Gold Souq Sharjah (Timings, price & shops)

The marketplace is popular not just amongst mothers with children but also among elderly gentlemen. Nestled amidst bustling streets, honking cars, and busy overpasses is the Central Souq — a serene oasis that continues to emanate a distinctive charm from its establishment 42 years ago.

The Central Souq, also referred to as the Blue Souq due to its blue domes, was erected in 1978 and was the first structure in the emirate to manifest the concept of a modern shopping center. Up to this day, the two-tier souq houses around 600 stores in two wings and is featured on every Dh5 banknote.

The Gold Souq Sharjah showcases a majestic display of Arabic architecture. When it was inaugurated, locals from the adjacent emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai would intentionally visit the souq to purchase the latest trends in textiles and fabrics. Spanning an area of 80 square kilometers, residents from across the country swiftly familiarized themselves with the souq's layout, and the building evolved into an iconic landmark in the emirate.

The ground floor predominantly houses modern jewelry, watches, and clothing, while the small shops upstairs sell an array of items, including gold and silver jewelry, pashminas, rugs, traditional coffee pots, and home decorations.

Despite the souq still hosting several shops and cafes, the popularity of the shopping area has gradually declined over the years. Families no longer include the souq in their Sharjah trip itinerary, and it has now become a place primarily visited by loyal patrons or tourists.

Mohammad Yasin, proprietor of Al Arooj Jewelers, specializes in silver jewelry and has been operating the shop since 1980. “I still have many loyal customers and they all recognize me well because my shop was one of the pioneers to open here. This venture was passed down from my grandfather to my father, and then to me,” Yunis said, but he noted that his son is uninterested in taking over the shop.

Yasin fondly reminisces about when he first arrived in the UAE in June 1971, and initially opened his shop at the Dubai Gold Souq. “The rents in Sharjah have always been lower, that's why I relocated. Back then, the Central Souq was very popular and good for business.”

Vachhani Prakash, who has been running Lata’s handicraft and gift shop on the souq’s second floor since 1985, revealed that his shop, known for offering unique items not available elsewhere in shopping centers, is mostly visited by Emiratis and tourists.

Prakash sources his products from Eastern countries like Morocco, Syria, Egypt, and Thailand.

“Most of my items are made from silver, and due to the market, prices have soared. Nowadays, nobody is interested in spending a small fortune on home decorative pieces, but I am okay with keeping my business running here,” Prakash said, mentioning he was contemplating opening another branch in a Dubai shopping center.

Part of the souq's charm is the possibility of finding high-end products at a bargain, as most shopkeepers are willing to reduce the price for potential buyers.

One shop that continues to prosper and is well-known among locals is that of Ayakub Chaudhry, who sells carpets and rugs from Iran, Kashmir, and Pakistan.

“Whatever you are in search of, you can find it here. The building's architecture imparts a certain serenity that is unparalleled. Even though it's not as crowded as before, people still visit the souq because it is one of Sharjah’s most iconic landmarks,” Chaudhry said. He noted that customers continue to show interest in one of his most valued items on display, a silk Iranian carpet of 1,000 knots priced at approximately Dh40,000.

As you move away from the silver and handicraft items on the second floor and descend to the ground level, the area is largely filled with shops selling gold jewelry and fabrics. Many of these shops, despite having been operating for over 25 years since their inauguration, continue to provide a sanctuary for tourists seeking respite from the blistering heat and are interested in exploring Arabic architectural themes.

“When I first opened my shop, there was no central air-conditioning, and since the souq was built with wind towers, the area was naturally cooled. The place was also popular when it first opened because it offered customers an easy walkway and the chance to do some light walking exercise simultaneously,” said Abdul Ghafoor Mohammad, a 50-year-old textile shop owner.

Mervat Mustafa, a regular visitor to the souq for the past four years, mentioned that she relishes purchasing her items from this area as it is one of the few places where bargaining is still possible.

“Wherever you go, the shopping centers all offer the same thing. So I truly enjoy coming here twice a week to see the latest items they have and try to secure the best discount possible. I'm accustomed to coming here and still prefer it over any other place,” she added.

The marketplace is not just a hit among mothers with children but also among elderly gentlemen who purchase their dishdashis, gotras, and their algal (men's clothing) from shopkeepers they've befriended over the years. Abdul Kadir Mohammad, an Emirati who has been frequenting the area for more years than he can recollect, mentioned that he loves visiting the souq because it is not just filled with shopkeepers but also friends.

“After so many years, the shopkeepers become your friends, so going to the souq does not seem like a chore but rather an opportunity to visit friends. We catch up on each other's lives, talk about the news around us, and it is a place that I find more enjoyable to visit than anywhere else.”

