Updated Jan 27, 2026
KEY STATS
1.8M
Population
336 Mbps
Internet
DXB (10km)
Airport
OVERVIEW
Sharjah stands as a bastion of culture amid desert heat, its museums, mosques, and art biennales showcasing UAE heritage with quiet sophistication. Digital nomads value its family-friendly vibe, ultrafast internet, and proximity to Dubai's airports and nightlife without the frenzy.
QUICK FACTS
Country
United Arab Emirates
Region
Western Asia
Population
1.8M
Currency
AED
Language
Arabic
Airport
DXB
GPS
25.33, 55.41
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Food
2,032 restaurants mapped in Sharjah
Tech
336 Mbps average download — faster than most capital cities worldwide
Economy
49% cheaper than New York City based on overall cost of living index
INFRASTRUCTURE
13,853 total POIs
Above avg per capita
Average
Below avg
Food & Drink
Restaurants
2,032
Cafes
658
Bars
45
Fast Food
429
Shopping
Supermarkets
1,175
Convenience
648
Shopping Malls
175
Healthcare
Hospitals
84
Clinics
217
Pharmacies
559
Education
Schools
279
Universities
26
Libraries
14
Recreation
Parks
1,724
Playgrounds
71
Sports
233
Cinemas
15
Museums
40
Theatres
7
Transport
Bus Stops
537
Train Stations
35
Fuel Stations
168
Services
Banks
239
ATMs
167
Post Offices
43
Police
42
Fire Stations
12
Source: DropThe Database | dropthe.org
INTERNET SPEED
336 Mbps
Download
181 Mbps
Upload
6ms
Latency
194,488
Tests
69,131
Devices
2025-Q4
Last updated
CLIMATE
Best time to visit: Jan - Mar
21°
J
22°
F
25°
M
28°
A
32°
M
34°
J
35°
J
34°
A
32°
S
28°
O
25°
N
22°
D
18-28 C ideal
Warm/Cool
Extreme
Year avg: 28.2 C Range: 21.4 - 34.9 C Rain: 224 mm/year Sunshine: 3,799 h/year
CITY SCORES
86.3
Nomad Index
A
Livability
37.5
Culture
61.9
Overall
COST OF LIVING
CIndex relative to New York City (NYC = 100)
50.7
Overall
49% cheaper than NYC
22.8
Rent
77% cheaper than NYC
41.6
Groceries
58% cheaper than NYC
38.3
Restaurants
62% cheaper than NYC
AIRPORT
DXB
Dubai International Airport
10 km from center
Very close — ~15 min ride
FUN FACTS
It is the capital of the Emirate of Sharjah and forms part of the Dubai-Sharjah-Ajman metropolitan area.
Sharjah has been ruled by the Al Qasimi dynasty since the 18th century.
The city covers approximately 235 km2 and has a population of over 1,800,000 (2022–2023).
Sharjah is regarded as the cultural capital of the UAE, and was the Islamic culture capital of 2014 and Sharjah World Book Capital for 2019 by UNESCO.
On 1 January 2022, Sharjah made history when its public sector adopted a four-day working week and a three-day weekend, becoming the first government sector in the Gulf region and the entire Middle East to fully adopt a four-day working week.
EXTERNAL LINKS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Sharjah known for?
Sharjah stands as a bastion of culture amid desert heat, its museums, mosques, and art biennales showcasing UAE heritage with quiet sophistication. Digital nomads value its family-friendly vibe, ultrafast internet, and proximity to Dubai's airports and nightlife without the frenzy.
How fast is the internet in Sharjah?
Sharjah has an average download speed of 336 Mbps and upload speed of 181 Mbps, based on Ookla speed test data.
What is the weather like in Sharjah?
Sharjah has an average year-round temperature of approximately 28.2 degrees Celsius.
What airport serves Sharjah?
Sharjah is served by DXB (Dubai International Airport), approximately 10 km from the city center.
What is the population of Sharjah?
The population of Sharjah is approximately 1.8M.
What infrastructure does Sharjah have?
Sharjah has 13,853 mapped points of interest, including 2,032 restaurants, 84 hospitals, 279 schools.
What country is Sharjah in?
Sharjah is located in United Arab Emirates.