Central Souk — Attraction in Al Soor

The Sharjah Central Souq, also known as the Blue Souq, has been a part of my life since 2007. Over the years, it has become more than just a shopping destination—it’s a place full of memories, culture, and timeless charm. Whether we’re looking for watches, silver, gold, clothes, textiles, antiques, or traditional gift items, the souq has always delivered. It’s the kind of place that continues to serve locals and visitors alike with its wide variety of shops and vendors who know how to make each visit meaningful.

Walking through its corridors brings back a sense of nostalgia mixed with the beauty of traditional Islamic architecture. The blue-tiled façade, the high arched ceilings, and the intricate detailing all reflect Sharjah’s cultural heritage. But while the souq has managed to preserve its character, there are some aspects that urgently need attention—and I say this out of love and respect for this iconic destination.

First, I truly hope the management takes a closer look at the condition of the toilets. They are one of the most frequently used public facilities, and unfortunately, their current state does not reflect the quality or dignity of such a landmark. The cleanliness, design, and general upkeep of the washrooms need a complete revamp. It’s time they match the standard of the rest of the experience.

Second, there are broken floor tiles in many sections of the souq—this not only looks neglected but also poses safety issues for shoppers, especially the elderly or those with children. The flooring needs to be repaired and polished to give the space a fresher, more welcoming atmosphere. In fact, I would love to see an overall enhancement of the interior design, including better lighting, more organized shopfronts, and a subtle modern touch while preserving the traditional character. When you walk into any mall in Dubai, you feel like it was just built yesterday—clean, updated, and maintained to the highest standard. That feeling is what Sharjah’s central gem also deserves.

Let’s be honest: Sharjah Central Souq is one of the most iconic marketplaces in the UAE. It’s not just a shopping center—it’s a landmark. It deserves a facelift, not a replacement. With the right attention and investment in interior updates, cleanliness, and infrastructure, it could once again be one of the most attractive spots in the country.

Lastly—and this is a very important point—parking. Why is there still no free parking for visitors? In Dubai, many malls offer free parking as a basic courtesy to customers. But in Sharjah, especially at such a major and historic destination, paid parking continues to be a burden. This discourages people from spending more time and money at the souq, and it really shouldn’t be the case. I urge the authorities to reconsider the parking policy and find a solution that encourages rather than deters shoppers.

In summary, I truly admire the Central Souq—it has served us for nearly two decades and continues to do so with pride. But I hope the management and local authorities recognize its true value and give it the care it truly deserves. With just a few key improvements, this place can shine again like it did in its golden days—and compete proudly with any shopping destination...

My name is Ibtissam and I am a UAE Tour Guide. Today, I visited Khalid Ali Jewellers, their large store in the Sharjah Blue Souk (Central Souk), together with my clients. There were three or four staff members in the shop, some of whom appeared quite relaxed with their customers.

My clients were interested in buying a necklace. I was carrying a guiding stick to assist the tourists and, to indicate which item my client was referring to, I gently pointed toward it, without touching any of the jewelry. One of the staff members noticed and came over in a very aggressive and rude manner.

One of my clients, who speaks Arabic, understood perfectly that I hadn’t touched anything; I simply pointed to clarify which necklace they meant, since one of them didn’t speak Arabic and needed help asking for the price. Despite this, the staff member said very rudely that I had no right to point at any jewelry not with a stick, not with my hand, not in any way because those were supposedly the “market rules.” He then added, “If you don’t like the market rules, get out you and your clients.”

The attitude was extremely disrespectful, as if they were giving away gold for free. The staff showed no understanding of customer service and no sense of respect toward clients. I will never enter this store again neither this branch in Sharjah nor any of their others because good manners and professionalism mean everything, and unfortunately, this place lacks both.

This kind of behavior also leaves a very bad impression on tourists, especially since some of the staff dress like locals and visitors might assume they are Emiratis. It reflects poorly on the country, the market, and Sharjah’s reputation as a welcoming destination.

Even if those so-called “rules” exist, there are many polite and professional ways to explain them not with arrogance and hostility, as if people were asking for free gold.

This was honestly the first bad experience I’ve ever had in Sharjah, where most people are friendly and helpful. But this encounter was unacceptable, and I will definitely not be returning. The staff at this store should learn how to communicate respectfully and treat customers with...

A Treasure Trove by the Lake: Exploring the Blue Souq on King Faisal Street

Located opposite Al Ittihad Park on King Faisal Street, the Blue Souq in Sharjah promises a captivating journey into traditional Emirati culture. My recent visit confirmed this expectation, offering a delightful mix of history, stunning lake views, and unique finds.

Navigating the Souq:

One of the first things that impressed me was the ease of navigation. Unlike some sprawling souqs, the Blue Souq is well-organized, with clearly marked sections. Whether you're searching for handcrafted treasures in the antique shops or shimmering gold pieces, finding what you seek is a breeze.

A Glimpse into the Past:

The antique shops within the souq were a true highlight. Stepping into them felt like stepping back in time, surrounded by artifacts and trinkets whispering stories of the region's rich heritage. From ornate lamps to intricately woven textiles, each item had a unique charm, beckoning you to explore its past.

More Than Just Shopping:

But the Blue Souq isn't just about shopping. When fatigue settles in, you can simply head to the nearby Khalid Lake and soak in the serene beauty. The picturesque landscape provides a welcome respite, allowing you to recharge and appreciate the stunning backdrop to your cultural exploration.

A Must-Visit for Every Explorer:

If you're seeking a taste of traditional Emirati culture, the Blue Souq is a must-visit. Its easy navigation, diverse offerings, and proximity to scenic Khalid Lake make it a perfect destination for solo wanderers, couples, and...