Sharjah is a cheaper destination, dusty and chaotic in places but with its own unique charm.

 

Sharjah is the third largest of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is the only one to have land on both the Persian Gulf Coast and the Gulf of Oman. Sharjah is also next to Dubai and is effectively its suburb, with commuter traffic creating rush hour traffic jams. Expatriates generally live in Sharjah and work in Dubai because cost of living is cheaper in Sharjah, but better jobs are in Dubai.

However, the emirate is considerably larger than Dubai with coastline on both West and East coast of the peninsula, with exclaves of Kalba, Khor Fakkan, and Dibba Al Hisn. The road to the east coast goes through rugged Al Hajar mountains. Public buildings in the Emirate were all designed by the present Shaikh (a qualified architect), a nice visual change from the usual fare of skyscrapers in other Emirates.

 

Public buses are by Sharjah Transport, There are seven local and three express routes. Dubai's RTA also offers express commuter bus service. Licensed taxi companies are Sharjah, Emirates, Citi, Union, and Advantage. Taxi plates are reflective green, helps spot them at night.

 

The ubiquitous shawarma is sold all over Sharjah and makes a very cheap and hearty meal. khuboos made of wheat also a cheap food available at very cheap

Sharjah is a "dry emirate" which means sale or possession of alcohol within Sharjah is almost entirely forbidden.

 

Generally speaking, Sharjah is a very safe place. Women are usually stared at, in certain parts of the city so bring a male relative or friend, to be safe.

If you pay with an overseas credit card, most merchants will attempt to apply dynamic currency conversion, charging several percent more than the issuer conversion would have cost. Unlike in some countries, the UAE merchants will not inform you of the choice and will choose to accept the conversion without asking. It is usually possible to intervene and ask "No" to be answered.