Special Features
Sharjah As Shopping Paradise
Sharjah city offers something for everyone in its plethora of modern malls, traditional souqs, department stores, boutiques outlet shops, markets and bazaars. Whether you are looking for an exotic fragrance, handcrafted souvenirs, designer labels, gold jewellery, Middle Eastern spices or the latest range in electronics, you will find it here and be spoiled for choice.Souq Al Bahar
This bazaar, also known as Souq Mohammed bin Saqr, runs parallel to the creek and is a historic trading centre. Amble along the bustling waterfront, where moored dhows are laden with goods destined for Iran, Pakistan and India. Explore shops stocked with tantalizing offerings: spices, herbs, henna, clothes and textiles including traditional and modern abayas (local dresses) and sirwals (loose trousers) with embroidered anklets, perfumes, fragrant oils, frankincense and incense burners, palm leaf baskets, metal trunks, shisha (water) pipes and flavoured tobaccos.
Textile Souq
With fabrics from all over the world, the colourful Textile Souq puts on a mesmerizing display. From shimmering gold and silver threads to satins, velvets and silks, the choice is endless.
Central Souq
(Souq Al Markazi)
The most famous souq in the UAE, which dates back to 1979, is located on the banks of Khalid Lagoon and is a must for all shoppers and visitors. Delve into a maze of over 600 exciting shops that takes you from store to store to uncover unusual and unique treasures, plus the latest bargains. Within the souq, small, boutique shops sell interesting items from handmade jewellery to high quality tribal carpets and rugs.
Embroidered Treasures
The traditional skills of decorative sewing and weaving have been passed down through generations and are still practiced by Emirati women today. Local handicrafts, such as intricately embroidered dresses and mats, baskets, bags and bowls woven from date palm fibers, make excellent mementos and can be found in Souq Al Arsah, around Souq Al Bahar and at the Islamic Handcrafts Centre.
Gold Centre
Bringing together the UAE’s best gold shops in one area, the Gold Centre, at the intersection of Al Wahda and Al Qassimi roads, provides a dazzling display whether you are in the market to buy or are just looking. Traditional and contemporary jewellery designs in gold, silver, and platinum crowd window displays alongside gold coins, watches and precious stones, while most shops can create bespoke pieces within a few days if you have something special in mind.
Souq Al Arsah
Step into the past and enter one of the oldest market places in the UAE. Set in the Heritage Area, this was the traditional meeting place for trading charcoal for rice and materials brought by the seafaring merchants from Iran and India. Today you can wander along the peaceful, air conditioned alley-ways and admire the solid wooden door, beautiful coral brick walls and hanging lanterns.
Fish Souq
The lively Fish Souq is an atmospheric destination for tourists and shoppers alike. Since 1980, the market has been the trading centre for fresh fish caught in the early morning and late at night in the waters of the Arabian Gulf.
Other Shopping Destinations
On Al Wahda Road you’ll find Sharjah City Centre mall, shoe shops, boutiques, department stores, furniture and car showrooms with popular food outlets. King Faisal Road is home to a number of banks, supermarkets, outlet stores and Emax Big Box, one of the largest electronics stores in the UAE. If you are looking for mobile phone shops, there are plenty dotted around Al Estiqlal Square and Jamal Abdel Nasser Street.
Along King Abdul Aziz Road a variety of showrooms sell furniture, household items and children’s clothes. Al Arouba Road is a busy shopping destination with the Rolla Gold centre. Rolla Mall, Lulu Centre and a range of outlets selling reasonably priced household appliances, electrical goods and hardware items.
New