The seaside city that is 27C in December overshadowed by famous neighbours

A gorgeous city in the United Arab Emirates is often overlooked thanks to its close proximity to the ever-growing Dubai that sees thousands of tourists visiting each month.

Before Dubai grew popular, its neighbour Sharjah was the highest profile city for those looking for a package holiday getaway four decades ago.

Now, Sharjah has excellent hotels and beachside resorts that cater particularly for families, making it a more children-friendly destination than glitzy Dubai.

This is partially due to the fact alcohol is prohibited, with the law coming into place in 1979.

But the city still has numerous beachside resorts and links to the Natural History & Botanical Museum’s dinosaur display.

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Sharjah is the third most populous city in the United Arab Emirates, behind Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

For those planning a visit, one of the most famous spots is Al Heera Beach as it is the longest beach in the city, spanning across 3.5 kilometres.

Pearls Kingdom, a waterpark, is a great option for families looking to keep the children entertained for a day, with numerous activities on offer.

For those looking to make the most of being in a big city, there are also plenty of shopping options, with the City Centre Al Zahia being one of the newest shopping centres in the area.

Spread over four levels, it offers a range of shops as well as leisure activities, including a cinema and numerous restaurants.

For those looking for something more adventurous, diving is also on offer in Khorfakkan bay. Seven dive sites are on offer with full scuba diving or snorkelling.

There is also a stunning reef beneath the water, home to a range of marine life that can be seen through crystal clear waters.

The city is also flooded in history, with mosques and museums on offer for those looking to learn more about the culture.

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