Sharjah's University City: This education district is a favourite family spot

Sharjah's University City is one of the most pristine and picturesque locations in the emirate, a perfect spot to unwind.

A large group of students, clad in abayas, ornate graduation gowns and caps, stepped out of the University City Hall on Tuesday. Cheering to the sound of drums, the female students of the University of Sharjah was just exiting from their graduation ceremony.
Meanwhile, families took casual evening walks around the gardens outside the city's education district, and former students set up training rigs to practise ahead of their football game. Though the annual graduation ceremony is not a common sight, Sharjah's education district is one of the most pristine and picturesque locations in the city. This makes it a popular hub among Sharjah's students and families, a perfect spot to rest and relax.
Hub for world-class education institutions
Shahrzad Ghasemi, a graduate in electrical and electronics engineering from the University of Sharjah, was volunteering on the graduation ceremony on Tuesday. She had also completed her bachelors at the same university. She told Khaleej Times: "I think students keep coming back here because the quality of education is so great. And it's also a great learning environment for both men and women students."
Located close to the Sharjah International Airport, University City is home to a host of higher education varsities, including the prestigious American University of Sharjah. Founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, it is a diverse university that brings together more than 5,000 students from more than 94 countries and a full-time faculty of more than 360 from 48 countries.
Recreational spot for families
Other varsities in the college include the Higher Colleges of Technology (men and women campuses) and the University of Sharjah alongside its medical and fine arts campuses. The area also includes the Sharjah Police Academy, University Hospital of Sharjah, University Dental Hospital of Sharjah, Sharjah Library, Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre of Gulf Studies, and many more.
However, the University City is also a popular tourist hub for many as it can be visited for its Islamic architecture alone. Shefeq Pallath, an expat from Kerala, India, was seen playing with his one-year-old son Fahad Fazin and his wife Ajmala Anwar. An engineer by profession, Shefeq tries to make it to the University City once or twice a week, as it's a great place to relax with his family.
He said: "I live in Muweilah Commercial District, and come to the University City once or twice a week. I like it because it's not crowded, and there is a lot of space to walk and exercise, especially near the Martyr's Monument. I usually come here during the evening time after work, after 8pm. Also, it's a nice place for the baby to play and get some fresh air."
Sprawling areas great for outdoor fitness
Adil Juma, a 2017 graduate from Ajman University, comes down to the university grounds to train for football every evening, along with a group of four to five friends. The group sets up a training rig anywhere on the grounds, and train as a group before they head over to a football ground to play. "Irrespective of the weather, this is a good place for training as it works wonders for the health," said Juma.
He added: "We've been doing this for a long time. Every evening or early mornings you can see faculty, staff and students run around the campus. The space is great for fitness enthusiasts." Apart from the hundreds of square metres of recreational and sporting facilities, University City students are also seen at the popular leisure destination Zero 6 Mall.
Must know
1-Hub of education centres
University City is home to a host of higher education varsities, including the American University of Sharjah. Higher Colleges of Technology - with its men and women campuses - and the University of Sharjah alongside its medical and fine arts campuses. The area also includes the Sharjah Police Academy, Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre of Gulf Studies, and many more.
2-A must-visit place
Many buildings in the University City are perfect examples of great Islamic architecture and for anybody who are interested in it, the place is a must-visit. Martyrs' Monument is another attractive structure while the pristine nature of the area makes it a perfect place to rest and relax for the families. It's a calm place with a lot of area to walk and exercise
3-For fitness enthusiasts
The university ground is a favourite place for fitness enthusiasts who visit there every day for sports activities. Apart from using the hundreds of square metres of recreational and sporting facilities in the University City, every evening or early mornings you can see faculty, staff and students run around the campus. It's a perfect area for training for football enthusiasts.
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com

• Sharjah