2015 UAE Sharjah

The city of Sharjah is renowned for its commitment to art and culture, and the city has also done well to preserve its local heritage. In 1998, the city was rewarded with the title: Cultural Capital of the Arab World by UNESCO. The history of Sharjah dates back to 5000 years when it was one of the wealthiest towns in the gulf region. At that time, the population of the city was very low and the income sources were associated with the economic activities such as trade, farming, hunting, fishing and pearl farming.

 

The city was the regional base for the British RAF until 1971. The British presence in the city officially ended with the formation of the UAE. On 2nd December, 1971, Sharjah became part of the United Arab Emirates as a founder member. In 1972, His Highness Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi succeeded as the ruler of Sharjah. In the same year, oil was found in the Mubarak oilfield situated 80kms offshore and close to the Abu Mousa Island. The production of oil began two years later and also gas drilling was started in 1990. Since the discovery of oil, Sharjah city has developed hugely by utilizing the availability of natural wealth and the wisdom provided by the Sharjah ruler, H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. Though, at the same time, the city has never escaped from its traditional values as an Islamic city.