Living in Sharjah: the ultimate expat guide

Sharjah's economy has diversified beyond oil to include manufacturing, logistics, education, healthcare, and tourism. The emirate is part of the broader UAE labor market, which offers over 418,500 annual job openings across various sectors. Many Sharjah residents commute to Dubai for work, benefiting from lower living costs while accessing one of the region's most dynamic job markets.

Key Industries and Sectors

The UAE's most in-demand industries include information technology, finance and banking, healthcare, construction, and renewable energy. Sharjah specifically has strengths in manufacturing, education, and logistics, with its industrial zones attracting businesses from around the world. The emirate hosts the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone), which provides tax incentives for international companies.

Work Permits and Employment Requirements

Foreign nationals require an employment visa and work permit to work legally in the UAE. The employer sponsors the visa application through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). The standard work visa is valid for 2-3 years and can be renewed. Skilled professionals may qualify for the Green Visa (5-year self-sponsorship) or the Golden Visa (10-year residency for exceptional talents, investors, and entrepreneurs).

The table below shows key employment indicators for Sharjah and the UAE:

Sources: UAE Government Portal, Numbeo

Sharjah has established itself as an educational hub in the UAE, with University City hosting several prestigious institutions. The emirate attracts students from over 100 countries, offering American, British, and Arabic-medium programs across a wide range of disciplines. Higher education in Sharjah combines international accreditation standards with the cultural richness of the region.

American University of Sharjah (AUS)

Founded in 1997, AUS is ranked among the top 10 universities in the Arab region (QS Rankings 2026) and within the top 18% worldwide. The university offers 33 undergraduate majors, 48 minors, 21 master's programs, and 8 PhD programs. AUS is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) in the United States. Annual tuition fees are approximately AED 107,646 (~USD 29,300) for undergraduate programs. English is the language of instruction.

University of Sharjah (UOS)

The University of Sharjah, also founded in 1997, enrolls over 19,000 students and offers programs through 14 colleges. Tuition fees range from AED 45,000 to AED 70,000 per year for undergraduate programs and AED 45,000 to AED 90,000 for postgraduate studies. UOS offers scholarships of up to 50% tuition waiver for high-achieving students.

Admission Requirements

International students typically need to provide: high school transcripts (or equivalent), English proficiency scores (IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL 80+), and standardized test scores for certain programs. Applications open in early spring for fall enrollment.

Official websites: American University of Sharjah, University of Sharjah

Sharjah offers a diverse range of private schools catering to the expatriate community, with curricula from the UK (British), USA (American), India (CBSE), and the International Baccalaureate (IB). School fees in Sharjah are generally 20-30% lower than comparable institutions in Dubai, making quality education more accessible for expat families.

British and American Curriculum Schools

Several well-regarded schools offer British or American curricula. Sharjah British International School provides education from Foundation Stage to Year 13 (A-Levels), with annual fees ranging from AED 20,000 to AED 40,000. GEMS Cambridge International Private School Sharjah offers the British curriculum with average fees of AED 26,500. American Gulf School Sharjah provides IB and American curricula with fees averaging AED 37,500.

Indian Curriculum Schools (CBSE)

The Indian community is well-served by numerous CBSE-affiliated schools. GEMS Millennium School Sharjah (rated Outstanding by SPEA) charges approximately AED 15,750 annually. Our Own English High School (rated Very Good) has fees around AED 11,000. Sharjah Indian School, established in 1979, offers more affordable fees starting at AED 5,350.

Enrollment Process

Enrollment typically requires: completed application forms, passport copies, previous school records, immunization certificates, and an assessment test. Most schools follow an April-to-March academic year for Indian curricula and September-to-June for British and American curricula. Early application is advised as popular schools maintain waiting lists.

Sources: Sharjah Private Education Authority, WhichSchoolAdvisor

Sharjah's property market offers excellent value compared to Dubai, with a wide range of apartments and villas available across family-friendly neighborhoods. Rental prices vary by location, with waterfront areas commanding premium rates while inland districts provide more affordable options. Most landlords require payment in 1-4 cheques annually, though some accept monthly payments.

