In the heart of old Sharjah, tucked away behind a row of shops, cafeterias and a mosque on the waterfront, is a narrow alley where vendors sell silver jewelry, Indian handicrafts, Omani chests, daggers, Gulf pearls and some antiques.

Visit a traditional coffee shop where people gather to play cards or dominoes, close to a typical hairdresser for men. Notice the old benches where the men sit and chat and while away the day.

It has the flavor of the old Sharjah, of a time gone by...

Here you will find the original Khan & Sons and Pinky's shops, selling Indian furniture, wrought iron candle sticks, chairs and tables, wooden boxes and many more unusual knickknacks.

You may notice a shop with an old green door selling dusty coffee pots, silver jewelry and old oil jars - it is said this shop used to be the Custom's house and still boasts its original door.

Stop at Rataj Gifts & Novelties for unusual wrought iron items and Moroccan pottery.

Then take the alley to the newly renovated Souq Al Arsah (Arsah means open space or verandah), probably the oldest in Sharjah and the UAE, situated next to Majlis AI Naboodah and all too easily missed.

This Souq was the heart of the city several years ago.

 

Location	Al Muraija, behind the waterfront, close to Al Boorj Avenue and Heritage area
Timings	Daily 9 am to 1 pm & 4.30 pm to 8.30/10 pm. Timings are flexible and vary from shop to shop
Parking	Available along the waterfront, behind the Souq, and on Al Boorj Avenue (Bank Street).
Facilities	Al Turath Cafeteria (first floor). Toilet facilities. Arsah Public Coffee Shop.
Note	Some credit cards are accepted, better rates for cash.