Sharjah

Sharjah is the capital of the Sharjah emirate and lies immediately north of Dubai. As in Dubai, also in SHarjah the historic core is centered around a creek, a sea arm extending into the land. The area around Sharjah has been settled since at least 5000 years.
Sharjah is far less developed and modern than neighbouring Dubai. Efforts are currently undergoing to restore the cultural and historic heritage of Sharjah, which has suffered from poor city planning. The historic Al Hisn fort for instance is sandwiched between tall buildings, which make it look like a house for dwarves. The heritage area is not easy to find and is currently undergoing renovation. Tourist restaurants are hard to find in central Sharjah and tourist sights are not well marked. The city however has the potential to shine, if the needed infrastructure and heritage preservation steps are carried through.