Sharjah’s Diverse Shopping Landscape invites you to explore a realm where every alleyway, souk and mall tells a unique story
Wander through the old bazaars adorned with intricate handicrafts, immerse yourself in the allure of bustling souks filled with exotic spices and textiles, or indulge in the luxury of boutique shopping amidst contemporary elegance in:
City Centre Sharjah
One of the emirate’s most popular malls with shopping options for all the family. Men’s, Ladies and Children’s fashion plus home-ware, pharmacies and banks are all available at City Centre Sharjah. In addition, there are entertainment options from the cinema to Magic Planet fun for the younger members of the family and events and promotions that take place throughout the year. A buzzing food hall and well-known restaurants are also available.
Sahara Centre
The Sahara Centre is home to Adventureland, an indoor theme park with more than 20 rides and attractions, plus go karts and a huge soft play area. There is also a six-screen cinema showing all the latest Hollywood and Bollywood films. Sahara Centre offers some of the best shopping in Sharjah, with 350 stores stocking both local and international brands, along with a food court and more than 20 cafés and restaurants.
Souk Sharq
A visit to Khorfakkan is not complete without visiting the old market (Souk Sharq), which has been restored in the same style as the original market. A visit to the souk takes you on a journey into the past to experience shopping in markets as it was before the start of the oil era. As you wander through its halls, ancient scents and heritage sights will transport you.
A visit to the covered market and the Traditional Crafts Museum, allows visitors to delve deeper into the history of Khorfakkan, with a number of sections devoted to displaying heritage arts and crafts, including the jeweller, the market stall, the tailor, baker, maritime heritage, carpentry, the pantry, the maleh (room for curing salt fish), the coffee, the tawash (pearl merchant), traditional medicine, the blacksmith and the metalsmith, the mudbasa (date molasses processing room) and the mutawa (religious leader). These crafts reflect different professions and introduce visitors to the skills of long-ago inhabitants in dealing with the raw materials of the local environment.
Central Souk
With a well-known blue tile-trimmed facade – the Central Souk is an iconic landmark on the Sharjah map and is one of the city’s most photographed buildings. This souk is also symbolic of the history of UAE, featuring prominently on the five-dirham note. With over 600 shops across two levels, you’ll find everything from modern watches and clothing to authentically local trinkets and souvenirs. For decor connoisseurs in particular, the souk is one of the must-do Sharjah tourist places. The upper level has shops featuring arts, crafts and regional specialties like handwoven textiles and intricate carpets and kilims. On the lagoon-side, you’ll find a glittering row of shops dedicated to authentic Bedouin jewelry, precious stones, gold and diamonds. Some craftsmen here can recreate a design based on just a sketch.
Souq Al Jubail
Souq Al Jubail is a perfect example of culture shopping in the UAE, with many locals talking to the grocers at each stall to find the best produce at the best price. This makes the souk an ideal Sharjah tourist destination, offering an authentic travel and shopping experience. If you plan your visit for sunrise, you’ll witness an auction of the day’s catch, which starts as early as 6 am.
