Emirati Treasures
Explore The Best Of Sharjah At Markets & Shopping Centres
Allow us to recommend the best markets in Sharjah for traditional Emirati items like pashminas, dhallahs coffee pots, herbs and spices, antique khanjar daggers and traditional jewellery. Our list of favourite souqs and insider addresses will take you back in time to the sights, sounds and scents of the Bedouin tribes.
Imagine yourself consuming the energy of commerce among the native Arabs as they make their way down in their camel trains to trade dates for rice, spices and silks from faraway lands. Then there is the Souq Al Markazi; though the name means Blue Souq, everything here shimmers in precious metals and stones.
Shopping In Heart Of Sharjah
Be prepared to bargain in traditional shops and markets, and note that the shopping hours 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm still apply in older shopping areas.
Newer malls often remain open all day, from 10:00 am until 10:00 pm or 11:00 pm. On Fridays, the majority of malls open only around 2:00 pm after the completion of the Friday mass prayer session for Muslims.
Most internationally recognised credit cards are accepted throughout Sharjah. However, we recommend carrying some cash for shopping and eating at smaller establishments as well as for taxi fares. ATMs are easily found in the shopping and dining areas of Sharjah.
You can also easily make your way to many of these markets by foot from The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah, while others are only a short taxi ride away.
Recommended Souqs And Shopping Centres In Sharjah
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and fragrances of the Emirati culture at the most popular markets and shopping centres here in Sharjah:
Souq Al Arsah boasts a rebuilt facade that celebrates its old design with wooden doors, coral brick walls and hanging lanterns.
Best finds:
Local and antique handicrafts, shawls, carpets, jewellery, classic Arabic pearl chests, traditional copper coffee pots, medicinal herbs, perfume bottles and incense
How to reach Souq Al Arsah from The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah:
Four minutes by foot
Opening hours:
Saturday – Thursday: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Friday: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Admire some of the best works of regional designers at the Souq Al Shanasiyah.
Best finds:
Arabic perfumes and oils, bespoke kandoras and abayas, Islamic prayer beads, homewares and furniture, and traditional sweets
How to reach Souq Al Shanasiyah from The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah:
One minute by foot
Opening hours:
Saturday – Thursday: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Friday: 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
An old-fashioned authentic bazaar, Souq Saqr features reasonably priced goods, offering the perfect neighbourhood market shopping experience.
Best finds:
Shisha pipes, perfumes and oils, henna, spices, Arabic abayas, sheilas, serwals shawls and bridal outfits
How to reach Souq Saqr from The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah:
Four minutes by foot
Opening hours:
Saturday – Thursday: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Friday: 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Across 400,000 square feet of market space, discover the mindblowing selections of fresh produce at Souq Al Jubail.
Best finds:
Fruits and vegetables, fish, meat and poultry
How to reach Souq Al Jubail from The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah:
Four minutes by car; 16 minutes by foot
Opening hours:
Saturday – Thursday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
Friday: 6:00 am – 11.30 am; 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The blue tile-trimmed facade of the Central Souq is recognisable from a distance, an iconic landmark in Sharjah and among the most photographed.
Best finds:
Local trinkets, souvenirs, watches, handwoven textiles, carpets, kilims, Bedouin jewellery, gold, diamonds and precious stones,
How to reach Central Souq from The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah:
Four minutes by car; 18 minutes by bus; 20 minutes by foot
Opening hours:
Saturday – Thursday: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm; 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am – 12:00 noon; 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm
A traditional Middle Eastern marketplace with a modern twist, Souq Al Bahar makes for an ideal spot for shopping, dining and entertainment in Sharjah.
Best finds:
Arabian handicrafts, antiques, perfumes, carpets, shawls, ceramics, jewellery, souvenirs, gourmet dates, chocolates and nuts
How to reach Souq Al Bahar from The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah:
Two minutes by foot
Opening hours:
Monday – Thursday: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Friday – Saturday: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
Visitors are spoilt for choice when shopping for jewellery, with over 50 local and international jewellery brands setting up stores at the Sharjah Gold Centre.
Best finds:
Gold, silver and precious metals and stones in bracelets, rings and necklaces, including custom-made jewellery
How to reach Sharjah Gold Centre from The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah:
Four minutes by car; 20 minutes by foot
Opening hours:
Saturday – Thursday: 9:00 am – 11:00 pm
Friday: 4:30 pm – 11:00 pm
A premier shopping mall, the Sharjah City Centre is one of the biggest in town.
Best finds:
Shoes, clothes, handbags, sunglasses, jewellery, watches, electronics, furniture and carpets
How to reach Sharjah City Centre from The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah:
10 minutes by car; 20 minutes by foot
Opening hours:
Sunday – Wednesday: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Thursday – Saturday: 10:00 am – 12:00 midnight
Strategically located on the Dubai-Sharjah Highway, the Sahara Centre is a city landmark and a shopping hotspot offering easy access to renowned brands.
Best finds:
Clothes, shoes, bags, watches, jewellery, toys, electronics, perfumes, makeup, gifts and books
How to reach Sahara Centre from The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah:
20 minutes by car
Opening hours:
Monday – Thursday: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
Friday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 12:00 midnight
Luxury Concierge Team
Our luxury concierge team comprises locals who know all the hidden gems around the city. Reach out to find out more about the landmarks and attractions in Sharjah during your stay with us.
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