Sharjah, as one of the pivotal cultural hubs of the UAE, boasts a history that dates back millennia. Archeological evidence supports the claim that humans walked these lands as long ago as the third millennium BCE. The strategic coastline location transformed it into a trading hub early on which fostered connections between the Arabian Peninsula, East Africa and the Indian Subcontinent.

Across history, Sharjah played a pivotal role in the pearling industry and established itself as a major maritime trading post. The Al Qasimi family ruled during the 18th century which accredits them for the cultural and economic eminence of these lands. The treaty during the late 19th century saw Sharjah party up with the British for protection against outside threats. It was only during 1971 that Ssharjah became a founding member of the UAE.

Arabic stands as the official language of this culturally diverse city and it is also spoken widely across the UAE. As a founding member of the UAE, Sharjah uses Arabic to relay information from the government, in media and education. However, due to the multicultural setting, English is also very popular and used in business settings, education and a common language in the large expatriate community.

The vibrant linguistic tapestry is enriched with the presence of many expatriates from around the world. Languages like Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog, Bengali and Malayalam are spoken by different communities. However the global allure of the city as a tourist destination has also given rise to speakers of more international languages like French, German, Mandarin and Russian. The linguistic diversity doesn't just reflect the global outlook but also enriches the vibrancy of Sharjah.

A culturally enhancing experience, shopping in Sharjah mixes traditional souks and modern malls offering a wide variety of goods. Traditionals marketplaces like the Blue Souk, a.k.a. The Central Souk and the Arsa Souk provide an authentic Emirati experience. Shoppers can find beautiful hand-crafted jewellery, traditional clothes, carpets with intricate embroidered work and aromatic spices which together create an unforgettable sensory journey.

For more modern experiences, Sharjah is also home to many modern malls like the Sharjah City Centre, Sahara Centre and Mega Mall. These shopping destinations offer a blend of local and international products spanning arcs like electronics, fashion and lifestyle goods.

The charm extends beyond retail therapy as the places like the Sharjah Gold Souk cater to shoppers exclusively looking for jewellery. There is also a Perfume Souk which builds upon the region's elegant perfumery traditions.