Sharjah, United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪
#847
25.346149, 55.421063
Nomad Score:
64%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Sharjah is the third largest emirate in the UAE, known for its rich cultural heritage and numerous museums. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 1.6 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of around 80 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 AED ≈ 0.27 USD; Credit cards widely accepted |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not recommended to drink; bottled water preferred |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Etisalat and Du |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Emirates NBD and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank; services like Revolut accepted |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels, serviced apartments, to long-term rental apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely across all establishments |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental websites provide various options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include the Sharjah Youth Hostel |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Office Sharjah offers flexible workspaces and meeting rooms. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Arabia Coffee is known for its strong Wi-Fi and calm environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular Meetups are organized through platforms like Meetup.com. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Sharjah Facebook group hosts events frequently. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem is popular and widely used for ride-hailing in the UAE. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Sharjah is not primarily known for bike rentals; however, some local bike shops offer rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Al Mamzar Beach is a popular choice just 30 minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Arabia, based in Sharjah International Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates Airlines operates flights from Dubai, which is nearby. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Direct access to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Sharjah does not have a train station; buses are the main public transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | NOL cards used for public transport in Dubai, valid in Sharjah bus services. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to neighboring cities like Dubai and Ajman are commonly used. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Al Qassimi Hospital is one of the best healthcare facilities in Sharjah. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga House offers various fitness and wellness classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First has multiple locations across Sharjah. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Several laundromats available like Clean and Fold. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat is the most popular food delivery service in Sharjah. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Al Harees, a traditional dish made of wheat and meat. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Govinda's serves a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Al Dhafra Sweets specializes in traditional Arabic desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Al Markaziyah Market offers fresh produce and local delicacies. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local stores and services like noon.com cater to online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Carrefour and LuLu Hypermarket offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Sharjah is more family-friendly; limited nightlife options compared to Dubai. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Sharjah operates under strict alcohol regulations; breweries are limited. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Alcohol is typically served in hotels; check local hotel bars. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Souq Al Shandaga has various street food vendors with local fare. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Indian and Lebanese restaurants like Darios and Al Makan are popular. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Sharjah Art Museum and the Blue Souq are key attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization showcases Islamic art and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Sharjah Fort is a restored historical site worth visiting. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | King Faisal Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the UAE. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Sharjah Light Festival occurs annually, usually in February. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Al Qasba is known for its cultural events and attractions. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Sharjah Cultural Palace hosts various performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Central Market is known for its local products and handicrafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Several cultural festivals throughout the year showcase music and arts. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Artworks can be found in various public spaces in Sharjah. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes at the Arabic Culinary School teach traditional dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Al Marsam Gallery showcases local and regional artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Sharjah Heritage Area features traditional architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The flag of Sharjah symbolizes the city’s rich history and heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Al Majaz Waterfront offers family-friendly parks and recreational areas. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Mleiha Archaeological Site features desert landscapes and activities. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Corniche Road offers scenic paths for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from the Sharjah Eye Ferris Wheel offers panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Mammal and Wildlife reserve areas offer opportunities for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | This is limited in Sharjah; check local regulations for public areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DTDC and EMS provide reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Sharjah Electronics offers tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local parks often have tables for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Al Maktoum College offers Arabic language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Sharjah Public Library has vast resources and study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Sharjah's Community Centers frequently host events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Options are limited; some cafes have gaming setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is illegal in Sharjah; entertainment options are limited. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AED 1,300 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = AED 52,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AED 1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = AED 40,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AED 1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = AED 108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AED 1,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = AED 84,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AED 2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = AED 184,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AED 1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = AED 144,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Zero percent for individual businesses. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Zero percent. |
| 🏦 Tax System | No income tax in the UAE. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | N/A |
| 🧾 VAT | 5% standard VAT. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No CFC rules in the UAE. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No annual property tax, but registration fees apply. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 4% transfer fee when buying property. |