Sharjah City is on the east coast of the United Arab Emirates on the banks of Khor Al Kahn and Khor Khalid Lagoons.

I visited Sharjah City while living in Dubai . I drove in to the city from Dubai , only about a 30 min drive from Deira (Dubai CBD).

One of the major attractions in Sharjah City is the Al Markazi Souk. Two large two storey buildings containing lots of small shops selling carpets, souvenirs, antiques, furniture, electronics, art and clothing. The building itself is quite an interesting piece of architecture. You'll get asked to come in by the shop owners at almost every shop you pass, some can be quite persistent. The overall experience is pleasant though, and there are some interesting things to buy if you're looking for a souvenir.

I also visited their major shopping mall, the Oasis centre. For the size of it it seemed rather quiet to me, maybe it was just the day I went but there was hardly anyone inside - lots of empty shops. There's nothing that much different to any other Shopping Mall you've visited except this one has a fun park inside, featuring a roller coaster.

Sharjah City also seemed to have nicer beaches than Dubai , although Al Mumzar Beach Park is nice (near the border of Dubai and Sharjah). The water front area of Sharjah City is quite picturesque. There's a park all the way around the water front with a walking track. Most of the bridges and street lights are designed in an authentic European way, bringing a very multicultural feel to the city - quite a contrast next to the Mosques.

Sharjah has a stricter Islamic code than Dubai and most of the other Emirates. Alcohol is banned, and people tend to cover up a lot more. I've heard stories of people wearing shorts having their legs painted! So make sure you cover up wrist to ankle, especially if you are female, to avoid any possible problems.

Anthony.