Sharjah (city) : Ask Biography

Administration

Full name

Sharjah

Official name

Sharjah

Native name

الشارقةّ

Settlement type

city

Country

United Arab Emirates

Emirate

Sharjah

Government

Type

Constitutional monarchy

Sheikh

H.H. Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al-Qasimi

Geography

Metro Area

90.9 sq mi (235.5 km2)

Demography

Total Population

801004 (2008)

Home | City | Sharjah (city)

Sharjah ( ) ( ; pronounced -enˈʃɑrdʒə in English) (Urdu:شارجہ) is the third largest and most populous city in the United Arab Emirates. It is located along the southern coast of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula.

Sharjah is the seat of government of the emirate of Sharjah. Sharjah shares legal, political, military and economic functions with the other emirates within a federal framework, although each emirate has jurisdiction over some functions such as civil law enforcement and provision and upkeep of local facilities. Sharjah has been ruled by the Al Qasimi dynasty since the 18th century.

The city is a centre for culture and industry, and alone contributes to 7.4% of the GDP of the United Arab Emirates. The city covers an approximate area of 235 km2 and has a population of over 800,000 (2008).