A Distinct Strategic Position: The Emirate of Sharjah enjoys a unique geographical location: the western parts of Sharjah lie on the coasts of the Arabian Gulf, while the eastern region of the Emirate overlooks the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean. Due to its strategic location, Sharjah has always been an active business center in the Gulf region.

Area: The area of Sharjah totals 2600 sq. kms. Sharjah lies in the center of the UAE, thereby serving as a link through which pass the highways that connect the other Emirates. Therefore all road transport facilities, whether for people, goods or services, inevitably pass through Sharjah. This feature has accorded to Sharjah a unique economic advantage, as a center serving geographical areas much bigger than its own area. Also, this position qualifies Sharjah to play an active role in the export and re-export trade operations with the GCC states and others.

Climate The climate in Sharjah varies according to seasons. Throughout winter temperature ranges between 18oC and 25oC, while during summer the temperature rises between 38oC and 45oC. Population According to a recent survey conducted in 1995, the population of Sharjah stood at 500,000. The density of the population is estimated at 192 per sq. Km. Language Arabic is the official language, while English is widely used beside Arabic, particularly in business. Sound Planning Sharjah is widely regarded as a pioneer among the Governments of the region in the adoption of scientific planning methods for realization of comprehensive development, including the construction, economic, tourist, social, cultural and services fields. Master plans had been worked out to meet the future requirements of the economic, social and cultural changes which were encompassing the Emirate.

The Construction Concept: Construction efforts in Sharjah were based on a concept, which combined between the advantages of modern town planning and qualities of the Islamic architectural heritage. Sharjah planners divided each of the Emirate's major towns into three parts: residential localities, industrial areas and business areas.

All-round Development: Infrastructural projects executed included the following: Construction of a 520 kms-long network of modern roads connecting the various areas of the Emirate and linking Sharjah with the other Emirates and the neighboring GCC states. Completion of the telecommunication and postal projects.

These services include telephone, telex, telefax, cable and wireless as well as the mail services. The expansion of these services provides easy communication between Sharjah and the rest of the world.

Sharjah has accorded special attention to the electricity and water sector as it provides vital services to residential areas, business, industrial and services sectors. Now electricity and water supplies are available with a surplus capacity to meet future and emergency demands. Setting up of modern seaports equipped with the latest facilities. They include Port Khalid on the Arabian Gulf, Port Khorfakkan on the Gulf of Oman and Hamriya Port. Sharjah has set up an international airport equipped with the most advanced facilities.

The airport can receive 3.5 million passengers annually. Custom duties imposed on imports through Sharjah seaports and airport are considered nominal as they do not exceed 4% of the value of these imports. Furthermore, certain goods and products are custom-exempted such as foodstuff, building materials, pharmaceuticals and raw materials for industrial purposes.

Economic Sectors: The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the Emirate in 1995 totaled US$ 678 million, while Sharjah imported goods worth US$ 328 million.  Oil & gas oil production in Sharjah on commercial basis commenced in 1973. Now Sharjah's oil production totals 60,000 bpd, in addition to 900 million cubic feet of natural gas per day. Oil production in Sharjah on commercial basis commenced in 1973. Now Sharjah's oil production totals 60,000 bpd, in addition to 900 million cubic feet of natural gas per day. Agriculture Agriculture is an important component of Sharjah's economic structure. Sharjah enjoys the potentiality for economic development in view of the fertile land in some areas, particularly the eastern region. The agricultural sector is responsible for 5.6% of the Emirate's GDP.

The animal wealth includes cattle, poultry products and eggs. Moreover, the Gulf of Oman waters are rich with fisheries. The Industrial Sector The sector witnessed accelerated growth in recent years. The number of factories based in Sharjah rose from 74 (1974-87) to 608 factories this year. Now Sharjah boats housing 46% of the total plants operating in the UAE. This sector accounts for 10.4% of the Emirate's GDP.

