Predictably PC comments, yawn.
Traffic is a major factor as even a short distance away can take a lot longer. Before you take anywhere, time the route you will have to make most of the time, at the times you will have to take it!
If you have not driven along SZ road, it's certainly not for the faint hearted. I used to see about 3 serious accidents there each week.
JA Gardens sounds good, all facilites are on the site.
Midriff is handy for the airport.
Sharjah commuting is an absolute nightmare due to the traffic.