Car & Van Hire - Sharjah

Sharjah is not as glamorous as neighbouring Dubai, but it offers far more in terms of cultural treasures. It's an excellent destination for anyone interested in learning more about Emirati history or Arabic culture. There are 600 mosques in the city, though not all are open to non-Muslims. The most impressive is the Al Noor Mosque, built in the Ottoman style. Complex geometric decorations and beautiful calligraphy decorate the interior. It is open to visitors on Monday and Thursday from 10 – 11 am. Private visits can also be booked in advance from Sunday to Thursday. To enter, you will need to dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, and women must cover their heads.

More breathtaking architecture can be seen at the Blue Souk. This is the city's central market, and the inside is a hive of activity. You can find pretty much anything you want among the 600 shops, with everything from beautiful jewellery and the latest gadgets to traditional handicrafts and handmade rugs. The stunning blue tiles of the exterior mean that it's also worth just wandering around and admiring.

Sharjah is also a popular beach destination. The best beach in town is Al Mamzar, which tends to fill up with visitors at the weekend. Pack your sunscreen because it can get very hot here! The crystal-clear water is ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Its gentle surface also means that kids can have fun splashing around, but watch out for jellyfish! There are also some swimming pools if you prefer to avoid the sea. To make a day of it, you can also take advantage of the barbecue facilities and children's playgrounds.

Car hire in Sharjah will let you explore one of the city's most curious zones, Al Qasba. Known as the Venice of the Middle East, this area is built around a long blue canal. You can take a boat tour down the canal or enjoy a meal on a waterside terrace. There's a play area for the kids, and the musical fountain show is sure to enchant the whole family.

With car or van hire in Sharjah, you can also venture beyond the city limits. Try spending a morning at the Mleiha Archaeological Centre. To get there, you'll pass through a seemingly endless sea of sand dunes. On arrival, you'll find ancient burial grounds, old forts and other remnants of the region's earliest inhabitants. Some of the discoveries here date back 130,000 years to the very earliest humans, but most of the pieces you can see are from the Bronze Age.

Sharjah does not have as much traffic as neighbouring Dubai. Many visitors like to go between the two cities. Be aware that traffic tends to flow towards Dubai, particularly during rush hour. Sharjah is a popular weekend destination for locals, so you can expect more cars on the roads during these days. Don't forget that the UAE has a three-day weekend, so the end-of-week traffic will start to pick up at lunchtime on Friday.

Most people get around Sharjah by car, so the roads are often quite busy. In the past, there have been a lot of problems in the UAE with speeding, tailgating and other dangerous driving. The government has clamped down on this in recent years. In particular, drivers are encouraged to leave a gap of 3 seconds between vehicles. Don't be surprised if you see some reckless driving on the streets of Sharjah, but don't be tempted to join in.

All parking facilities in Sharjah are owned by the local government. Parking is free on Fridays and public holidays. In general, you can leave your car parked in a public space between 08:00 and 22:00. However, this timetable varies during Ramadan, with the hours extended until midnight. Parking is paid by the hour, with a discount if you are staying for longer. If you're carrying cash, you can pay at the ticket machine. If not, you can use the Sharjah Municipal Corporation website. The Sharjah parking SMS programme is only available if you have a UAE mobile number.

Alcohol is illegal in Sharjah but not in nearby Dubai. The UAE has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving. There is no legally acceptable blood alcohol content. Anyone who has a single drop of alcohol and then gets behind the wheel is breaking the law. This is a law that is strictly enforced.

There are no toll roads in Sharjah, but there are several in Dubai and also in Abu Dhabi. If you are driving between Emirates, you should check for toll roads in advance. You'll be required to buy a Salik device and attach it to your car. This is the only way to pay for tolls, or you will get fined.