There is no doubt that a trip to the UAE brings you a plethora of exciting activities to enjoy. You will have the opportunity to explore a diverse world of shopping, dining, and entertainment. When it comes to shopping, however, it is impossible to resist the temptation to indulge in some at colossal malls. On the other hand, if you wish to have a more cultural experience on a budget, the souqs in the UAE will definitely provide you with a memorable experience. There are several souqs in each of the UAE's seven emirates. However, in Sharjah, you can visit a variety of them, including the Iranian Souq. What makes this souq so unique? Keep reading to find out.
Souq Saqr - Iranian Souq in Sharjah
Souq Saqr in Sharjah is also known as the Iranian Market in Sharjah. This Iranian market, located about 2 kilometres from Sharjah's famous Central Souq, has an authentic rustic atmosphere and an array of shops built with huge brown wooden doors, giving it an olden charm. The entire arena is rustic, with natural lighting during the day and subdued yellow lights at night to create a mellow atmosphere. The Old Irani Souq Sharjah resembles a wholesale marketplace where you can discover a great assortment of essential products and merchandise for a decent price.
If you have a knack in haggling, this place is a paradise for you. This is one of the best places in UAE to get good quality products at affordable prices and hence you do not have to worry about breaking your holiday budget while you consider a shopping spree. It is an attraction you should visit while exploring other aspects of Sharjah because it is located right in the heart of the city. Take a relaxing stroll along Sharjah Creek, which is located right next to this Irani Souq, before entering and sauntering along its long narrow and winding alleys lined with quaint shops. The experience makes you go back in time and is one of the most serene ones to enjoy in Sharjah city.
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Iranian Souq Location and timings
The Irani Market Sharjah is located in the Heart of Sharjah, 3 minutes’ walk away from Souk Al Bahar and 5 minutes’ drive from Sharjah Central Souq. The best way to reach is to take the Al Arouba Street or the Corniche Street to reach the souq. The souq stays open from 9 am till 9 pm from Saturdays till Thursdays. On Fridays, the Souq operates from 4 pm till 9 pm. The operating times vary during the holy month of Ramadan.
Things to do in Iranian Souq Sharjah
Arabian spices and herbs
One thing you must get from the Middle East is its aromatic spices. There are a few shops in the Iranian Souq that sell high-quality spices like cloves, cardamom, and Iranian saffron. You can also visit Iranian herb shops to purchase organic dried herbs and flower petals such as chamomile, dried rose, Persian borage flowers, or edible flavours such as rose water and kewra which costs as low as 10 AED.
House hold essentials
Here, you can find everything you need for your kitchen and home. Some stores sell cooking utensils of all shapes and sizes, including some that are so large that you have never encountered before but are essential in Middle Eastern and Indian subcontinental households. Earthen pots, cutlery and dinnerware, traditional Indian ceramic jars, Moroccan Tangin, brass lamps, glass lanterns, woven baskets, coir mats, and much more are available, all at reasonable prices.
Coffee, dates and desserts
A shopping trip to the UAE isn't complete unless you buy dates and coffee. Souk Saqr has shops selling traditional Middle Eastern sweets and dry fruits. There are also a few Roastery shops where you can get freshly ground Arabian coffee as well as signature sweets made of Middle Eastern dates filled with cream or chocolate-covered dry fruits. These charming shops offer a taste of Middle Eastern heritage, including fresh organic traditional dates, walnuts, pine nuts, and much more!
Attires and Accessories
Souk Saqr is an excellent place to shop for clothes and have dresses custom-stitched. You will be able to examine a wide range of high-quality garments suitable for stitching gowns or evening wear. The majority of the shops in this narrow alley are textiles, with windows lined with mannequins draped in vibrant printed fabrics that you can buy in metres and then have custom made to your specifications. You can get your clothes for as little as 25 AED per metre. There is a range of shops catering to male attires as well, but majority of shops are for women's wear. Traditional attire, such as abhayas, is extremely affordable. There are also shops selling a wide range of shoes and handbags. Additionally, there are shops that offer tailoring services where you can get them sewed for a very low price.
Souvenirs and trinkets
The Irani Souq is one of the best places in Sharjah to get yourself some rustic antiques. There is something for everyone to add an Arabian touch to their home, from colourful carpets to antique gramophones, handmade perfumes to earthen hanging lamps. The venue is also ideal for shopping for semi-precious, gold, and silver jewellery. You can also browse through stores that sell organic soaps, perfumes, and essential oils that are perfect for gifting.
Conclusion
Sharjah is well-known for many things, most notably it's Middle Eastern charm and cultural influence. The Iranian Souq is one such attraction where you can explore a traditional Middle Eastern bazaar while also stocking your luggage with authentic Sharjah souvenirs or essentials. This is one of the experiences you should look forward to if you want to shop on a budget in a traditional way. It is far more rewarding than shopping in the glitzy modern mall atmosphere which you can encounter and experience even in your own country's modern cities. So, when you visit Sharjah, make your experience as authentic and one-of-a-kind as possible, including your shopping experiences.