A Simple Guide to Shop in Sharjah
Sharjah is a shoppers’ paradise, with a plethora of malls and souks luring visitors in droves. According to the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), nearly 1.7 million visitors visited the emirate in 2018, and the figure is expected to rise further in the future. People visit Sharjah for its fashion boutiques and exclusive bazaars. With the resumption of flights following the COVID pandemic, a tourist can easily book a round-trip flight from Delhi to Sharjah and spend time exploring the emirate’s fabulous markets.
Sharjah, the Arab world’s cultural capital, is rich in monuments and museums, but it is also becoming a popular shopping destination for tourists from all over the world. If you’re planning a trip to Sharjah and aren’t sure where to start or what to buy, this is the place to begin. Continue to read.
Places to Visit for Ultimate Shopping Experience
While Sharjah has many malls, shopping at local markets is a different experience. If you want to explore the local shopping scene, go to different souks that sell unique items.
Saqr Souq
Saqr souq, also known as the Iranian market, offers you a taste of an authentic Arabian bazaar. Since it sells a wide range of products such as spices, clothes, ceramics, and carpets, the market is usually crowded. The Sharjah Art Institute is also housed in the mart, where you can see artists sketching the city’s skyline. So, if you want to purchase one-of-a-kind items from various countries, Saqr Souq is the place to go. However, the location is devoid of central air conditioning, so you’ll have to deal with the heat.
Souq Al Arsah
One of the emirate’s oldest and most accessible markets is a must-see for any shopper. Previously, the site was designated as a meeting place for Bedouins. As a souvenir, you can now purchase a wide variety of items ranging from antique pieces to traditional jewellery. On weekends, the place is crowded, so going on weekdays is preferable. If you’re tired of shopping, you can sit and relax on the benches in the central courtyard, sipping black tea or Arabic coffee and striking up a conversation with the locals. If the location piques your curiosity, book a weekend flight to Sharjah and go shopping.
Souq al Juma or Masafi Market
Masafi Market, located in the pristine scenic beauty of the Al-Hajar mountain range, is an ultra-modern place to shop for rare antiques. Locals come to the place to purchase fruits and vegetables. This site offers a wide selection of pottery, carpets, and terracotta pieces sourced from distant lands for tourists to pick.
Souq al-Markazi
A trip to Sharjah isn’t complete unless you visit Souq al-Markazi or Blue Souq. The setting is reminiscent of a traditional market in an urban setting. The architectural marvel houses 600 shops selling jewellery, rugs, electronics, clothing, and other products. If the location tickles your interest, you can easily book a return flight from Mumbai to Sharjah and visit one of the largest shopping malls in the picturesque Khalid lagoon.
Sharjah entices shoppers with a diverse array of locations that are each exclusive in their own right. With the revival of flights to Sharjah following the Covid crisis, you can visit the fascinating destination for some much-needed shopping therapy during the upcoming holiday season.
