Over View
Sharjah is the third-largest emirate and acts as the cultural soul of the UAE. It borders Dubai to the north and effectively forms a continuous urban conurbation with it, though it has a distinct personality. UNESCO named it the “Cultural Capital of the Arab World” due to its dedication to preserving heritage, art, and history. It is home to the country’s best museums, including the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization. Sharjah is more conservative than Dubai (alcohol is prohibited), focusing heavily on family tourism, education (University City), and literature. It features beautiful souks (markets) and a scenic waterfront along the Khalid Lagoon.