The Emirate of Sharjah, neighbouring Dubai, was voted the cultural capital of The Arab World in 1998 – a tribute to the city’s rich Islamic heritage.
We start our tour in front of the Sharjah ruler’s palace and drive past the Al Hisn Fort built around 1820. It was the traditional residence of the ruling family. A short walk will then take us to the Heritage Village or souq, which in the early days was the Central Market. Today, you can walk through this beautiful, restored souq with its narrow alleys and buy old wooden dhows, dates and tobacco leaves.
Opposite the souq we visit the old Al Naboodah House, an example of exquisite Arabic architecture. Our tour then takes us to the ‘hustle and bustle’ of the vegetable, fruit and fish markets. Next is a photo stop at the King Faisal mosque with its Islamic center overlooking the shimmering lagoon with its beautiful parks.
Our excursion would not be complete without a visit to the famous Blue Souq with 600 shops. Here you can ‘shop til you drop’ for gold, carpets, antiques, perfumes and electronic items.
