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History & Evolution
The settlement of Sharjah dates back to some 6,000 years when it was called Sarcoa and was one of the wealthiest towns. Till 16th century, the population was small and people relied on trade and sea faring in addition to farming, hunting, fishing and pearling.

In 1507, the Portuguese took command of the East Coast and establish control of the spice trade and pearl trade building many forts here and there. But their reign lasted only for a century till the Dutch gained supremacy for the same reason.

The 17th century brought British who began trading with the Qawassim (forefathers of today's ruling family). The Britishers favored Gulf and the Red Sea as principal routes of communication between the Mediterranean and India. But by the turn of the century relationships between the Qawassim and the British deteriorated and in the early 18th century the Qawasim clan (Huwayla tribe) established itself in Sharjah declaring it independent in 1727.

However, in 1820, the first of several Treaties of Peace was signed with the British guaranteeing peace at sea and protection of the British against attack for 150 years. The name of the coast became the Trucial Oman and that of the Sheikhdoms as Trucial States, which remained from 1853 up until the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971.

In 1972, His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi succeeded as the ruler of Sharjah. This was also the year of when oil was found in Mubarak field, 80km offshore, close to the island of Abu Mousa. After few years gas condensate was discovered and drilling started in 1990.

This natural wealth combined with the foresight of the rulers of the city, has snt it on the way of prosperity and vitality whilst retaining the charms and traditional values of an Islamic city.

Site-Seeing
Known as the cultural capital of UAE, Sharjah is rich in Islamic monuments, mosques, museums and even shopping centers. Apart from these, city is rich in lush green parks, sun-baked beaches and water sports.

Though basically a business oriented city, Sharjah has enough landmarks and attractions to lure tourists from round the globe.

Blue Souk:
From numerous Souks of Sharjah, Blue Souk is the most famous one. Constructed in 1979, the Souk is built according to Islamic design and is maintained by the Sharjah Municipality.

It is the biggest of Sharjah markets at present containing 600 assorted shop ranging from gold and precious stones to garments to perfumes and cosmetics on two separate wings connected with tunnels.

Location: Al Majaz, Near Khaled Lagoon

Sharjah Science Museum:
Opened in 1996, Sharjah Science Museum was the only interactive hands-on museum in United Arab Emirates that provided exhibits and programs for the general public improving the science and technology learning opportunities for children in Sharjah and the other Emirates.


Hosting over 50,000 visitors every year, the museum provides inquire-based workshops to groups of children from the Sharjah Children's Centers, local and private schools from across the UAE and teacher groups from the UAE Educational Zones.

The key purpose of the museum is said to inspire the children of United Arab Emirates as a whole, to pursue science, technology or engineering as a career.

Location: Halwan, Next to Sharjah TV Station

Arabian Wildlife Center:
Opened in September 1999, Arabian Wildlife Center is the only zoo in Arabia, which demonstrates the diversity of the fauna naturally found in the peninsula, both current and extinct.

It is an excellent facility housing over 100 species displayed in safe, spacious and natural surroundings. Don’t miss to view the video just inside the main entrance before entering the display areas.

From reptiles, wild cats and cave fishes to wolves, hyena, cheetah and the rare and captivating Arabian leopard, the Zoo has variety of it.

Location: About 26km from city center