Sharjah is known for many things, like the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, Al Qasba, Sharjah Art Foundation, Al Majaz Waterfront, and more. The one other thing that attracts tourists are the shopping spots of this magnificent city in the UAE. Shopping in Sharjah is a fun and enjoyable thing to do because of the exotic and intriguing markets, souks, and centers. The city offers a wide variety of things, from high-fashion apparel, precious gems, and jewelry, to authentic spices, perfumes, etc. The shopper doesn’t need to worry about their pocket as there are all kinds of markets selling the highest quality items.
Shopping in Sharjah: What and Where to Buy
Shopping in Sharjah offers tourists and locals a wide variety of things to buy, like gold jewelry, flavorful dates, oriental carpets, medicinal herbs, pearl chests, fresh fruits and vegetables, chocolates, prayer beads, Arabic perfumes and oils, etc. Every market and souk in the city is a paradise for a shopaholic, and if one is not interested in buying a lot of items, these places offer charming souvenirs to get for loved ones back home.
- Al Arsah Souk
- Central Souk
- Souq Al Juma
- Saqr Souk
- Date Souk
- Rolla Gold Market
- Souk Al Shanasiyah
- Beach and Fils Market
1. Al Arsah Souk
People looking for a market offering several items at reasonable prices should visit the oldest marketplace in the UAE. It is a fully covered area with air-conditioned passageways, beautiful shops and stalls on both sides offering several traditional and general items. The charming shops of this souk in Sharjah provide a variety of goods, including jewelry, abayas, khandooras, copper coffee pots, and pearl chests. The souk is near the Sharjah corniche, where one can relax after a day of shopping in the souk and enjoy some Arabic coffee with delicious halwa.
Location: Opposite Old Souk, Shuwaihean, Al Mareija, Sharjah
Timings: Saturday – Thursday; 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Friday; 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
2. Central Souk
One of the things to do in Sharjah is to visit the central souk. It is an iconic landmark with a blue tile-trimmed façade and around 600 shops across two levels. A shopaholic will go crazy looking at the beautiful stalls offering charming items like modern watches, clothing, local trinkets, arts, crafts, and regional specialties like handwoven textiles, intricate carpets, kilims, etc. The souk inside one of Sharjah’s most photographed buildings has the wholesale provision, which offers travellers and locals the chance to buy things in bulk and at a reasonable price by showing good bargaining skills.
Location: Al Buhaira Corniche, Khalid Lagoon, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Timings: Saturday – Thursday: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. - 11 p.m.
3. Souk Al Juma
This souk is also known as the Fujairah Market, the Friday Market, or the Masafi Market, which, contrary to some of its names, is open every day. Located on the outskirts of Sharjah city, this souk is primarily popular for its intricately woven carpets from Pakistan, Kashmir, and Afghanistan. The items sold within the market are jewelry, antiques, clothing, local trinkets, art, etc. Tourists and locals will also find some roadside stalls near the souk selling fruits, vegetables, roasted corn, fried nuts, etc. Tourists are advised to up their haggling game while shopping in this souk to get the best price.
Location: E8, Al Dhaid Masafi Road, Sharjah, UAE
Timings: Everyday: 8 a.m. - 11.30 p.m.
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4. Saqr Souk
Stroll through this authentic old bazaar in the comfort of air-conditioned passages and take time to think about what item strikes you the most before going for a tough bargain. The prices of the items sold in this market are comparatively reasonable, but a little haggling doesn’t hurt anyone. Some of the interesting things to buy in Sharjah are available in this souk, like herbs, henna, fragrances, perfumes, oils, sheesha pipes, flavoured tobacco, Arabic abayas, sheilas, serwals, etc. The one thing that strikes the tourists the most is the blended aroma of all kinds of Arabic spices, which are available at almost all the shops inside this market with big wooden doors.
Location: 109/10, Al Corniche Street, city Sharjah
Timings: Saturday - Thursday: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.
