Old Souqs in Sharjah

Have you visited the old souqs in Sharjah? If you love searching for old treasures and you love retro, Souq al Arsah and Masqoof is for you. (currently closed for restoration Sep ’22)

You can find old telephones, gramophone players, typewriters, cameras, memorabilia, toys as well as some traditional items and shawls, etc. There is also an Omani sweet shop.

Souq al Arsah

Take a walk through the alley to Souq al Arsah for yet more interesting finds – old Omani jewellery, gemstones, daggers, warrior helmets. Here you can also find shawls, scarves, dresses, etc.

Have a cup of chai in the traditional tea shop before going off to explore the many museums in the Heart of Sharjah. See more on The Heart of Sharjah.

Souq Al Shanasiyah

Just a little further down the corniche is the newly built Souq Al Shanasiyah. It is on the site of the original Souq Al Shanasiyah, the foundations of which were discovered in 2012 during a survey of the area for the development of the Heart of Sharjah.

This is one of the oldest souqs in Sharjah.

This Souq was the original centre of Sharjah business and was a main trading centre in the region at the time.

Stop by the Archaeological Findings section to read more and to see the original foundations and coins, pottery pieces, etc that were discovered from different times.

Inside you can find a variety of shops including clothing, more retro and an organic spice shop.

Once you’ve finished wandering round, you can relax and enjoy some refreshments overlooking the gardens and the traditional dhows on the water.

There is a children’s play area next to the cafes. (You need to buy a ticket for this inside the souq.)

Beyond Souq Al Shanasiya is Souq Al Sagr, also known as Souq Al Bahr.

Have fun exploring and shopping!

 

Buy Exploring the Emirate of Sharjah – Walking and cycling tours and itineraries in the city and Central and Eastern Regions. Includes old souqs in Sharjah

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What else can you see and do in the area?

• Sharjah Art Area
• Heart of Sharjah
• The Rain Room
• Arabian Tea House (see Instagram post)
• Museum of Islamic Civilisation
• Sharjah Arabic Architecture

If you liked this post, you might also like Souq Al Jubail Sharjah

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