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Sharjah Travel Resources

Sharjah Travel Resources

Digital Resources

Essential Apps for Your Trip

  • Careem/Uber

    Ride-carpooling apps for convenient transportation.

  • Google Maps/Waze

    For navigation and public transport routes.

  • Talabat/Deliveroo/Noon Food

    Food delivery services for a broad selection of cuisines.

  • Etisalat/Du

    Apps for managing your local SIM bank card and data plan.

  • The Entertainer

    Offers discounts and 2-for-1 deals on dining, attractions, and hotels.

Useful Websites for Planning

  • Sharjah Tourism

    Official tourism portal for the emirate. Sharjah.com

  • Sharjah Museums Authority

    Information on all cultural institutions in Sharjah. Sharjahmuseums.ae

  • Sharjah International Airport

    Flight details, services, and transport. Sharjahairport.ae

  • Sharjah Public Transport

    Bus routes, schedules, and Sayer Card information. Sharjah-bus.com

  • UAE Official Information About visas

    Government portal for visa rules and applications. U.ae

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks

Lonely Planet Dubai & Abu Dhabi often includes Sharjah sections. The Rough Guide to Dubai & UAE has another good regional option.

Explore guidebooks

Books About the Destination

Consider books on Emirati history and culture. Explore West Asian literature for regional context.

Local Publications

Local newspapers like Gulf News and Khaleej Times provide daily news and event listings in English. Tourism magazines are also valuable.

Gulf News Khaleej Times

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Numbers and Contacts

  • Police: 999
  • Ambulance: 998
  • Fire Department: 997
  • Coast Guard: 996

Hospital and Clinic Locations

  • Al Qassimi Hospital
  • Zulekha Hospital Sharjah
  • NMC Royal Hospital Sharjah
  • Pharmacies are widely available for minor ailments.

Further Reading & Exploration

Documentaries and Films

  • Explore films on UAE history and development.
  • Gain visual context and historical depth.
  • Look for content creators with Emirati culture insights.

Music and Art

  • Explore traditional Arabic music, specifically Khaleeji music.
  • Research contemporary Arab artists and art movements.
  • Immerse in the local soundscape for cultural connection.

Online Communities and Forums

  • TripAdvisor forums present a wealth of advice.
  • Reddit (r/dubai, r/uae) platforms discussions and tips.
  • Expat forums share practical advice for the UAE.
  • Babbel for language learning. NordVPN for online privacy.

Important Information

Critical Alerts

Embassy and Consulate Info

  • Find the embassy/consulate of your country's embassy or consulate.
  • Keep their contact details for emergencies.
  • Consular assistance for lost passports is available.
  • Most are in Abu Dhabi or Dubai.

Lost Document Protocol

  • Report lost or stolen documents to local police (999).
  • Obtain a police report immediately.
  • Contact your embassy for replacement documents.
  • Digital copies of documents prove valuable.

Natural Disaster Procedures

  • The UAE registers a minimal risk of natural disasters.
  • Follow advisories from local media for any hazard.
  • Hotels possess emergency procedures.
  • Local authorities guide public safety.

Health & Safety Notes

General Health Precautions

  • Stay hydrated, notably in summer.
  • Protect from the sun with sunscreen and appropriate clothing.
  • Carry a basic first-aid kit for minor issues.

Medical Facilities

  • Hospitals and clinics are readily available across Sharjah.
  • Pharmacies operate conveniently in all neighborhoods.
  • Emergency medical services respond promptly.

Travel Security

Personal Belongings

  • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
  • Utilize hotel safes for essential documents and items.
  • Maintain awareness in crowded areas and souks.

Digital Security

  • Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi for data protection. NordVPN
  • Secure your devices with powerful passwords.
  • Avoid suspicious links or unsolicited downloads.

Cultural Etiquette Reminders

Dress Code

  1. Dress modestly in public spaces.
  2. Cover shoulders and knees when out.
  3. A headscarf for mosque visits is customary for ladies.
  4. Swimwear is appropriate only at beaches or pools.
  5. Respect local sensitivities regarding clothing.

Public Conduct

  1. Be discreet with affection in public.
  2. Refrain from loud music or behavior in public.
  3. No eating or drinking in public during Ramadan fasting hours.
  4. Respect prayer times, especially near mosques.
  5. Photography of individuals needs permission.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Bargaining Tips

Polite bargaining is frequent and expected in traditional souks.

Local Crafts

Support local artisans for authentic, handcrafted souvenirs.

Customs Regulations

Check limits on items like perfumes or electronics before departure.

Important Considerations

Always know about local regulations and customs. They differ from your home country.

Further Information

Language Learning Resources

Beginner Arabic Phrases

  • Greetings

    "Salam Alaikum" (peace be upon you), "Marhaba" (hello).

  • Common Questions

    "Kayfa Halak?" (How's it going? - male), "Kayfa Halik?" (female).

  • Expressions of Gratitude

    "Shukran" (thank you), "Afwan" (you're welcome).

Language Learning Tools

  • Duolingo/Memrise

    Apps that offer introductory Arabic lessons and pronunciation. Babbel also assists.

  • Audio Resources

    Podcasts and audiobooks for listening practice. Online Arabic lessons.

  • Local Engagement

    Using a few words goes a long way in showing respect and connecting with locals.

Social Media and Online Presence

Official Accounts

Follow @SharjahTourism on Instagram, X (Twitter), plus Employing facebook for updates, events, and travel inspiration.

@SharjahTourism

Cultural Updates

Follow @SharjahMuseums and @SharjahArt for exhibition details and program updates.

@SharjahMuseums

Visual Guides

Search for travel podcasts or YouTube channels focused on the UAE or Sharjah for visual guides.

Explore YouTube

Internet and Communication

Staying Connected

  • Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and malls.
  • Local SIM cards from Etisalat or Du offer good coverage.
  • Prepaid possibilities are there for various data and call packages.
  • International roaming services are an option, frequently more expensive.

Online Security

  • Protect personal data on public Wi-Fi.
  • Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for secure browsing. NordVPN is a strong option.
  • Regularly update device security software.
  • Back up essential travel papers to cloud storage.

Local Insights and Culture

Cultural hints

  • Sharjah is commonly known as the Cultural Capital of the UAE.
  • Ramadan brings unique cultural experiences and modified hours.
  • Arabic is the official language, with English widely spoken.

Local Experiences

  • Explore traditional souks for an experience of local commerce.
  • Visit the Seafood Market for a glimpse into daily life.
  • Enjoy evening strolls along Al Majaz Waterfront.
  • Try traditional Arabic coffee in a local setting.

Enhance Your Journey

Engage with these sources of information to enrich your travel plus cultural immersion.

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