The Trade Sector
(a) Domestic Trade: Domestic trade enterprises operating in Sharjah have so far totaled 9,000 with a capital of US$ 4 billion.
(b) Foreign Trade: Sharjah's foreign trade has drastically expanded to include all continents. The Emirate is now establishing trade relations with about 125 countries worldwide.

Free Zones
(a) Sharjah Airport Free Zone (SAFZ) In its initial stage 1,480,000 sq. meters has been allocated for the Sharjah Airport Free Zone. It is planned, in later stages, to expand the area of the Free Zone to reach 9,224,000 sq. meters when the need arises. The expansion step will be taken after H.H. the Ruler issues a decree for allocation of the additional areas to the Zone. (b) Hamriya Free Zone The Hamriya Free Zone was set up in accordance with Emiri Decree No. (6) of 1995 as the second Free Zone in Sharjah.

The Zone lies 12 kms North of Sharjah City, about 20 minutes drive from Sharjah Airport or Port Khalid and two hours from Port Khorfakkan. The Hamriya Zone is close to the network of roads which links Sharjah with the neighbouring Emirates, is provided with sufficient power resources, other essential services and facilities.

Tourism: Sharjah is rich in diverse tourist sites and utilities, which qualified the Emirate to turn into one of the most important tourist attractions on regional and international levels. Its superb golden-sand beaches stretch along the Arabian Gulf in the West and the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Oman in the East. Some spots in Sharjah are unique in terms of natural beauty. About 40 travel and tourist agencies and bureaus are operating in Shrajah. These agencies and bureaus frequently organize tours and safaris for tourists to the heart of the desert where they spend pleasant times far from the noise and pollution of the city life.

Accommodation in Sharjah is provided by about 25 hotels of different class categories. The Sharjah hotels have a capacity of 2,561 rooms and most of them have swimming pools, clubs for practicing varieties of sports, night clubs inviting reputed Arab and foreign musical troupes, etc. Other tourists may choose to stay in furnished flats with fully equipped kitchens and state-of-the-art utilities. Tourists whose destination is Sharjah are reminded to include the following interesting places which they should not miss visiting. The Natural History Museum Arts Museum Relics Museum Science Museum Heritage building and archaeological sites. According to the estimation of the Tourism Section at the Civil Aviation Department, Sharjah receives annually about 100,000 tourists.

Culture and Information: Sharjah is frequently referred to as the cultural capital of the UAE. The Culture and Information Department is the focal point for cultural activities in the Emirate. Sharjah Television is also instrumental in dissemination of cultural awareness. Investment Benefits There are many areas in Sharjah with ready feasibility studies where investment opportunities exist.

The Emirate provides a package of incentives and benefits to potential investors which ensure profitable business and healthy environment, which include: Absolute trading freedom and absence of restrictions on transfer of capital or profits abroad. Custom duties do not exceed 4%. Duties levied on foodstuff items are merely 1%. Imports for industrial purposes are custom-exempted. Sharjah airport and seaports offer investors additional facilities, which enable them to store their cargo free of charge for more than two months as well as to utilize stevedoring services by advanced equipment.

Cheap production costs, particularly with regard to labor, cost of living and accommodation. Also availability of sufficient manpower in the Emirate in the different fields of specialization. Availability of cheap water and power supplies. Sharjah Government subsidizes 70% of actual power costs.

Sharjah is committed to adopt international standards and specification for locally manufactured products. This is an important advantage, as investors will not encounter any difficulty in marketing their products, particularly when exporting them abroad.

No corporate or personal income tax High demand for products in the local market as the individual's average income level is high in Sharjah. Efficiency in completion of licensing procedure for investors starting business in Sharjah.

Therefore Sharjah has become an ideal base for promising investment projects. It combines the comforts of modern life and the peace and stability resulting from people's adherence to the values of the past. Those arriving in Sharjah, for pleasure or business, will feel safe and comforted by the friendly atmosphere. They will definitely feel that they have taken the right decision to come to Sharjah