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History
The history of Sharjah goes as far back as some 6000
years back when its name was Saroca. Those were the
nomadic people who relied on trade and sea faring. The
important phase in the history of Sharjah came when
Portuguese took control of the East Coast in 1507, latter
came Dutch and finally British who started trading with
Qawassim, the forefathers of today's ruling family.
Over
the years, Qawassim became stronger and Sheikh Sultan
bin Saqr bin Rashid Al Qasimi became the Sheikh of Sharjah
in 1804. British influence continued on Sharjah with
some turbulent years in between. In 1971, Sharjah became
a founder member of United Arab Emirate and next year
oil was struck here. This propelled enormous growth
of the Emirate that is visible today in the wealth the
place has acquired.
Weather
and Best Season to Visit
Summer is the hottest season in Sharjah and temperature
from the month of May to September exceed 40°C most
of the time. Coupled with the humidity level that goes
well over 90% at many times, makes it the most uncomfortable
season to venture in Sharjah. Rain is a rarity in Sharjah
and that makes only two seasons here. Winter from October
to April is the best time to visit as the temperature
hover around 24°C - 25°C during the day though
the nights can get colder.
Attractions
Sharjah is home to some of the most interesting architectural
heritage in the country and some traditions that have
all been forgotten. The cultural and historical heritages
of the region are on display in the museums that Sharjah
has built over a period of time.
Sharjah is the third largest of the seven states,
which form the United Arab Emirates. Sharjah (Al-Shariqa)
probably has the most colorful history of all the Emirates.
From the time of the early trading with the East, to
the settlement of the Qawassim seafaring tribe and into
the first half of the 19th century, Sharjah was the
most important port on the lower Arabian Gulf.
Sharjah
is located on the Arabian Gulf in the West, and the
Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean in the East.
Sharjah
is the only Emirate to have land on both the Arabian
Sea and the Indian Ocean. Geographically, Sharjah is
located between longitude 55.2 East and latitude 25.20
North. The Emirate covers approximately 2,600 square
kilometers.
The traditional religion is Islam and the call to prayer
sounds five times a day on almost every street corner.
People adhere closely to the tenets of Islam in all
aspects of their lives. Family ties are very strong
and nearly sacred. National dress for men is the kandora
(dishdasha), the long white robe and headdress. Women
wear the traditional abbaya or black cloak. The most
popular national sports include camel racing, falconry
and football. The Sharia' Court enforces the law of
the land which constitutes a mixture of written and
verbal laws passed down from generation to generation.
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