After Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Sharjah is the third most populated city in the United Arab Emirates. It is a component of the Dubai-Sharjah-Ajman metropolitan area and serves as the capital of the Emirate of Sharjah.

The capital of the named emirate is Sharjah. Within a federal framework, the emirate cooperates with the other emirates of the United Arab Emirates on legal, political, military, and economic matters. However, each emirate is in charge of certain tasks, such as providing and maintaining local amenities and enforcing civil law. Since the 18th century, the Al Qasimi dynasty has ruled over Sharjah.