Sharjah's heritage town of Al Hira was founded in 1613. SUPPLIED

Sharjah’s old town of Al Hira has been revived to give visitors a first-hand look at life in the emirate four centuries ago. Al Hira was founded in 1613 when the Al Qawasim tribe first arrived in the coastal town. The affluent residents included philosophers, writers and poets. Centuries ago, Al Hira was considered the center for development of the UAE’s Nabati poetry. Literary meetings and poetry gatherings were held in Al Hira. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, recently unveiled a memorial to commemorate the town’s founding and its revival. Houses of Sultan bin Abdullah bin Majid Al Owais, Hamid Khalaf Bu Khasrah, and Khalifa Sultan Al Suwaidi have been revived as part of the project. The house of Sultan bin Abdullah has been converted into a 900-sq metre Al Hira Literary Majlis. Al Hira is being developed as part of Sharjah's efforts to boost tourism. The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority is also working on developing the Al Hira Beach, which is considered Sharjah’s longest beach. ICA/Expat Media
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