Sharjah is famous for its magnificent traditional Souks both old and new. Bargain hunters can explore the myriad handicraft shops which stock everything from carpets to antiques, Arabic jewellery, Onyx and semi-precious stones. The dazzling gold souk offers prices which are music to the ears. Tons and tons of gold hang inside the shop windows, luring the willing to convert savings into hard metal.

In the old souks, one sees shops selling nargilahs, tall hubble-bubble pipes in which smoke is passed through water veils with decorated edges; pantaloons; embroidered anklets; dress lengths with similarly embroidered necklines; and sari lengths made from Orient raw silks and cottons.

Al Wahda Street can be likened to a Champs Elysee where classy boutiques rub shoulders, stocking the finest haute couture from Europe and the United States. Each year Sharjah holds the 'Ramadan Shopping Festival' when all the shops that deal in renowned International brand names like Christian Dior, YSL, etc. as well as others, along with the new most modern shopping centers, open their doors with sales and special discounts. International fairs are held each year too which attract thousands of people from the neighboring countries.

Sharjah - a pioneer in tourism

Way back in 1932, Sharjah was the first emirate that actively worked towards creating its own tourist industry. Today tourism is flourishing all over the emirate. With 16 five star and first class hotels in Sharjah, the hotel industry serves not only incoming tourists and business visitors but also plays a pivotal role in the social life of Sharjah residents by offering them restaurants and club facilities

Sharjah, a unique emirate sets its visitors spellbound. Entranced by a myriad of unforgettable experiences, a visitor is also overwhelmed by the hospitality shown by the friendly people.

With over 40,000 spectators sitting on the edge of their seats Sharjah has made an exceptional impact in the world of cricket. It hosts 3 major cups each year with the world's finest teams taking part. This year Sharjah also won the President Football cup for the7th time. There is an open squash championship taking place in Sharjah too this year. Recreation clubs & gymnasiums for families and individuals offer both indoor and outdoor activities like chess tournaments, squash and ice-skating, tennis, swimming etc.

These days, water sports are fast becoming a favorite pastime. Sharjah offers an endless variety of water sports including windsurfing, water skiing, scuba diving and fishing. Those more adventurous can opt for a Safari into the heart of the desert to discover the traditional Bedouin settlements and the serene Oasis farms nestling in the shelter of massive sand dunes. One can even trek through the rugged mountains and fresh water streams of Khor Fakkan on the East Coast.

Sharjah Airport Travel Agency can offer half and full day tours of the Emirate. On one such tour visitors can see the country's biggest mosque, the magnificent office of the Ruler, the Clock tower, the tree monument and the Majarrah Souk (bazaar). At a gold factory, visitors are also shown how diamonds are cut and jewellery is created. Ample time is also provided on this tour for shopping which is undoubtedly a unique experience in the Arab world.