Sharjah is a major port city located in the United Arab Emirates. It serves as the capital of the Emirate of Sharjah and ranks as the third-most populous city in the country, following Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The city forms an integral part of the larger Dubai-Sharjah-Ajman metropolitan area.
Within the federal framework of the United Arab Emirates, the emirate shares various legal, political, military, and economic functions with other emirates. However, Sharjah maintains specific jurisdiction over certain local responsibilities, including civil law enforcement and the maintenance of local facilities. The city has been under the rule of the Al Qasimi dynasty since the 18th century.