Population 400,339     Ruler H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi   Sharjah is situated between Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah interrupted by the small enclave of Ajman. Its coastline runs to approximately thirty kilometres along the Arabian Gulf. Sophisticated highways connect it to the other emirates. Sharjah was once part of a single emirate along with Ras Al Khaimah ruled by the Al Qawasim family. H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi took over as Ruler in 1972 - a scholar in History, he has been conferred with a PhD (Doctorate in Philosophy) for his outstanding work. Under his able guidance, Sharjah has made rapid progress. Today, it is known as the Cultural capital of the U.A.E. Sharjah is the headquarters for the UAE Authors' and Writers' Union which has over a hundred publications to its credit. In 1971, the discovery of the Mubarak oilfield near the island of Abu Musa changed the fortunes of the emirate. In 1981, after Mubarak's reserves started dwindling, Saja's onshore gas and liquid gas field was discovered which gave a further boost to its revenues. Sharjah was also the first port in the entire middle east to possess fully equipped container facilities at the Sharjah Container Terminal. Its impressive port at Khorfakkan provides important facilities for ships that do not need to enter the Gulf. Sharjah is also the capital of Cricket in the U.A.E. It is now famous in the sub-continent and throughout the cricketing world as a major venue for One Day Internationals. Sharjah was one of the first emirates to promote tourism. The peaceful hamlets of Khorfakkan and Kalba are a major tourist attraction and provide a getaway from the hustle bustle of the city life.