Central Souk (Blue Souk) At gold souq sharjah, Al Buhaira Corniche in Khalid Lagoon of Sharjah United Arab Emirates. ouverture Sat.-Thu. 9a-1p/4p-7pm/11pm For Friday 9a – noon 4p/10-11p (closed on public holidays).
Souk al-Markazi
Souk al-Markazi (Central Market), also known as the Blue Souk, is one of the most impressive landmarks of Sharjah and one of its main shopping hubs. Designed by British architects Michael Lyle & Partners to meet the ideas and suggestions of Sharjah Ruler Heikh The Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi’s, and completed in 1978 – its unique architecture captures the feel of old fashioned bazaars on an expansive scale while being located adjacent to Khalid Lagoon where it looks stunning at sunset when visible from below water!
Central Souk
Central Souk Central Souk comprises two large buildings linked by bridges and boasting stunning vaults and an exquisite skyline featuring 20 windtowers. Due to the blue tiles adorning its outside walls, this market is also commonly known as “the Blue Souk”. Covering an approximate total area of 80,000sqm there are over 600 shops selling gold jewelry gems perfume souvenirs gifts clothing electronics cosmetics cosmetics clothes household products and more products.
The Central Souq is beloved among mothers with young children as well as older people. Tucked between traffic jams, car horns honking loudly and the sound of flyovers rumbling along, it offers an oasis of peace built over 42 years ago that still maintains an aura of charm today.
The Central Souq (commonly referred to as the Blue Souq due to its blue domes) was completed in 1978 as one of the first infrastructure projects built within Dubai that represented modern shopping centres. Since then, over 600 shops have opened across two wings of this two-storey souq and can be seen on every Dh5 note in circulation.
Architecture OF The Gold Souq Sharjah
The Gold Souq Sharjah features beautiful Arabic architecture. When it first opened, residents from nearby emirates like Abu Dhabi and Dubai would visit it regularly to purchase fabrics and textiles in style. Covering an area of 80 square kilometers, residents all around quickly became acquainted with its layout – quickly making this landmark building known across Sharjah emirate.
On the ground floor are stores selling jewelry, watches and clothes while upstairs are smaller stores offering gold and silver jewelry along with pashminas, rugs traditional coffee pots and home ornaments.
Although Sharjah’s souq still houses numerous shops and cafeterias, its appeal as a shopping district has diminished in recent years. Families no longer visit it during excursions to Sharjah; rather it has become an area that only frequented by loyal customers or visitors.
Mohammad Yasin of Al Arooj Jewelers
Mohammad Yasin of Al Arooj Jewelers specializes in silver jewelry and has owned the store since 1980. “My customers know me well because my shop was one of the first ones in this area; in fact, the business was handed down from grandfather to father to me and me again”, according to Yunis; who does not intend on passing down ownership to any future generations of his family.
Yasin fondly recalls his first trip to the UAE in June 1971, when he opened a store at The Dubai Gold Souq. While rental rates in Sharjah were lower, central Souq was well-recognized as an ideal spot for business at that time.
Vachhani Prakash
Vachhani Prakash, who owns Lata’s Handmade and Gift shop on the second-floor of the souq since 1985, told me that most visitors to his shop are Emiratis or tourists visiting due to its reputation of selling unique items that cannot be found elsewhere retail centers.
Prakash purchases his goods from all Eastern countries, such as Morocco, Syria, Egypt and Thailand.
The Profitable Business of Silver Merchandise in Today’s Market
Most of my merchandise is comprised of silver, and prices in today’s market have seen prices increase rapidly. While no one wishes to spend an immense fortune on home ornaments, my business remains profitable,” stated Prakash who suggested opening up another branch at a shopping centre in Dubai.
One of the hallmarks of an excellent souq experience is being able to find high-quality goods at prices you can afford; shopkeepers are typically eager to reduce prices in order to attract new customers.
Unveiling the Charms of Ayakub Chaudhry’s Shop: A Haven for Carpets and Rugs
One shop that has long thrived and been beloved by locals is Ayakub Chaudhry’s, selling Iranian, Kashmir and Pakistan-made carpets and rugs.
“Whatever it is you’re searching for, you will find it here,” according to Chaudhry, who noted that many customers still come out to visit this well-known landmark of Sharjah. In particular, Chaudhry noted customers’ interest in one of their prized objects for display: an Iranian silk carpet featuring 1,000 knots worth Dh40,000 valued as one of his prized objects on display.
Gold Jewelry and Fabrics Galore: Exploring the Delights of the Souq
As soon as you move below the level with silver and handicraft items, a variety of shops selling gold jewelry and fabrics await. Many of these shops remain functional after over 25 years of operations and serve as an oasis for visitors looking for relief from heat while experiencing Arabic design aesthetics.
“When I opened my shop, there wasn’t central air-conditioning; however, the souq’s design with wind towers kept it naturally cool – giving customers an area to walk around while simultaneously getting exercise,” stated Abdul Ghafoor Mohammad 50, owner of a textile shop.
Mervat Mustafa, who regularly frequents the souq for shopping purposes over four years, expressed satisfaction that one could still bargain here.
The Timeless Appeal of Sharjah’s Central Souk: A Shopper’s Paradise
All malls offer similar products. So I love coming here weekly to see the newest items they offer at an unbeatably fair price,” stated Ms. Chen. She stated that she still prefers this location to others for shopping purposes.
