Discover Sharjah
UNESCO Cultural Capital of the Arab World (1998)
Top 60 Best Student Cities (2024)
UNESCO World Book Capital (2019)
Capital of Islamic Culture (2014)
Located in the 2nd safest country in the world (2023)
Welcome to Sharjah
Sharjah, located on the Arabian Gulf in the United Arab Emirates, is one of the UAE’s seven Emirates and proudly holds the title of the “Cultural Capital of the UAE.” This vibrant city offers a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, making it an exceptional destination for students, professionals and visitors from around the globe.
From its stunning architecture to its thriving arts scene, Sharjah invites you to explore a city filled with creativity, innovation and opportunity.
A Cultural, Educational and Scientific Hub
Cultural Highlights
Sharjah is a beacon for culture and heritage, hosting iconic attractions like the House of Wisdom, Al Majaz Waterfront, Rain Room and the Mleiha Archaeological Center. The city’s historical souks and stunning desert landscapes offer a glimpse into its rich past, while a vibrant calendar of events keeps its culture alive. |-BREAK-|
Signature annual events include:
- Sharjah International Book Fair: One of the largest book fairs globally
- Sharjah Light Festival: A spectacular celebration of light and art
- Sharjah Biennial: A premier platform for contemporary art in the region
- Tanweer Festival: A celebration of creative expression, featuring immersive art installations, performances and discussions that highlight innovation in the arts and culture.
Educational Excellence
Sharjah is home to some of the UAE’s top academic institutions, including American University of Sharjah (AUS), located in the heart of University City. With a focus on innovation and academic rigor, Sharjah attracts students and researchers from around the globe. |-BREAK-|
Nearby, the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) leads advancements in technology and sustainable development, offering numerous opportunities for collaboration between academia and industry.
Business and Innovation
As a growing hub for international business, Sharjah houses the headquarters of leading corporations and innovative startups. BEEAH champions sustainability and waste management, setting global benchmarks for environmental innovation. |-BREAK-|
Sheraa (Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center) plays a pivotal role in fostering entrepreneurship, especially among students and young innovators. Its programs offer aspiring entrepreneurs mentorship, funding opportunities and access to an extensive network of industry experts.
Sheraa’s student-focused initiatives include:
- Startup Bootcamps: Equipping students with the skills and resources needed to turn ideas into viable businesses
- Incubation Programs: Offering support to student-led startups, from concept development to market launch
- Workshops and Hackathons: Providing hands-on experience in solving real-world challenges and encouraging innovation
- Pitch Competitions: Allowing students to showcase their entrepreneurial ideas to potential investors and industry leaders
Sheraa’s dynamic ecosystem empowers students to contribute to Sharjah’s thriving business landscape while shaping the region’s future economy.
Fascinating Facts about Sharjah
The only emirate with coasts on both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman
Home to over 1.8 million residents, with 1.6 million expatriate residents representing 200 nationalities
Cost-effective lifestyle
A rapidly growing economy, with 6.5% growth in 2023, offering numerous employment opportunities
A multilingual hub where Arabic, English, Hindi and Persian are widely spoken.
4-day workweek for government employees—the first in the region
Celebrated globally for its “Smile, you are in Sharjah!” tagline
First city to establish an airport in the Gulf region in 1932, known today as Sharjah International Airport
Hosts 25% of the UAE’s museums
Living in Sharjah
Sharjah offers a well-rounded lifestyle, blending modern amenities with a strong sense of community. The city is known for its excellent facilities, including internationally outstanding educational opportunities, world-class healthcare and a vibrant lifestyle with an array of entertainment options
What sets Sharjah apart is its dynamic and inclusive atmosphere. With a rich tapestry of cultures, residents enjoy a wide array of experiences, from local markets and traditional crafts to contemporary art exhibitions and global cuisines. The city’s infrastructure supports convenient living, with efficient public services, well-maintained parks and thriving residential neighborhoods.
For students, Sharjah’s off-campus housing options provide a perfect balance of independence and convenience. Aljada, Sharjah’s largest mixed-use community, offers modern off-campus student housing facilities equipped with comfortable living spaces, study-friendly environments, and access to various amenities. Aljada’s vibrant surroundings include retail outlets, recreational areas and cultural spaces, making it a dynamic place for students to live, learn and unwind.
Sharjah is also a hub of activity after dark, with families and friends gathering at waterfront promenades, exploring the many parks or enjoying the variety of restaurants and cafes that reflect the city’s multicultural spirit. It’s a city where connections are easily made, and the warmth of the community makes it feel like home.
Visiting Students
Michael Kaufman | Accounting Major
Incoming from University of Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico, in the fall
Academically, AUS challenged me to think outside of the box, work with teams of people with habits and customs wildly different from my own, and manage different English accents because of how diverse the faculty is. AUS was one of the most enriching academic experiences I have had."
Tamia Wallace | Int'l Relations Major
Incoming from Virginia Commonwealth University, USA
As an international relations major, it was amazing to live in a different country and experience how another government works. I made friends with AUS students pretty easily! Living in such a diverse culture was an enriching experience! Everywhere I turned was an opportunity to meet someone from a different culture and learn about them.
Samuel Virolainen | Chemistry Major
Incoming from Wheaton College, USA
AUS is a very diverse community; it was so enriching to be around so many different nationalities and cultures. Similarly to AUS, the UAE is very diverse and has a little bit of everything: you can go to Dubai and experience a very fast-paced environment, or be in Sharjah and experience the richness of Middle Eastern culture and heritage.
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