Shopping in Sharjah

First of all, shopping in Sharjah attracts with its affordability. In fact, prices in this Arab emirate, located along the Persian Gulf, are comparatively lower than in fabulous and luxurious Dubai. As the cost of renting retail space is lower here.

The reviews of shopping in Sharjah usually begin with a mention of the main shopping street, Al Fahd. From shoes to furniture, world-famous brands to inexpensive youth clothing brands, this is where you'll find a variety of goods. Other 'shopping' spots include King Faisal Street and Jamal Abdul Nasser Street.

Best shopping centers in Sharjah

1. Sahara Centre is not only one of the most popular shopping centers in the Arab Emirates, but is also listed as one of Sharjah's top attractions. The marquee-shaped building houses more than 200 stores under its dome. Debenhams and Marks & Spencer are among the largest. They sell not only branded outfits, shoes and accessories, but also home goods and cosmetics. If you are traveling to Sharjah with your kids, we recommend you to stop by Toys 'R' Us when visiting Sahara. There are also separate stores for electronics, gold jewelry and books in the entertainment and shopping center. And the underground parking garage has room for 1,800 cars.

The shopping center's food court features several restaurants, cafes and more than 30 fast-food establishments. Tired of going from one store to another, guests can explore the UAE's largest entertainment center without leaving Sahara Centre. There are more than 20 rides, water slides and a six-screen movie theater.

Address: Al Nahda St. Near Ramada Sharjah.

2. Sharjah City Center is located on the main Al Wahda Street. The numerous stores (over a hundred in number) have branded clothing for tourists of all ages from New Look, H&M and Borders, toys and the latest gadgets and furniture. Here you will also find traditional souvenirs, which are purchased by travelers in memory of their visit to the colorful emirate. Sharjah City Center has more than twenty restaurants (including Starbucks, Cold Stone Creamery). On the second floor of the huge building is a hypermarket and Magic Planet, an entertainment complex for the youngest visitors.

Address: Al Wahda Road, Industrial Area 1.

3. Mega Mall, which every tourist who has been to Sharjah at least once knows about, is impressive in its size: 800 thousand square meters, 4 floors with all kinds of goods and even a grocery store. This giant sells everything: branded clothes and accessories from Zara, Mango, Paris Gallery, Bhs, sporting goods, toys and electronics. On the territory of the mall there are 15 restaurants, a modern cinema hall and an entertainment center Antics Land, the area of which is about 8 thousand square meters. m. Despite the pomp and scale, Mega Mall in Sharjah is oriented to middle class buyers. Although, of course, there are also high-end boutiques under its roof.

Address: Istiqlal Street,Al Bu Daniq, Near Immigration Office.

4. Al Fardan Center can compete even with Dubai's boutiques. There are stores with clothes and shoes, jewelry, costume jewelry, cosmetics, home goods, toys and more. For children there is a playground and a complex of attractions. There are also cafes, restaurants and even a hotel.

Address: Buheira Corniche Road - Sharjah

5. Safeer Mall, which is not in the city itself but on the Sharjah-Dubai highway. This mall is designed for budget shopping. There are low price stores, electronics, furniture showrooms, and a good selection of accessories. On the top floor is the beautiful futuristic-style entertainment complex Space City.

Best Markets in Sharjah

1. The Gold Market is familiar to true Sharjah shoppers. For the most part, the range is made up of original yellow gold jewelry. In addition to rings and chains, in this market in Sharjah you can find very unusual things. For example, a ringlet made of pure gold. Sharjah's 'pearl' of commerce also has a clothing market. It is located near Khor Khalid Bay. In the evenings, local gawkers and tourists can enjoy an unforgettable laser show.

Address: King Faisal St, Sharjah 61191.

2. The Sharjah Fish Market is, oddly enough, a great place for an early morning stroll. The covered market is located right on the lagoon and is a large rectangular building with two domed spheres above it. Here you can watch the fishermen unload their catch and the customers choose their fish. From shark meat to the freshest shrimp, there's something for every fisherman.

Address: Al Jubail St.

3. The Blue Market, dubbed 'carriages' due to its architectural features, is a popular shopping destination in Sharjah. The market is divided into distinct sections. For example, the part that overlooks the lagoon boasts a wide selection of jewelry, traditional handmade Arabian carpets, antiques and art, perfumes and cosmetics, and furniture. And the part of the Blue Market that faces the King's Mosque is flooded with: clothing, lingerie, children's goods, leather goods.

Check list: Sharjah souvenirs with love

If you are thinking about what to buy Sharjah as a souvenir for yourself or your loved ones, we suggest you pay attention to:

• Arabic spices and spices, the flavors of which are all over the Sharjah markets. To avoid buying up all the spices available in the bazaars, we suggest you look at the bezar blend;
• Arabic spices and flavors flooding the markets of Sharjah.
• Shell products. Despite the fact that the government of the Arab Emirates prohibits the export of "sea gifts" from the country, with the purchase of souvenirs made of coral, you will definitely not have problems. Such memorabilia is sold both in markets and numerous souvenir shops and huge malls.
• Eastern sweets brought to Sharjah from Africa or made by local craftsmen will appeal to your sweet-toothed relatives. One of the symbols of the Emirate is the date. Therefore, all sorts of goodies based on the dried fruit (from candy to jam) can be purchased in individual shops;
• Parfumery, imbued with the spirit of Sharjah, is a great gift for a favorite woman or mother. Oud oil perfumes are a favorite among tourists;
• Sharjah perfumes are also available in the city
• In the city you can buy an excellent natural fur coat for yourself. At times there are very "tasty" prices;
• True coffee drinkers with many years of experience will be pleased with the opportunity to drink a cup of coffee from raw materials grown in Ras al-Khaimah. Often enough, travelers also bring back a dalla, a traditional Arab coffee pot, as a souvenir;
• The list of souvenirs and gifts brought from Sharjah would be incomplete without gold items, a huge range of which are sold at the Gold Market.

WARNING: Sharjah is the only emirate that has a dry law. So if you want to buy alcoholic drinks in duty free, go to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, the capital of a country that grew up in the desert.

Shopping tips for Sharjah: how to get the best bargains

With testimonials from avid shopaholics who have managed to get things in Sharjah at lower prices than the labels indicate, we've put together a list of tips for tourists:

• Don't hesitate to haggle with vendors in the markets. Reviews of travelers say that in this way you can reduce the cost of the product you like by 20-30%. It should be said that this technique works in relation to shopping centers. Even in large malls you can politely ask the seller about "the best price". Surely, he will remember about some promotion or discount, and offer a price for the goods that will suit you.
• If you want to buy big in Sharjah, it is best to go on a shopping tour during the traditional shopping festival (it takes place during Ramadan). During it, large shopping centers and malls arrange crazy sales. Judging by the reviews, you can buy a lot of branded things at a discount of up to 70%. But you should take into account that during the holy fasting period, stores open only after sunset, and work until deep evening.
• Spring and summer are also ideal for shopping in Sharjah. During the Spring Promotions and Summer Surprises, many of the products are heavily discounted.