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5. Date Souk
A fruit, symbolic of local culture and hospitality, dates are the first thing to pop up in the mind when asked about Arabic food items. Explore a wide variety of fresh and dried dates spread all over this market on different stalls like Medjool, Arwa, Bou Maan, and Dabbas. One of the places to visit in Sharjah is the Date Souk, where people get mesmerised by how delicious such a simple-looking fruit can be. Tourists can buy different types of dates as souvenirs and gifts for their loved ones back home and make them a part of their holiday.
Location: Industrial Area 13, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Timings: N.A.
6. Rolla Gold Market
Gifting some bling to your better half on your honeymoon in the UAE is a good start to your new life together. The best place to get amazing designs, ample styles, precious gems or stones, and the purest form of gold is the Rolla gold market. Tourists are advised to negotiate the prices before buying any of the gold jewelry, which ranges from 18 carat to 24 carat. If they are not in the mood to buy anything, tourists can still admire the dazzling jewellery presented in different designs in every shop in this bustling bazaar.
Location: Al Arouba St, Al Gharb, Al Ghuwair, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Timings: N.A
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7. Souk Al Shanasiyah
If you are looking for traditional Arabic items like stylish furniture and homeware, prayer beads, Arabic perfumes and oils, kandoras, and handcrafted abayas, then visit this souk when you are on holiday in Sharjah. The souk is one of the oldest in the region and specialises in regional designers and artisans. And when you get tired of splurging on beautiful items, relax at any of the amazing restaurants near the market for a cup of delicious Arabic coffee and some local dishes. People can also stroll through the market and appreciate the beautiful artwork.
Location: Al Gharb, Al Shiokh, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Timings: Saturday – Thursday: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday: 4 p.m. - 11 p.m.
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8. Beach and Fils Market
One of the places to visit in the UAE for shopping is this market, where everything is available in one spot. There are things like clothes, souvenirs, shoes, toys, food items, rides for kids, and fun games for adults. It is a blend of a shopping destination and an adventure park, and that is what makes it unique. People can buy a variety of different items and also have fun with family and friends. The place offers great discount deals, but still, people are advised to haggle a little to get the best price for their item.
Location: The Beach market, Sharjah Corniche, Sharjah
Timings: Weekdays: 4 p.m. - 1 a.m. Weekends: 4 p.m. - 1 a.m.
It is quite evident that you cannot miss shopping in Sharjah while visiting this beautiful city in the UAE. The markets are clean and hygienic, with air-conditioned passages in most of them. Sharjah offers a variety of places, from forts and museums to authentic Arabic dishes and thrilling adventure activities. So, if you want all of this, then take advantage of UAE tour packages and explore the city to your heart's desire. And don’t forget to take back a part of Sharjah from these amazing souks as souvenirs or gifts for your loved ones back home.
Shopping in Sharjah - FAQs
Sharjah is the third most populated city in the UAE. There are many different places to visit in this beautiful city. Sharjah has some of the best markets which offer a variety of traditional and foreign items.
One can buy many things from the several markets in Sharjah, such as modern watches, clothing, local trinkets, arts, crafts, and regional specialties like handwoven textiles, intricate carpets, and kilims.
The months from December to February are the best to visit this hot city in the UAE. The weather is pleasant during these months, giving tourists and locals an opportunity to explore the city without any hassle.
There are plenty of markets where gold is sold, but the best market to buy gold, silver, or any precious gem is to visit the Rolla gold market. The shops sell authentic jewellery and other items. People are advised to bargain a little to get the best price.
There are several fun things to do in Sharjah.
- Dive into an Adventurous Day in the Nahwa Enclave
- Discover Rolla Gold Market's Bling
- Hike to Al Rabi Tower
- Savor the delicious dishes at Gusti
Sharjah International Airport is the main airport in Sharjah, UAE. It is the only international airport in the delightful city of Sharjah.
Here are the important tips while travelling to Sharjah.
- Always keep your passport with you
- Respect the culture and traditions of the city
- Carry sunscreen and sunglasses with you
- Try different activities and local cuisine
- Mingle with the locals to learn more about the city
3 to 4 days are more than enough to explore the significant places and do all the exciting things in Sharjah. One can participate in all kinds of adventure sports and shop at the amazing markets.
