Discover the United Arab Emirates, a nexus of distinctive emirates, from the palm-shaped islands of Dubai to the arty Sharjah with its cultural heritage sites.
Each emirate is an individual destination with a history, attracting corporate and leisure guests the world over to experience the magic of the United Arab Emirates for themselves.
Finding its home on the Persian Gulf, Sharjah is an emirate known as the nation’s cultural gem. It boasts the largest arts museum in the whole of the United Arab Emirates, the Sharjah Arts Museum boasting 72 galleries spread over three floors.
The hustle and bustle of traditional Arabian shopping is never far away in the form of Sharjah’s Souk area. The Fish Souk and Fruit and Vegetable Souk are a fantastic way to step into the way of life.
Meanwhile, Sharjah’s Central Market with its ornate blue tiling houses has over 600 shops. These include jewellery, perfume, clothing, electronics, food and gift items, among many others.
Upstairs at the Central Market, also known as the Blue Market, sits a traditional Arabian bazaar where you can invest in antiques, Yemeni and Omani jewellery and other souvenirs and trinkets to take home with you.
The glittering lights of Dubai are world-renowned for their towering skyscrapers, enormous shopping malls and sprawling beach resorts. The city is an equilibrium of rich historic intrigue and forward-looking modernity, all sitting within the same characterful emirate. Take a stroll to Old Dubai’s Bastakiya’s heritage art areas, where some of the city’s finest and oldest art galleries are housed. Further along you’ll find Dubai’s gold, spices and textiles souks for a once-in-a-lifetime experience of traditional shopping in Dubai.
The neighborhoods of Al Shindagha and Al Hamriya are nearby residential districts with several shopping complexes and foreign consulates. Al Shindagha is home to The Heritage Village, which transports you to an era celebrating Dubai’s traditions. Spend some time here and find out more about the traditional customs, professionals and local craftsmanship of this most captivating region.
