I did the trip to the Barracuda a few times when I lived in Dubai.
You can take Sharjah mostly out of the equation if you use the Emirates Road coming back, that means you only skirt around the edge of Sharjah.

The reason for 100% ban on alcohol in Sharjah is that the Saudi Arabian government paid off Sharjahs debts in return for preaching the Wahabbi muslim faith and a 0% alcohol policy.

And its not a bad beach at the Barracuda Resort to swim on.