Souk Al Arsah
Souk Al Arsah
3.5
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Friday
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
About
The oldest market place in the country Souq Al Arsah is probably the oldest market place in the U.A.E. and was the meeting place for the Bedouins and their camels in the old days. Step into the souq and begin a journey back in time. Walk along the comfortably air-conditioned alleyways of the market designed with solid wooden doors, beautiful coral brick walls and hanging lanterns. The souq is home to numerous quaint stores selling local, new and antique handicrafts, wooden articles, Arabic bridal and pearl chests, copper coffee pots, ethnic and handmade jewellery, perfume bottles and incense, hand-made woven garments, palm-leaf baskets, medicinal herbs, carpets, shawls and novelties. The Halwa shop (sweets shop)in the discreet corner is a real olfactory celebration and will definitely tempt every passerby to taste the inimitable indigenous sweets. And when you are tired of walking, there's the public coffee shop in the centre of the souq serving Arabic coffee and Sulaimani (black tea)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
3.5
92 reviews
Excellent
21
Very good
34
Average
28
Poor
8
Terrible
1
JimParkway
Toronto, Canada2,103 contributions
Feb 2020
This is just down the street from the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization. There is also the Heritage Museum in the same area, at the back. The shopping area may be good for some; but typical set up for tourist.
Written 15 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DO430
Nashville, TN11 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
This is the oldest Souq in Sharjah and we had a hard time finding it. What we didn’t learn from any of the literature was that it was being renovated so there were just a couple of shops open. But the structure was really cool and the neighborhood had lots of shops and was lovely to walk around in.
Written 30 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Manish K
Dubai, United Arab Emirates3,970 contributions
Oct 2019
Souk Al Arsah was a traditional souq (market) in Sharjah. Located very close to the Sharjah Creek, the souq served as a place where goods and spices were traded. This souq has now been restored in Sharjah's historical district.
The souq is rather small and is indoor, thus protected from the heat outside. There is a central area with benches for seating. Around are a few shops selling the usual stuff, such as carpets, lamps and curios for tourists. As such, there is not much one can do here.
It's a good illustration of the old Sharjah, but if one has seen the older souqs in Dubai, those are much larger and more vibrant than this souq. One can spend around 20-30 minutes here. Entrance is free
The souq is rather small and is indoor, thus protected from the heat outside. There is a central area with benches for seating. Around are a few shops selling the usual stuff, such as carpets, lamps and curios for tourists. As such, there is not much one can do here.
It's a good illustration of the old Sharjah, but if one has seen the older souqs in Dubai, those are much larger and more vibrant than this souq. One can spend around 20-30 minutes here. Entrance is free
Written 9 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MelissaPeery
Arlington, VA571 contributions
Sep 2019
This is a nicely restored, small souk. It's a great place for buying traditional clothing, more bedouin influenced jewlery and souvenirs. There are also numerous antique shops. The place is air-conditioned and the vendors are much less agressive. Just a 25 minute Uber from the Financial District.
Written 1 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sumitkumar_13
Mumbai, India872 contributions
Nov 2018 • Family
Though this is not one of the main souk, there is pretty much to offer here. Most shops are a however small
Written 28 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dewi C
Cardiff, UK157 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
A piece of Sharjah's heritage, the space has been heavily restored but retains some charm. The shops in the main entrance area seem to be open most of the time but those in the alleyways are much less predictable.
Written 25 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
M.
Warsaw, Poland336 contributions
Aug 2018 • Solo
This is quite big souk - but I'm not recommending it during Eid as there are not much open stands at that time.
Besides is a nice place.
Besides is a nice place.
Written 2 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ramadama
New Providence, NJ2,262 contributions
Mar 2018 • Friends
This is a renovated souk with many small shops. However the shops did not have things that I would be interested in buying. Many of the shops have old junk or antiques that they sell. They also have shops that sell the same standard touristy souvenirs. If you don't visit this souk not a big loss.
Written 17 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John B
Alora, Spain197 contributions
Dec 2017 • Couples
Having read about this souk before traveling to Sharjah we were expecting something a little special but were rather disappointed. It is situated in the historic quarter which is undergoing extensive work at the moment - almost to the extent of rebuilding. The souk itself looks exciting from the outside and is entered by a narrow doorway. There were relatively few shops and most of those were selling poor quality "antiques". Not impressed!!
Written 3 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kotzmonster
Berlin, Germany76 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
exactly what i was looking for, antique gifts available, laid in old town of Sharjah, hint: DEAL with the salesmen, reduce the called price from 200 Dhs. to 100 Dhs.
Written 9 May 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Claim your listingSOUK AL ARSAH: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Souk Al Arsah
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Souk Al Arsah:
- Private Tour: Sharjah City Highlights from Dubai (From ₱7,987.48)
- Sharjah City Sightseeing Tour - The Pearl of the Gulf (From ₱3,235.10)
- Sharjah City Tour from Dubai (From ₱1,994.24)
- Sharjah and Ajman (Outdoor Activities ) (From ₱8,586.31)
- Sharjah and Ajman (Cultural & Themes tours) (From ₱8,586.31)
- Hotels near Souk Al Arsah:
- (0.10 km) The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah
- (0.21 km) Sharjah Heritage Hostel
- (0.41 km) Mina House
- (0.47 km) Al Ghadeer Hotel Apartments
- (1.92 km) ibis Styles Sharjah
- Restaurants near Souk Al Arsah:
- (0.17 km) Arabian Tea House Restaurant & Cafe - Sharjah
- (0.10 km) The Arabic Restaurant at The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah
- (0.11 km) The Restaurant at The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah
- (0.08 km) The Café
- (0.07 km) Nomani