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The destination of choice for an increasing number of tourists, Sharjah has much more to offer than meets the eye, discovers Latha Krishnan
Sharjah has been a major Middle East tourist destination since 1932. During the time it was part of the Trucial States and many passengers on Imperial Airways spent short holidays here. In 1980, tourist groups began coming to Sharjah and since then, tourism has developed in leaps and bounds.
The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) is also implementing new measures for the development and improvement of tourism and acts as a co-ordinator to this sector.
Tourists visiting Sharjah do not have to go far to get to what they're interested in. If they want to spend their time on the beach, there are many clean and beautiful beaches close to the city and further ahead. They do not cost anything either. Whether it's to swim in the clear waters on the Arabian Gulf coast or the Indian Ocean coast, or to spend a few hours beach combing and building sand castles, everyone can relax on these beaches.
The middle lagoon between Sharjah and Dubai, called Al Khan Lagoon, has calm and beautiful white beaches.
There are no boat or jet ski restrictions and so these are popular with both water and jet skiers.
Mornings tend to be quiet and relaxing and the afternoons active.
Sandy beaches
The Al Khan beach stretches from the old village of Al Khan to the Layyeh power station. The area between Lou'Lou'a Hotel and the power station has been fenced off, with no access for vehicles, and beach visitors have to carry their gear to this safe, gently shelving shore.
The sandy palm-lined Corniche Beach, that runs from the Sharjah Women's Club all the way to the Coral Beach Hotel, is also very popular. Currents can occur and the beaches carry warnings to this effect. Further ahead is the Hamriyah Beach that is visible from the road to Ras Al Khaimah beside the Hamriyah Free Zone.
It is a protected lagoon ideal for family beach parties and a favourite haunt of jet and water skiers and windsurfers.
Scenically, the East Coast is the most beautiful area of the entire country.
Golden sand beaches line the bays, which break the steep rocky folds dipping into the clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Renowned for its water sports, snorkelling, diving and relaxing, this coast creates the ideal break for a weekend, either camping or residing in the motels and hotels which line the coast.
Some of the most spectacular underwater scenery in the Emirates is also to be found on this coast. The waters offer clear visibility and a chance to see fascinating coral reefs and abundant tropical fish. Turtles, sharks and moray eels are some of the other ocean life that can be sighted.
Favourite dive spots include Martini Rock, Shark Island, Sandy Beach, Dibba Rock and Lima. There are various dive centres in Sharjah that offer diving trips, courses and holiday packages.
Sharjah, like the rest of the country, is famous for its Arab hospitality and offers a variety of dining experiences. There are a number of restaurants and cafes providing a choice of cuisines from around the world at prices that suit all budgets.
Wadi bashing
Desert trips including wadi bashing are another tourist attraction. Tour operators organise tours in Sharjah, ranging from half-day trips to one or two-night safaris.
They can also arrange desert driving, shopping tours, camel riding, sand boarding, sand skiing and dune buggy driving etc. Orient Tours and SNTTA are two of the largest tour operators in Sharjah.
Parks are aplenty in green Sharjah and visitors can enjoy rides as well as picnic in the parks' well laid-out gardens and lawns.
Those who like to shop can always visit the traditional souks or modern malls around the city. Souk Al Majarrah with its golden dome, Gold Centre, Rolla Shopping Centre, Al Taawun Mall, Sahara Centre, Sharjah Mega Mall, Al Fardan Centre and Sharjah City Centre offer a variety that will satisfy the most discerning shopper.
When tourists need to rest after an active day in fun-filled and culturally-rich Sharjah, they can find plenty of hotels and furnished apartments at rates that suit any budget.
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