You are missing out on an experience of a lifetime if you skip exploring the Gold districts in the UAE. Isn't it true that when you think about gold, Dubai is what comes to your mind? The emirate is tagged as the best spot for shopping, including gold. However, its neighbouring emirate of Sharjah is also a popular place to buy gold. On a visit to the UAE, the Gold Souq Sharjah is one of the best locations to spend a day shopping for a wide variety of gold jewellery and other precious stones at low prices. Wish to find out more? Check out this short guide for all the information you want on the Gold Souq Sharjah.
Gold Souq Sharjah - An Overview
It is hard to miss this Souq as it is a part of one of the prime landmarks of Sharjah - The Central Souk Sharjah. Known to be one of the most iconic and oldest structures in emirate, the attraction is also known formally by the name ‘ Souk Al-Markazi’ - or ‘Blue Souk’ - a name it received due to its blue-tiled facade. The Central Souk is one of the most prominent shopping hubs in the emirate where you will find some of the most impressive collections of Middle Eastern merchandise including gold and semi-precious jewellery. The Blue Souk’s British architectural flair blended with Middle Eastern elements of blue tiled walls and structures perched with wind towers makes it a grand, appealing sight of Sharjah City. The impressive aspect is that the attraction sprawls into two identically created arch structures, interconnected by the bridge and one of these is home to the Gold Souq Sharjah. The market is one of the oldest in Sharjah and has been trading in gold, silver, pearls, diamonds, and semi-precious stones since the 1980s.
In comparison to Dubai's otherwise crowded Gold Souks, the atmosphere is calmer and less crowded. When in Sharjah, the Blue Souk is a certain addition as a must-visit place in Sharjah, so make it an extravagant retail experience as well and grab the chance to buy finest gold and jewels at shockingly low costs. This is the best place to visit if you are wondering to invest your money in gold or simply want to purchase an exquisite piece of jewellery.
Gold Souq Sharjah Location and Timing
Gold Souk Sharjah location is right next to the Central Souk Sharjah set at King Faisal Street, a few minutes away from Al Ittihad Park and opposite Central Souq Mosque. The Gold Souq Sharjah timings are the same as Central Souk which stays open from 10 am to 6 pm from Saturdays to Thursdays.
Best Time to Visit
Gold Souq Sharjah is a fully air-conditioned indoor souk. Hence you are welcome to stop by it whenever you are in Sharjah any time of the year, be it for business or leisure, and take home a selection of merchandise as you wish. However, if you are planning to spend time outdoors and en route visit this attraction, then it is best to visit Sharjah during the cooler months - October to March.
A Glittering Treat - Gold Shopping Outlets
The Gold stores are housed in one of Central Souk's twin structures. You can enter the Souk’s entrance building and reach the Gold Souq via a connecting bridge. Once you step inside, you will find yourself amid a glittering spectacle - a row of shops with large floor-to-ceiling storefront windows displaying an exquisite assortment of gold chains, bracelets, earrings, trinkets, and souvenirs. If you are specifically searching to buy gold, even then you will have a variety of options from a range of outlets, all of whom are vying for your attention with extravagant displays as you pass by their shop. You can find an exquisite piece of your choice with the best craftsmanship. You can even get something custom-made without paying making charges as well! Apart from gold, you can also shop for diamonds, pearls, and gems all at a price that is hard to match anywhere in the world. Choose from a wide range of designs - right from fine jewellery to flashy, chunky ones and once you are here, you will certainly find something that fits your style and would love to take back home with you.
What to Buy Apart From Gold
Gold Souk is just one part of the Central Souk. You can spend an entire day shopping not just for gold, but even Arabian perfumes, watches, hand-woven textiles, attires, and electronics. You can even look for items to give an Arabesque touch to your homes with Middle Eastern antiques, Arabian lamps, Persian carpets, and more. Central Souk Sharjah has over 600 shops, which means you get a wide range of eclectic options to satisfy your inner shopaholic. Even if you are not in the mood to loosen your wallet, stroll around and window shop as this is one of the places that showcases the grandeur and sublimity of Sharjah culture under one roof.
What to Buy Apart From Gold
Gold Souk is just one part of the Central Souk. You can spend an entire day shopping not just for gold, but even Arabian perfumes, watches, hand-woven textiles, attires, and electronics. You can even look for items to give an Arabesque touch to your homes with Middle Eastern antiques, Arabian lamps, Persian carpets, and more. Central Souk Sharjah has over 600 shops, which means you get a wide range of eclectic options to satisfy your inner shopaholic. Even if you are not in the mood to loosen your wallet, stroll around and window shop as this is one of the places that showcases the grandeur and sublimity of Sharjah culture under one roof.
Shopping Tips
The prices of merchandise and jewellery quoted are cheaper but can be lowered further if you have a knack for haggling. The shop owners welcome a bit of negotiation on prices but ensure that you are not pushy or turn the negotiation into a debate. Stop and agree to a price as soon as you think it is a nice deal. A healthy level of bargaining is always received well by the traders in Sharjah.
There are loads of options available to shop here and checking out Gold Souq’s dazzling exhibits itself will take a long time. So be prepared for long strolls and wear comfortable footwear and modest attire.
Conclusion
The Blue Souk is often remarked to be the icon of Sharjah’s contemporary and traditional essence. But it also represents the grandeur of the emirate with Gold Souq exhibiting the finesse craft of turning gold into beautiful jewellery. At the Gold Souk Sharjah, you can find a nice piece of gold jewellery that fits your style and budget, whether it is for you to wear and flaunt or keep as a secure investment for your future. Don’t forget to spruce up your bargaining skills and strike a good deal to get an elegant piece of jewellery that will always bring back wonderful memories of Sharjah!