By Bala Menon
Contrary to popular belief, the emirate of Sharjah is a flourishing shopping town. The commercial life of this beautiful emirate has, however, not been well-documented because of the overwhelming influence of the freewheeling business enterprise of Dubai, the main commercial heart of the United Arab Emirates. But Sharjah remains distinct , its growth not impeded by the proximity of the retail centres of Dubai (which is just a five-minute car ride away).
One reason could be the fascination blend of population - Arab, national and Asian expatriates – which contributes to the excitement and colour in the shopping areas of the emirate. You also do not see the kind of ‘ghettoization’ that is so visible in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where specific nationalities gather in different areas. In many ways, Sharjah is essentially a residential and family-oriented city and its shopping ambience is geared as a community activity.
In the residential areas of the city, there are no shopping complexes allowed and this zoning has helped commercial activity to gravitate to specific areas and keep buyers and sellers happy.
Visit Sharjah any evening and you can see the fun element in shopping – one that is uniquely different from the other emirates. Al Wahda Street, the main six-km stretch of high street that dominates Sharjah, is one of the most popular shopping areas in the UAE today, with its multitude of boutiques and garment shops catering to practically every fashion and budget. There are also numerous speciality leather goods stores and well-run hair salons….
There are dazzling crystal and chandelier shops, carpet and rug dealers and top class tailoring establishments and novelty outlets.
Sharjah also boasts some of the finest furniture makers in the country – both in terms of high-quality workmanship and sheer affordability. Furniture from Sharjah are taken to all corners of the Gulf and become coveted showpieces in homes everywhere.
The stores on Al Wahda street are popular because “they do not mark up their prices too high” according to one of the shoppers interviewed for this article. The satisfaction of shoppers is evident in that there is no bargaining, unlike the stores in Dubai. Prices are generally fixed and happily accepted. “Unlike Dubai, there are fewer tourists here to seasonally push up prices. Residents comprise 90 per cent of shoppers and we have to keep them happy always…” said a storeowner.
Another great charm of Al Wahda Street is its promenade-like atmosphere – for about three km on either side of the road – making it ideal for some windowshopping or a fascinating evening stroll. Fast food outlets of different kind add to the flavour.
For the ordinary housewife, just a turn away is the King Faisal Street with its many giant supermarkets and department stores. All the big names (of the Gulf region – like Lal’s, Spinney’s, Safestway etc) are represented and some are open 24 hours of the day.
A little ahead on Faisal Street towards the pictueresque little harbour is the enchanting New Souq (with its traditional windtowers and sandstone construction adding to its architectural splendour. The ‘souq’ (Arabic for market) is very popular for its many jewellery shopsa nd ready-made garments- stores – and prices are a little cheaper than Al Wahda Street. Most of the top Asian jewellers are represented here and you can pick up superb designs or get some made to order at reasonable charges.
The new souq is also famous for its beautiful rugs and antiques from the Asian sub-continent and the Arab world. Ringing the entire second floor, these stores stock exciting knick-knacks of silver, bronze, copper, enamel-inlaid works or exquisite occasional tables. There are also Bedouin camel hair upholstery pieces, chunky silver jewellery, and wooden carvings.
Drive a little ahead and you get to the common man’s shopping plaza, the place for all seasons, the arena for all types of goods, a genuine bazaar with the right atmosphere, the noise, the smells, the works …Rolla, right in the heart of the town. Bargaining is a must and pleasurable pastime here and if you have a limited budget Rolla is the place to go. On the dhow waterfront are the little Iranian shops with a variety of goods available at throwaway prices. You can also get good quality pistachio nuts, almonds and other dried food at these stores. Sharjah has also established a reputation for itself as a fine used car market. There is a whole street and scores of showrooms stocking fine European and Japanese used cars at attractive prices.
There are no ‘supermalls’ in Sharjah….or that you will have to go to Dubai.
Bala Menon
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Bala Menon is a journalist/artist in Toronto. This article was first published in Gulf News of Dubai.
© 1997 menonbala@hotmail.com
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