Description of the attraction
Al Arsa Market is one of the oldest markets in the UAE. It is rightfully considered the heart of old Sharjah. This market is also known as Al Masduf or the Coal Market. From ancient times, here, among the oases, local Bedouins traded coal with overseas merchants. Coal was exchanged for rice and other all kinds of goods that merchants from India and Iran brought. Nowadays, on the quiet alleys of the old bazaar, you can buy anything you want. Walking in the shade of the palm-tree roofs of the shopping arcade is a real pleasure.
The decor of the Al-Arsa market is also impressive - coral walls, huge wooden doors, hanging lanterns, a massive roof made in the traditional style of wooden poles "arisha" entwined with palm leaves. All this creates a fantastic and unforgettable experience. In total, more than 100 retail stores are located on the territory of Al-Ars. The shopkeepers always happily greet their guests, offer them their help and can tell a lot of interesting things about their business and craft over a glass of the spicy drink "suleimani" or mint tea.
Almost everything can be bought at Al-Arsa market: various handicrafts, beautiful souvenirs, silver jewelry, daggers, traditional items. Especially popular among tourists are wooden Arabian dress chests and jewelry boxes, painted shawls, silky carpets, baskets of palm leaves, copper coffee pots, handmade knitwear, medicinal herbs, perfume and incense bottles, musical instruments, antiques and much -Many other things.
There is a cozy coffee shop in the Al-Arsa market, in which, according to established traditions, everyone rushes to drink a cup of aromatic coffee before leaving home.
Today, Al Arsa Market is not only an amazing place for shopping, but also one of the historical sights of Sharjah.