Location of the Gold Souq

Situated on the shore of Khalid Lagoon, it's most picturesque at sunset when viewed across the water. The Central Souk comprises two large buildings, interconnected by bridges, with exuberant vaults and a unique skyline of 20 windrowers. The Gold Souq Sharjah is situated near Al Majaz 1 King Faisal St, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

Al Buhaira Corniche, Khalid Lagoon, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

Timings of Gold Souq Sharjah

9:00 am to 10:00 pm (Saturday to Thursday)

5:00 pm to 10:30 pm (Friday)

Contact: +971-6-556-6777

Architecture of Gold Souq Sharjah

The Gold Souq Sharjah is considered a cultural icon with two large market buildings connected by footbridges. One building overlooks the stunning Khalid Lagoon, and the other faces the renowned King Faisal Mosque.

Some blue tiles on the outer walls of the market feature Quranic verses that signify the religious aspect of traditional Arab culture. It's worth noting that the Blue Souk earned its name from the predominant blue color visible on its domes and classic blue tiles on the walls.

The credit for the admirable architecture of the souk goes to the British architects, Michael Lyle and Partners. The Ruler of Sharjah, HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qas There are other great markets in Sharjah too, such as Fruit & Vegetable Market, Al Jubail Fish Market and Iranian Souk. The emirate also hosts the Sharjah Heritage Days that is a must-visit for all culture and history buffs.

How To Get to Gold Souq Sharjah

Curious about reaching Gold Souq Sharjah (Central Market) from Dubai / Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates? This guide provides valuable insights into reaching Sharjah Gold Souk (Central Market) with detailed instructions from the closest public transit station and real-time durations.

Looking for the closest stop or station to Sharjah Gold Souk (Central Market)? You can easily reach Sharjah Gold Souk (Central Market) by Bus. The following bus lines and routes stop nearby – Bus: E303, E303A, E306, E307, E400.

Planning to visit Gold Souq Sharjah by bus? The above-mentioned bus numbers will facilitate a smooth journey to Gold Souq Sharjah. The bus stop is located conveniently close to Gold Souq Sharjah. Moreover, if you prefer to access the main bus stand, al Jubail bus station Sharjah is within a short distance from the gold souq.

If you're travelling from Dubai to Sharjah by bus, you can conveniently catch these buses from Union bus station, which is conveniently connected to Union metro station. Being an interchange metro station, it is easy to get a bus from Union metro station.

Shopping at Gold Souq Sharjah

With over 600 shops, Central Souk Sharjah offers an unmatched shopping experience, showcasing a mix of local and international products. Blue Souk Sharjah houses a variety of stores selling everything from clothing, antiques, perfumes, diamonds, furniture, handicrafts, jewellery, appliances, carpets, fashion accessories, electronics and much more. Specialities of the Souk include handmade toys and handwoven textiles.

A significant proportion of the products available in the market are sourced from local markets in Pakistan, India, Indonesia, Morocco, Iran, Kashmir, and Syria. Particularly, carpets and Pashmina shawls from Kashmir are highly sought after by tourists due to their quality. The market also features several age-old gold and silver stores selling unique jewellery and gemstones.

Blue Souk is also home to expert jewellers who can customise jewellery to suit the customer's tastes. Gold coins, silver pots, and ornamental pieces are among the offerings at the Blue Souk. Gold Land Jewelry is a well-liked gold shop in the market. Other noteworthy stores include Al Arooj Jewelers, specialising in silver, and Lata’s Handicrafts, renowned for traditional Indian jewellery. Visitors can also enjoy delectable meals at the various coffee shops and eateries in the souk after an exhaustive shopping spree.

Dubai Gold Souk Timings, Prices, Online Shopping Dubai Gold Souk, or simply Gold Souk, is a traditional market in Dubai, UAE. Nestled in the commercial district of Deira, in the Al Dhagaya locality, the souk houses over 380 retailers, primarily dealing in jewellery. Dubai is a shopping haven with an assortment of renowned brands and designers in fashion, perfumes, accessories, and jewellery.

Services for Visitors at Central Souq Sharjah

Central Souq Sharjah receives a large volume of shoppers daily. To enhance customer experience, it has undergone several exterior and interior refurbishments. Introduction of air-conditioners, floor renovations, and the upgrade of the women's prayer area are some of the steps taken to modernise the Blue Souk. Changes have also been implemented to accommodate people with disabilities.

Those looking forward to exploring the souks in Sharjah will certainly appreciate this cultural icon.

Other emirates also host numerous traditional souks teeming with energy and vibrant atmosphere. Despite being known for its modern shopping malls, traditional souks in Dubai are abundant. Some of the crowd favourites in Dubai include Old Souk Dubai, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, and Dubai Spice Souk.

Abu Dhabi souks also lure hundreds of tourists and residents for a memorable shopping experience. Mina Zayed Souk and Qaryat Al Beri Souk are the crowd pullers in the emirate.

For those who prefer contemporary shopping destinations in Sharjah, Sahara Centre and Mega Mall Sharjah have much to offer. Known as one of the best malls in Sharjah, City Centre Sharjah provides an enjoyable shopping experience with a plethora of stores, food outlets, entertainment options and much more.