Sharjah is situated between Dubai and Ras al-Khaimah interrupted by the small enclave of Ajman.

Its coastline runs to approximately thirty kilometers along the Arabian Gulf, with a highway system connecting it to the other emirates.

Sharjah was once part of a single emirate along with Ras al-Khaimah ruled by the Al Qawasim family. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi took over as Ruler in 1972.

It is the headquarters for the UAE Authors' and Writers' Union which has over a hundred publications to its credit, a major venue for One Day International cricket matches, and one of the first emirates to promote tourism. The peaceful hamlets of Khor Fakkan and Kalba are a major tourist attraction and provide a green retreat.

In 1999 the Endangered Arabian Wildlife Centre is adjacent to the already renowned Desert Park Natural History Museum in Sharjah. It houses a number of endangered species, such as the Arabian leopard, Blanford's fox, white-tailed mongoose, sand cat and Gordon's wildcat. Reptiles and Omani blind cave fish are also found at the center.

In 1971, Mubarak oilfield near the island of Abu Musa was discovered, but by 1981 the reserves had dwindled. Saja's onshore gas and liquid gas field was discovered which compensated with new revenue.

Sharjah was the first port in the entire Middle East to provide fully equipped container facilities at the Sharjah Container Terminal.