Picturesque gardens, mouth-watering street food, spiritual mosques, world-class attractions – you name it, Sharjah has it all. Off lately, the emirate is also booming with investment investors and entrepreneurs from across the globe, thanks to expat-friendly policies and prosperous economic conditions.

Here are 8 most surprising and interesting facts about Sharjah not many know about:

1. It Houses a Huge Number of Expatriates
Just like Dubai, Sharjah is also home to a huge number of expatriates. As per statistics, 1.2 million of the total population (1.5 million) of this emirate consists of people belonging to other regions. Youngsters, ageing between 20 and 39, constitute a major chunk of the total population of the emirate. Another surprising fact here is that women outnumber men in Sharjah.

2. Comparatively Low Living Cost
The living cost in Sharjah, particularly when compared to Dubai, is quite low. Right from the cost of properties to other necessities, you can get them at affordable rates in this emirate. This means that if you choose Sharjah, you will get an opportunity to save money, which is a far-fetched dream for people living in Dubai. This is why many people who work in Dubai look for property for sale here. The proximity between these two emirates, coupled with the low living cost in the latter, plays a major role behind this decision by Emiratis.

Property rent is also on the lower side in this emirate. So, if you’ve always dreamed of enjoying a villa lifestyle, you can do it here. You can easily find a villa for rent in Sharjah at budget-friendly rates and experience the grandeur of these residences.

3. Home to UAE’s Many Firsts
Sharjah holds special value in the history of the UAE as it is home to the country’s many firsts. For example, the first-ever school in the UAE ‘Al Tamimiya School’ was established here in 1907. Similarly, ‘AlTaymeya’, the country’s first library, was also set up in Sharjah in 1933. The emirate has the oldest municipality (founded in 1927) in the country. Lastly, it was the first emirate in the UAE that not only introduced education for women but promoted women’s rights as well.

4. Common Border
A unique fact about Sharjah is that it happens to be the only emirate that shares boundaries with all other emirates of the UAE.

5. Sharjah’s History Dates Back to 6000 Years
Sharjah has a rich history that goes back over 6000 years. Records show that Jebel Faya, a prominent area in the emirate, has the earliest evidence of human life. These signs show that life existed here around 8500 BCE. The history and heritage of this region is preserved in over 22 museums and heritage areas nestled within the emirate.
Due to its rich history and culture, UNESCO gave it the title of Arab Capital of Culture in 1998. It also received the title of Capital of Arab Tourism in 2015.

6. A Rather Modest & Conservative Culture
In contrast to Dubai, Sharjah has a rather modest and conservative nature. This comes as a surprise to many, particularly those who have spent a few days in the former emirate, where life is quite vibrant, fast-paced and modern. This, however, doesn’t mean that women are required to cover themselves from head to toe and not allowed to step out from their homes.

7. A Lot of Leisure Options
A lot of people choose Dubai over Sharjah when it comes to vacationing in the UAE. And why shouldn’t they? The emirate has some of the best attractions and tourists spots in the world. However, Sharjah isn’t a lot behind in this regard. Even though the ambience is a little laid-back, there’s still a lot to do and explore in this emirate. Al Majaz Waterfront, Sharjah Art Museums, Al Noor Island, and Al Qasba are some of the must-visit places in Sharjah.

8. Bigger, Lavish Residences
Not many know about the fact that Sharjah has bigger residences as compared to Dubai. Residences in newer developments, be it an apartment, townhouse or villa for sale in Sharjah, you can find lavishly designed property featuring abundant space and modern facilities.

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