 UAE - Sharjah
 Time:
GMT + 4 Hours
Holidays and Day offs:
December 2 (National Day), January 1 (New Year), Holidays with changing dates: Id Al Feetr- Muslim Holiday of after Ramadan. Id Al Adkha- Muslim Holiday of Sacrifice, New Year according to Muslim Calendar, Prophet's Birthday (Milyd and Naby)
Population:
801,004 (2008)
Culture:
The Sharjah is renowned for its commitment to art, culture and preserving its heritage. In 1998, it was rewarded as the UNESCO Cultural Capital of the Arab World by UNESCO. The city has become the leading centre of education. It hosts several museums, parks, an aquarium, a centre for Arabian wildlife and also provides all facilities to the visitors.
Sharjah is the only Emirate that has banned the sale, possession and consumption of alcohol. The decency laws of UAE (introduced in 2001) are strictly followed in the Sharjah. Also, a conservative dress code is required for both men and women.
The official national language of UAE is Arabic, although, English, Hindi and Urdu are also widely spoken in the city. The official religion is Islam, which is widely practiced by Emirates nationals. UAE is liberal about the other religions but religious activities that may interfere with Islam are not allowed.
Geographic sketch:
The Sharjah city is located on the west coast of United Arab Emirates. However, the Sharjah Emirate has been connected with both sides, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. On east coast, the Emirate has three provinces namely Dibba Al Hisn, Khor Fakkan and Kalba and the Islands of Abu Mousa and Sir Abu Nu'air. The Sharjah covers area about 2,590 km2 (1,000 mi2). The total area of Sharjah (excluding the islands) is equivalent to 3.3 per cent of the total area of UAE. The Sharjah Emirate is the third largest emirates of UAE and the city is also third largest city after Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It is a home for over 800,000 people (as of year 2008).
The geographical coordinates of Sharjah are 25°26'N and 55°23'E.
Climate:
Warm sunny days, cool evenings and low humidity can be expected during the months of November to April. This is an ideal season for the foreign visitors as the average temperature varies from 18°C to 30°C.
The city experiences really hot and humid climate from May to September when midday temperature often reaches the 45°C mark. During this period, the nights also remain warm with an average temperature of 25°C and humidity often scores 100% mark. Rainfall is almost non-existent in the city.
Language:
As in the rest of the UAE, Arabic is the official language, with most residents actually speaking other languages entirely - particularly Hindi and Urdu. English is widely spoken in shops, souqs, and hotels.
Currency:
 Dirham
Currency Exchange:
Banks as a rule are open from 8.00 a.m. to 13.00 p.m. from Saturday to Thursday. Some of them also work from 16.00 p.m. to 18.30 p.m. On Thursdays banks are open from 8.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. Exchange points are open from 8.30 a.m. to 13.00 p.m. and from 16.30 p.m. to 20.30 p.m.
Custom's rules:
 The import of printed or video-production of erotic character, likewise anything which may offence the religious feelings of Muslims or may be perceived as unfriendly attitude towards the government is prohibited. First of all it concerns journals or video-tapes with elements which to Armenian standards are considered as innocent erotic, custom representatives may temporarily confiscate imported video-tapes or printed materials for examination. The import of strong drinks is strongly supervised (2 L. of wine, 2 L. of strong drinks and in Shardga only 400 cigars or 2 kg of tobacco) perfume or eau-de-Cologne (150 gr). The import of strong drinks by the citizens of the UAE is strongly forbidden. Officially strong drinks are served at restaurants and bars at the airport or hotels (a bottle of beer costs 3 USD). The import and export of any kind of currency is not limited.
Transport:
There is no public transport in Sharjah, which means that visitors will need to have their own wheels or rely on taxis. Sharjah's taxis have historically been unmetered, and although some of these remain, several new companies operating metered taxis have become operational. They are similar in quality to Dubai's taxi fleet.
