel drives abound in the desert. The mountains provide a unique terrain that is popular with four wheel drives, and one can crisscross the terrain between Al Ain, Oman, and Sharjah.
So, are you ready for life in Sharjah?
Our Blog
