When people mention “Sharjah,” they often picture a single city. In reality, Sharjah is an emirate made up of multiple cities and communities, each with its own distinct lifestyle. Some are built for families, some for industries, and others serve as quiet coastal escapes. If you are looking for apartments for rent in Sharjah or considering villas, it helps to know which cities actually suit residential life and which ones are better left off your list.
Understanding What “Cities in Sharjah” Actually Means
Sharjah is the only emirate in the UAE that has territory on both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. It is divided into three main regions: the central region around Sharjah City itself, the eastern region along the Gulf of Oman, and several inland towns. When property listings mention “cities,” they are referring to these distinct urban centers, each governed as part of the emirate but offering completely different lifestyles.
The key distinction you need to make is between residential cities and industrial zones. Industrial areas, such as the Sharjah Industrial Area zones 1 through 18 and Al Sajaa are designed for manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing . While they do have labor accommodations and some mid-rise apartments for managers, these are functional housing tied to employment, not places where families choose to settle . You will find truck traffic, limited retail, and minimal community amenities there
Residential cities, on the other hand, are planned for actual living. They have schools, hospitals, shopping malls, and neighborhoods where people put down roots. Let’s take a closer look at where people actually live in Sharjah. As people move between these residential communities, many turn to trusted movers and packers in Sharjah to simplify the relocation process.
Sharjah City
Sharjah City is the capital and the most populous center. Within it, several neighborhoods stand out as genuine residential destinations:
Al Majaz
Al Majaz sits along the Khalid Lagoon and is one of the most sought-after addresses. It offers waterfront living with parks, walking paths, and the popular Al Majaz Waterfront entertainment destination. Studios for rent in Al Majaz cost around AED 26,000 annually, with one-bedroom units averaging AED 35,000.
Al khan
Al Khan provides a coastal alternative with sea views, the Sharjah Aquarium nearby, and a quieter atmosphere than the city center. It is particularly popular with expat families who want beach access without Dubai prices.
Muwaileh
Muwaileh has emerged as a family favorite thanks to its concentration of international schools—British, Indian, and IB curricula are all represented here and its balance of rental prices versus amenities. It is split into Muwaileh Commercial, which borders the industrial zone, and New Muwaileh, which is more residential.
Al Nahda Sharjah
Al Nahda sits right on the Dubai border and is essentially a commuter hub. If you work in Dubai but want Sharjah rents, this is where you land. The trade-off is traffic congestion during peak hours.
Al Taawun
Al Taawun and Aljada represent newer, master-planned options. Al Taawun offers waterfront living along the Al Qasba Canal, while Aljada is billed as “New Sharjah”, a self-contained community with pedestrian areas, schools, and entertainment zones designed, so you rarely need to leave.
Al Dhaid
Located roughly 60 kilometers east of Sharjah City, Al Dhaid is an inland oasis town that offers a completely different rhythm. It is known for its fertile lands, date palms, and views of the Hajar Mountains. The Friday Market here is famous for pottery, carpets, and fresh produce.
Housing in Al Dhaid is notably affordable. Studios in Al Dhaid start around AED 21,000 annually, and you rent a three-bedroom villa in sharjah with a private pool for approximately AED 65,000 per year. The population is predominantly local Emirati families, and the lifestyle is quiet to the point of being secluded.
There is no metro connectivity, limited nightlife, and you will need a car for everything. This is a city for those who want space, gardens, and a break from urban intensity, not for those seeking convenience or social activity.
Khor Fakkan
Khor Fakkan is one of Sharjah’s two main cities on the Gulf of Oman, and it is arguably the most scenic. It is home to Khor Fakkan Beach, a deep-water port, and a growing tourism sector.
Residential properties in Khor Fakkan range from apartments in the town center to villas with mountain views (particularly Hajar mountain)
The lifestyle is more focused on outdoor activities like hiking and water sports. One downside of living here is that job opportunities are limited primarily to tourism, logistics, and local government sectors. So, if your job does not revolve around these, you might feel isolated. Most residents either work locally in these industries or commute to Fujairah, which is about 30 minutes away.
Kalba
Kalba sits just south of Khor Fakkan, right on the border with Fujairah and Oman. It is an exclave of Sharjah, meaning you actually pass through Fujairah territory to reach it from the rest of the emirate.
What makes Kalba unique is its focus on eco-tourism and conservation. The Khor Kalba nature reserve features mangrove swamps that attract rare wildlife, and the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority has been developing the area as a sustainable residential destination. A new government-backed residential project with 190 units is currently underway in the Al Dahiyat suburb, featuring Arabic-style architecture and energy-efficient homes.
Rentals here are among the most affordable in Sharjah, starting from AED 18,000 annually for apartments. The city has schools, supermarkets, and medical facilities, but public transportation is virtually nonexistent and entertainment options are limited.
Dibba Al-Hesn
Dibba Al-Hesn is the smallest of Sharjah’s eastern cities, located on the Gulf of Oman and surrounded by Dibba in Fujairah and Musandam in Oman. It is primarily a fishing and trading port with a small residential community. Houses for rent in Dibba Al Hesn are very limited but very affordable. A two bedroom apartment for rent in Dibba Al Hesn costs approximately AED 25,000 per year. That is equivalent to the amount you’d use to rent a studio apartment in Sharjah city or Al Nahda, Sharjah
Most residents are local families or those working in the port and maritime sectors. If you are looking for a quiet, affordable coastal life and do not mind driving to Fujairah for major shopping or entertainment, Dibba Al-Hisn works. For most renters, however, it is too remote for practical daily living.
Conclusion
If you are deciding where to rent in Sharjah, start with your priorities. For urban convenience and career opportunities, stay within Sharjah City—Al Majaz, Al Khan, or Muwaileh. For Dubai commuters, Al Nahda is a good opportunity, but the only problem is that it is crowded. For families wanting villas and space, look to Al Rahmaniya, Tilal City, or Al Dhaid. For coastal tranquility and outdoor lifestyles, Khor Fakkan and Kalba offer unique value, provided you can handle the distance from major employment centers.
Avoid the industrial zones unless your employment specifically ties you there. They serve a purpose, but they are not built for residential quality of life.
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