Taxi Drivers, although mostly courteous, do have the tendency to refuse passengers if the time of travel coincides with rush hour traffic. It is advisable to plan your travel well, allowing for traffic jams which could take upto an hour/hour and half to get out of.
Bus travel to Dubai is possible via an inter-emirate bus service - this is run by the Government of Dubai Road and Transport Authority. Most buses leave from the Al Jubail (Al Jabal) bus station next to the Sharjah Fish market and the Sharjah Fruit and Vegetable market, nearby to the Central Souk. A bus from Sharjah to Dubai can take about 1 hour and costs 5Dh. Timetables can be found at the RTA website
Communication:
The international code for UAE is +971, for Dubai, add a 4 afterwards for land lines.
Phone Booths - Phone booths are located on most streets. Phone cards can be purchased from hotels and tourist shops.
Internet - Internet cafes are hard to find. There is one at Computer Plaza next to Ramada Hotel in Bur Dubai. Also, there is the French Connection, Al Wafa Tower on Sheikh Zayed road (opposite side of road from the Dusit Hotel) has wifi access and nice cakes/pastries. Surprisingly, the malls do not have internet cafes. Most hotel business centres are equipped with internet cafes, but are expensive ones.
There is an internet cafe a five-minute walk south from the Dubai Youth Hostel. Turn right out of the gates and walk to LuLu's Hypermarket. The cafe is located inside the food court and currently charges AED 4.00 per hour. Note that the Skype website is currently blocked, however.
Shops:
Culture as opposed to nature is often regarded as learned behavior. UAE that came into existence in 1971 as a result of the unification of seven self-governing sheik-ruled emirates- Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al-Qaiwain has also developed its own culture over the years. As the culture of a country plays a very important role in the material progress and development of vital industries like tourism it is very important to understand the culture of UAE.
As 96% of the population is Muslim the culture of UAE is influenced by Islamic tradition and beliefs. But it does not mean that the culture of UAE is determined by Islam. Tolerance is a liberal value that UAE upholds and cherishes. Many churches and Hindu temple and a Sikh Gurudwara exist in UAE. The first written manuscript in UAE is al Jawaher wal lali. There are also many Asian and European influenced schools and restaurants, which have helped to make the UAE culture liberal. 88% of the population is urban but through the Abu Dhabi Cultural foundation the Government is also committed to conserve the traditional art and culture of UAE.
Food:
The ubiquitous shawarma is sold all over Sharjah and makes a very cheap and hearty meal. khuboos made of wheat also a cheap food available at very cheap
Mushmaool Arabic Grill Restaurant, Al Miraj Building 1, Besides Megamall Entrance 3, Abu Shagara, Sharjah, 06 5754244. 12pm - 4pm & 7pm - 12am. Mushmaool is just good food and amazing service. Provides you the best grill in town and an outstanding dining experience. Committed to provide quality food and a healthy dining experience as close to as what you get at home. AED 35.00/Person
Sharjah is known as a "dry emirate" which means the sale or possession of alcohol within Sharjah is almost entirely forbidden. There are three exceptions:
Sharjah Wanderers Club,. Sports club with pool, gym, hockey team etc but they also have a British bar with traditional British food. They serve spirits, wine, bitter, lager and stout on the premises. Members and their guests only.
Alcohol is available at the duty-free and business class lounges of Sharjah International Airport.
If you have an personal alcohol license, you may bring in alcohol from other emirates and consume it at home.
Also, it is legal to transport alcohol through Sharjah if your final destination permits it (eg. Dubai to Fujairah). Don't expect all police to be familiar with this rule though!
Tips:
Tips are not included in the bill; leaving only 10% from the total bill would be enough. Tips are to be given in case of good service only.
Urgent numbers:
Police: 999
Ambulance: 998/999
Fire: 997
Electricity and Water: 991
General Information: 101
Airport Enquiries (Dubai): 04-2066666
Telephone Directory: 180 / 181
Taxis (Dubai): 04-2080808
Emergency (Abu Dhabi): 344 663
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