Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Sharjah (Arabic) (ashshâriqah; pronounced in English) is the third largest and most populous city in the United Arab Emirates. It is located along the southern coast of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula.
Sharjah is the seat of government of the emirate of Sharjah. Sharjah shares legal, political, military and economic functions with the other emirates within a federal framework, although each emirate has jurisdiction over some functions such as civic law enforcement and provision and upkeep of local facilities. Sharjah has been ruled by the Al Qasimi dynasty since 1972[1].
The city is a centre for culture and industry, and alone contributes to 7.4% of the GDP of the United Arab Emirates.[2] The city covers an approximate area of 235 km² and has a population of over 800,000 (2008).