Abu Shagara: A cultural melting pot in Sharjah

Every second-generation expatriate - who has spent a few years studying and living in Sharjah or Dubai - has either lived in Abu Shagara for some time or definitely knows someone who has spent their entire lives in the neighbourhood.
"You lived in Abu Shagara while in school? Hey, me too!" or "Oh, you're from Abu Shagara; I know so many people who live or have lived in the area" - is how several conversations would go. Abu Shagara remains one of the most thickly populated areas in Sharjah.
The Abu Shagara Park is also one of the most popular and largest residential parks in the emirate. With no shortage of flats across different price ranges, apartment buildings in the area are very popular for expatriate families.
The preferred residential destination of both expatriate and local residents, Abu Shagara is a favourite for families with children because of its accessibility to schools, hospitals, supermarkets, and an array of other public and private facilities. However, easy access is not one of Abu Shagara's greatest charms.
Perfect for families
A 31-year-old mother of two who is a long-time resident of the area, Indian national Susan Anne Kurian, said: "My mother was a school teacher when we lived in Abu Shagara. I lived here all my life. I studied in a school nearby, and I moved to Canada to pursue my bachelor's degree. Today, I am back in the area, and I have two children. I find it so comforting to be here . Rents are affordable and parking is not a nightmare anymore."
Daniel Stalin, Anne's husband, said: "Earlier, Abu Shagara had a serious parking problem given the large number of used car showrooms that were present in the area. In 2016, all the showrooms were asked to be moved. Since then, car parking was no longer an issue.
"Everything is nearby. There are hospitals, supermarkets and everything families need. Since constructions have been maxed out in the area - as there are very few empty plots of land left in Abu Shagara - residents are not bothered by the din that usually comes from construction work," he added.
Cultural melting pot
The neighbourhood also happens to be a cultural melting pot where people of different nationalities live amicably; some are even offering products and services that are unique to their culture. Expatriates from around the world - Egypt, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Yemen, Sri Lanka and several other countries - live together in Abu Shagara, differences notwithstanding.
Victoria Diamond, a Pakistani national, has been living in the area for over 30 years now. "There is a sense of nostalgia and comfort in Abu Shagara. Once you become a part of the place, it is very difficult to leave the neighbourhood. I have so many memories here: I finished school and started work and a lot of important things in life here," she said.
"Earlier in the mid-90s, there were buildings only up until the park. Now the area has extended and there are so many buildings all the way up to Al Estiqlal street." The main street opposite Choithrams is also a food lover's paradise as there are options for every cuisine on the street.
David Balita, a Filipino fitness instructor, said: "I first got introduced to the locality 12 years ago. I moved here as a bachelor and lived with several residents in one apartment. Today, I am married with two children, and we just moved to another residential building in the locality," he explained.
Iconic locations
According to residents, some of the most iconic buildings and locations in Abu Shagara are the 'bottle building', the Abu Shagara Park, Dr Ashok Menon's Clinic, 'baladiya buildings', Choithrams Supermarket, Hot Burger and the Madina Supermarket building.
Muneer T, a grocer in a supermarket at the 'bottle building' said: "We have been around for 25 years. Business is always thriving here because there are always people around."
Shyama Rajeesh, a pharmacist, said: "I like the area because it is easily accessible. There is a bus stop, and there are shops and restaurants for everything nearby."
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com