Popular Neighborhoods for Expats

Al Majaz is Sharjah's premier waterfront neighborhood, featuring the iconic Al Majaz Waterfront with parks, fountains, and dining options. Average rents for a studio are AED 25,000-30,000 per year. Al Nahda, located near the Dubai border, offers excellent connectivity and modern apartments, with 1-bedroom units averaging AED 35,000-45,000 annually. Muwaileh is popular among families due to its proximity to schools and University City, with average apartment rents around AED 39,000. Al Khan offers waterfront living near Sharjah Aquarium, with 2-bedroom apartments at approximately AED 53,000.

Rental Costs Overview

The following table provides average annual rental costs in Sharjah:

Sources: Bayut, PropertyFinder (2024-2025 data)

As the Cultural Capital of the Arab World, Sharjah offers an impressive array of museums, heritage sites, parks, and entertainment venues. The emirate hosts numerous cultural festivals throughout the year, including the Sharjah Light Festival, Sharjah Biennial, and Sharjah Heritage Days. Whether you enjoy art, history, nature, or family activities, Sharjah has something for everyone.

Museums and Heritage Sites

Sharjah is home to 16 museums covering art, Islamic civilization, archaeology, and natural history. The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization displays over 5,000 artifacts and charges just AED 10 admission. The Sharjah Art Museum houses one of the largest art collections in the Gulf region. The Heart of Sharjah heritage district features restored traditional buildings, including Al Hisn Fort (built in 1823), traditional souks, and the Calligraphy Museum. A combined ticket for multiple heritage sites costs AED 20.

Parks and Family Entertainment

The Al Majaz Waterfront offers 231,000 square feet of leisure space with fountains, play areas, and dining options along Khalid Lagoon. Al Montazah Parks features water rides and amusement attractions. The Sharjah Aquarium showcases over 250 marine species for AED 25 admission. Al Noor Island provides a serene escape with butterfly gardens and art installations. For outdoor enthusiasts, Sharjah Desert Park combines a zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum.

Shopping and Dining

The iconic Blue Souk (Souk Al-Markazi) houses over 600 shops selling gold, carpets, and traditional crafts. Al Qasba offers waterfront dining with the Eye of the Emirates Ferris wheel. Dining options range from budget-friendly restaurants (AED 20 for a meal) to upscale venues (AED 120 for two).

Source: Sharjah Events, Sharjah Museums Authority

Daily life in Sharjah combines the convenience of a modern city with the charm of traditional Arab culture. The emirate is known for its conservative atmosphere—alcohol is prohibited—which creates a family-oriented environment. Shopping, dining, and leisure activities are abundant, with numerous malls, parks, and cultural venues throughout the city.

Getting Around: Transportation Options

Sharjah's public transportation is operated by Mowasalat (Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority). Local buses connect major areas, with fares starting at AED 5-7. For commuting to Dubai, intercity buses run from Al Jubail, Al Rolla Terminal, and Al Muwailah stations, costing AED 12-17 per trip. The Dubai-Sharjah Ferry offers a scenic 35-minute journey from Al Ghubaiba to Sharjah Aquarium for AED 15-25. Many residents use Dubai Metro stations such as Stadium or Centrepoint (Rashidiya) for park-and-ride commuting. Taxis are plentiful, with a starting fare of AED 5 plus AED 1.82/km. Ride-hailing apps Uber and Careem operate throughout the emirate.

Lifestyle and Culture

Sharjah offers a relaxed pace of life compared to Dubai. The Buhaira Corniche and Al Majaz Waterfront are popular spots for evening strolls. Shopping options include Mega Mall, Sahara Centre, and the traditional Blue Souk (Souk Al-Markazi). Supermarkets like Carrefour, Lulu, and Nesto provide affordable grocery shopping. Note that during Ramadan, restaurants close during daylight hours, and public decorum is expected year-round.

Source: Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority

Sharjah offers one of the most affordable cost of living options in the UAE, making it attractive for expatriates seeking quality of life without the premium prices of Dubai or Abu Dhabi. The absence of income tax in the UAE further enhances disposable income. Below are detailed monthly budget estimates to help you plan your finances.

Monthly Budget for a Single Person

A single professional can live comfortably in Sharjah on a monthly budget of AED 6,000-8,000 (~USD 1,630-2,180), excluding savings. Here is a detailed breakdown:

Monthly Budget for a Family of Four

A family of four should budget AED 15,000-22,000 (~USD 4,080-5,990) monthly for a comfortable lifestyle:

Sources: Numbeo, Bayut Cost of Living Guide (2024-2025 data)