The souq is not only popular among mothers with young children, but also older men who frequent it to purchase gotras, dishdashias and algal clothing from shopkeepers they’ve befriended over time. Abdul Kadir Mohammad from Emirate says he enjoys coming here since he can remember – because not only are shopkeepers here; there’s also plenty of friendly faces.
“Over time, shopkeepers become your friends, making visits to the souq less of a chore and more of an opportunity to catch up with old acquaintances while discussing current events – I find going there more enjoyable than other places!”
Gold Souq Location
Situated along the edge of Khalid Lagoon, it provides breathtaking sunset views across its waters. The Central Souk comprises two massive buildings linked by bridges and features stunning vaults as well as an eye-catching skyline of 20 windrowers – just minutes away from Al Majaz 1 King Faisal St in Sharjah United Arab Emirates.
Al Buhaira Corniche and Khalid lagoon in Sharjah form part of United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Gold Souq Sharjah Timings: 9:00 am to 10:00 pm (Saturday through Thursday)
Friday 05:00 pm to 10:30 pm (Dateline for Registration and Attendance)
Gold Souq Sharjah Architecture. Contact Details.
Gold Souq Sharjah is an iconic cultural landmark, boasting two market structures connected by footbridges.
One building features stunning views of Khalid Lagoon while another overlooks the iconic King Faisal Mosque.
Some blue tiles inscribed with Quranic verses symbolized religious aspects of traditional Arab culture. Additionally, its name “Blue Souk” comes from its striking blue color found on both domes and traditional blue tiles on walls – hence why this market is known by this name.
British designers Michael Lyle and Partners may take credit for creating such an exceptional souk design.
Ruler of Sharjah, His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi has had an integral part in the architectural design of this structure by providing guidance and advice to architects throughout its construction project.
How Can I Access Gold Souq Sharjah
Are You Wondering How to Reach Gold Souq Sharjah (Central Market) in Dubai/ Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates? This article can assist in planning the best route. Here you will find step-by-step directions from any public transit station and an estimation of travel time until arriving at Sharjah Gold Souk (Central Market).
Are You Searching For Sharjah Gold Souk (Central Market) Nearest Station or Stop? Here are the lines and routes with stops near Sharjah Gold Souk: E303, E303A, the E306, E307 & E400
If you want to visit Sharjah’s Gold Souq via bus, here is your best option for a smooth journey: Choose any one of these no. buses; their stops are close to its entrance. Alternatively, al Jubail bus station Sharjah is nearby the souq in gold.
If you’re traveling from Dubai to Sharjah by bus, the Union Bus Station is an easy place for you to catch your ride quickly as it is conveniently situated next to Union Metro Station – an interchange station that makes catching a bus easy!
Gold Souq Sharjah: Where Tradition Meets Modern Architecture
Gold Souq Sharjah Shops Its With more than 600 shops, Central Souk Sharjah is an oasis for unique shopping experience, offering both old local merchandise and international brands. Blue Souk Sharjah houses numerous stores dealing in clothing, antiques, perfumes furniture diamond jewelry handicrafts household appliances carpets fashion accessories electronics handmade toys handwoven textiles handmade toys are popular finds here
Many items sold at markets originate from local markets in Pakistan, India, Indonesia, Morocco, Iran, Kashmir and Syria. Carpets and Pashmina shawls from Kashmir are immensely popular with travelers for their superior quality; additionally there are numerous old gold and silver shops selling unique jewellery and precious stones.
Experienced jewellers at Blue Souk offer customized jewelry designs tailored specifically to customer preferences. Customers can also find gold coins, silver pots and ornamental pieces at this market – such as Gold Land Jewelry which specializes in gold. Al Arooj Jewelers specialises in silver while Lata’s Handicrafts specialise in classic Indian jewellery – alongside several cafes and eateries offering delicious meals perfect for ending a shopping spree.
Central Souk Sharjah Welcomes Visitors
Everyday, thousands of shoppers gather at Sharjah’s Central Souk to shop. In order to enhance customer experience both inside and outside have been renovated over time; air conditioners were added, flooring reconstructed and women prayer areas rebuilt reconstructed as part of an initiative undertaken to upgrade this Blue Souk. Furthermore, some modifications were implemented in order to facilitate those with mobility challenges and other changes are planned to make life more convenient and welcoming.
Anyone looking to explore the souks in Sharjah will surely relish a visit to this cultural landmark.
Some emirates also boast vibrant souks with traditional souks renowned for their bustling atmosphere, like those found in Dubai – known for modern shopping centers but boasting several authentic souks such as Old Souk Dubai, Madinat Jubah Souk and Dubai Spice Souk.
Abu Dhabi souks also draw tourists and locals for an enjoyable shopping experience, with Mina Zayed Souk and Qaryat Al Beri Souk among the most renowned ones within the Emirate.
Navigating Your Way to Gold Souq Sharjah: A Travel Guide
Some other prominent modern shopping locations in Sharjah include Sahara Centre and Mega Mall Sharjah, two popular modern malls. City Centre Sharjah also provides shoppers with an amazing shopping experience; featuring food outlets, retail shops, entertainment options and other things that cater for shoppers’ needs.
