My Sharjah Rent: Retired teacher spends 32 years in emirate’s vibrant community


Salam Al Amir
  • English
  • Arabic

My Sharjah Rent takes you inside a reader's home to have a look at what they get for their money, how much they pay in rent and asks them what they like and don't like

Retired teacher Najla Majdalawieh, 54, has called Sharjah home for 32 years.

Having previously lived in Al Mamzar, she moved to Al Taawun and has stayed ever since, drawn by its convenience and vibrant surroundings.

Her three-bedroom apartment, which also includes a spacious living room, a large kitchen, and a maid’s room with an en suite bathroom, now costs Dh60,000 annually in rent.

While she enjoys the location, she admits that traffic congestion and limited parking are major challenges especially for her three children, who struggle with it on their ways to and from work.

Why did you choose to live here?

I love Sharjah, its atmosphere, its streets, its everything. This city feels like home to me, and I have never considered living anywhere else. I was attracted to the area because it is well-served. Everything I need is within reach. It’s close to Dubai, near the beautiful Al Qasba Canal, a wonderful spot for the community to unwind, and not far from Al Mamzar Beach, which offers a scenic retreat.

What touches have you made to the property to make it feel like home?

I love adding personal decorative touches that reflect my character. To bring a sense of Middle Eastern culture into my home, I added solid wooden doors, intricately carved chairs, and traditional geometric-patterned frames, each contributing to an elegant and culturally rich ambience. These changes have transformed my apartment into a warm and inviting space.

What do you enjoy most about your home?

One of the best things is its proximity to my friends’ homes. I also have lovely neighbours, and we have built a great relationship. The community here is social and full of life, which is something I deeply appreciate.

Is there anything you would change if you could?

If I could, I would love to have more green spaces. I have a passion for gardening and would love an area where I could plant and care for greenery. Right now, I make do with indoor plants.

How do you spend your time in the area?

I enjoy early morning walks around the neighbourhood and often organise regular meetups with my friends and neighbours. There is always something happening in the community, and I love being part of it.

Would you recommend this area to others looking to move here?

Well, the biggest downside is the heavy traffic and the difficulty in finding parking. But apart from that, it’s a wonderful area with great amenities. For those who prioritise convenience and an active social life, this is a great place to be but if not, I would recommend Al Mamzar area.

Would you consider buying a property in Sharjah?

I would buy a property in Sharjah, but not in this particular area. If I were to invest in a home, I would choose a location with less congestion. But no matter what, I wouldn’t leave Sharjah, this city is my home.

COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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Milestones on the road to union

1970

October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar. 

December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.

1971

March 1:  Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.

July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.

July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.

August 6:  The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.

August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.

September 3: Qatar becomes independent.

November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.

November 29:  At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.

November 30: Despite  a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa. 

November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties

December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.

December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.

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GIANT REVIEW

Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan

Director: Athale

Rating: 4/5

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
 
Started: 2020
 
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
 
Based: Dubai, UAE
 
Sector: Entertainment 
 
Number of staff: 210 
 
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol

Power: 154bhp

Torque: 250Nm

Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option 

Price: From Dh79,600

On sale: Now

MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

The specs: Macan Turbo

Engine: Dual synchronous electric motors
Power: 639hp
Torque: 1,130Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Touring range: 591km
Price: From Dh412,500
On sale: Deliveries start in October

ELECTION%20RESULTS
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Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere

Director: Scott Cooper

Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Odessa Young, Jeremy Strong

Rating: 4/5

Essentials

The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct from the UAE to Delhi from about Dh950 return including taxes.
The hotels
Double rooms at Tijara Fort-Palace cost from 6,670 rupees (Dh377), including breakfast.
Doubles at Fort Bishangarh cost from 29,030 rupees (Dh1,641), including breakfast. Doubles at Narendra Bhawan cost from 15,360 rupees (Dh869). Doubles at Chanoud Garh cost from 19,840 rupees (Dh1,122), full board. Doubles at Fort Begu cost from 10,000 rupees (Dh565), including breakfast.
The tours 
Amar Grover travelled with Wild Frontiers. A tailor-made, nine-day itinerary via New Delhi, with one night in Tijara and two nights in each of the remaining properties, including car/driver, costs from £1,445 (Dh6,968) per person.

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Analysis

Members of Syria's Alawite minority community face threat in their heartland after one of the deadliest days in country’s recent history. Read more

Updated: March 05, 2025, 4:06 PM