Souq AlShanasiyah

Souq Al Shanasiyah is a rebuilt heritage market in the Heart of Sharjah, at the junction of Corniche Road and Al Hisn Street. It sells goods from regional designers along with traditional items such as Arabic perfumes, prayer beads and tailored clothing, and suits visitors exploring Sharjah’s old town as well as shoppers looking for local crafts.

History and name

Visit Sharjah, the emirate’s tourism site, describes it as one of the oldest souqs in the region. It takes its name from the merchants of Shanas who used to trade there. The new souq was built on the foundations of the older one and reconstructed, and it now focuses on regional designers and unusual goods. The Heart of Sharjah website calls it a reimagined heritage souq that blends Sharjah’s historic character with modern comfort.

What you can buy and eat

• Furniture and homewares
• Prayer beads
• Arabic perfumes and oils
• Clothing, including made-to-measure kandoras and handmade abayas

For food and drink, Visit Sharjah lists a speciality coffee house and Al Saroud Traditional Restaurant, which serves Emirati food.

Opening hours and contact

Neither official site gives separate hours for the souq. The Heart of Sharjah website says the district is open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, so individual shops and the restaurant may keep their own times. For questions, the Heart of Sharjah team can be reached on +971 6 511 2555 or [email protected]. Its address is Corniche Street, Al Mareija, Hay Al Gharb, Sharjah.

Good to know

• No entry fee is mentioned on either official site.
• Parking is not mentioned on either official site.
• Visit Sharjah also lists Souq Al Arsah among related souqs, describing it as the oldest marketplace in the history of the UAE.
• The phone number shown on the Visit Sharjah page belongs to its IT department, not the souq; use the Heart of Sharjah number instead.

Description written from official sources, checked 17 October 2026: visitsharjah.com. Confirm details with the business before you go.