Sharjah, United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪
#847
,
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Sharjah is the third largest emirate in the UAE and serves as the cultural capital of the country. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.4 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 100 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 AED ≈ 0.27 USD; Major banks include Emirates NBD, ADCB, and HSBC |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally drinkable, but bottled water is recommended for taste |
| 🔌 Power | Electrical supply is 230V, 50Hz, with Type G sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Du and Etisalat; tourist packages available for easy activation |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like RAK Bank and ADCB accept international payments; Revolut is popular for expats |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, furnished apartments, and serviced apartments in Al Majaz. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit and debit cards accepted widely; Apple Pay and Google Pay are also popular. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Property Finder offer multiple short-term options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Al Sharq Hotel or budget-friendly hotels in Rolla area. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Al Majaz waterfront area, close to attractions and restaurants. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Al Nahda, known for its coworking spaces and cafes with reliable internet. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Co-Working Space at Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) offers flexible plans. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Arabian Tea House in Al Fahidi street, known for its quiet ambiance and good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly Meetups at Sharjah Innovation Park for startups and freelancers. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Sharjah' host regular meetups and social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem and Uber are widely used for convenient transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options, but available via apps like WOO HOO. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Al Khan Beach, around 15 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Arabia operates flights from Sharjah International Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways operate from nearby Dubai's airports. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | E311 and E611 connect Sharjah to Dubai and other emirates. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is currently no train service; public transport mainly consists of buses and taxis. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Nol card can be used on buses and trams in Dubai, accessible for Sharjah residents. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate frequently between Sharjah and Dubai for inter-city travel. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Al Qassimi Hospital, offering comprehensive health services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga House Sharjah hosts various classes for different levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Gold's Gym offer various workout options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Visit Clean & Fold for reliable laundry services throughout the emirate. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat is the most popular food delivery app in Sharjah. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Shawarma and Manakish are popular local dishes. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Places like Wild & The Moon offer delicious vegan options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Al Baba Sweets serves traditional Arabic sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Sharjah Central Market offers a variety of foods at great prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Noon.com and Carrefour online deliver groceries and household items. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Instashop and Carrefour offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Sharjah has a more conservative nightlife; The Connexion is a noted bar. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol is not locally produced; bars in Dubai serve imported brands. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | License required; The Rooftop Lounge in Dubai is a popular choice nearby. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various stalls around the Corniche offer fresh local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants around Al Majaz serve Foods like Indian, Chinese, and Italian. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Sharjah Arts Museum and Al Noor Mosque are must-visit sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization is a highlight. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the Al Hisn Sharjah Fort, a historical landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Sharjah Mosque is a significant religious site open to visitors. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Sharjah International Book Fair occurs annually and attracts many visitors. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Al Qasba offers a blend of entertainment, art, and cultural experiences. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Sharjah Cultural Palace hosts various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Sharjah Souq is an excellent place for local crafts and textiles. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various cultural events feature music from both local and international artists. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The Sharjah Art Foundation frequently hosts street art installations and festivals. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking sessions can be organized at various cultural centers across Sharjah. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Visit the Al Hamriyah Studio for contemporary art exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Al Nabooda House showcases traditional Emirati architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Sharjah is known for preserving Emirati culture through its museums and exhibitions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Al Mamzar Beach Park is a great spot for relaxation and outdoor activities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Wadi Shawka is a scenic area for hiking and picnicking, about an hour away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Sharjah Corniche offers scenic paths for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Al Noor Island offers beautiful waterfront views ideal for photographs. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre is a great spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Al Mamzar Beach Park has designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Aramex provides reliable domestic and international parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Geekay and various shops in Rolla provide outstanding tech support. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Several community centers, including Al Wasl Sports Club, offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Institutes like the British Council offer English language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Sharjah Library, a large municipal library, is perfect for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Cultural Palace hosts community activities and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming companies like Gamers Hub present local gaming events. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is prohibited in Sharjah; options available in Dubai. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AED 1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = AED 48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AED 950 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = AED 38,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AED 1,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = AED 96,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AED 1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = AED 72,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AED 1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = AED 144,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AED 1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = AED 120,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 0% for free zone businesses in Sharjah. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% on dividends in UAE. |
| 🏦 Tax System | No personal income tax; only VAT at 5% on selected goods/services. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 0% personal income tax. |
| 🧾 VAT | 5% standard VAT applies. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Not applicable in UAE. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No property tax; however, there may be fees for services. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 5% of property value at the time of purchase. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | The UAE offers a lenient tax regime, particularly beneficial for remote workers. |