Welcome to our introduction of Sharjah, Emirates.
The Earth is a huge place; a place that carries mystery, fascination, unknown paths and a lust for living. Cruisers and explorers are constantly looking for an out of the ordinary place to find new sounds, new smells - new tastes. On a global scale we have that chance to find something unique and entertaining. I have found an ‘Unexplored Paradise” – Sharjah, Emirates.
Sharjah, the third largest Emirate of the seven making up the UAE (United Arab Emirates), is the port-of-call with a natural beauty that allows one to wonder and escape in awe. With 6,000 years of history, there is certainly a lot to discover and take on board. Sharjah, known as the Arabian Capital of Culture, surrounded by way of exceptional art and individual pride is a little ‘secret oasis’ located along the Northern Coast of the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula; set up to be nature’s perfect journey.
What and where is Sharjah? Sharjah has two identities to establish; one, it is an Emirate and two, it is a city; similar set up to New York City in New York State. Sharjah the Emirate was truly the first to start tourism in the region.
Already, Costa Classica successfully made her maiden voyage to the Port of Khor Fakkan in November 2011 and December 19, 2011 Costa Favalosa made her first call. Between now and May of 2012, their hopes are to host nearly 67,000 people to Sharjah and over 230,000 visitors to other ports-of-call in the United Emirates such as; Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Khasab, Muscat and Oman.
Costa Cruises should be commended for their initiative to sail to The Middle East allowing us to take part in learning this unknown and mysterious side of the world. MSC has also placed the Lirica in the UAE and Seabourn and Royal Caribbean are also added to the roster of Cruise Lines coming.
The UAE is united on this venture in creating easy access and specialized tours to highlight their corner of the world. Sharjah is leading the pack with their well -organized commitment to a culture that represents their proud heritage; as well as, preservation of their arts and nature’s gifts.
Sharjah is highly known for hosting one of the best and largest book festivals in the region. The Emir is most proud of the hundreds of Publishers who bring with them titles of books by the thousands. The festival draws thousands of people, as well as, those people who want to visit Sharjah and learn of what makes the area tick with excitement.
Ahead of their time, Sharjah’s people created an impressive array of Museums, such as: The Natural History Museum; Sharjah Archaeological Museum; Sharjah Art Museum; Sharjah Heritage Museum; Sharjah Islamic Museum; Sharjah Science Museum and Sharjah Maritime Museum.
In Part II we will describe each of these Museum with more detail and continue our exploration of Sharjah, Emirate.
Joyce Gleeson-Adamidis
Editor
