Day Three - The Blue Souk, Sharjah Heritage Center and Creekside

Actually, on a map of Sharjah, this Souk or market, is called the Central Souk. I shopped for most of my souveniers here, since in Dubai, most items were marked up to cover the cost of the obese real estate, swallowing places like Jebel Ali Sailing Club. A sad cycle, but the Blue Souk was delightful to walk through a browse. Be ready with your negotiations, however, these people are masters at haggling!


The Sharjah Heritage Center had fabulous displays of life in the area before the United Arab Emirates become a country. Simple mats on the sand floors for comfort, brooms for sweeping off thresholds, pillow-lined walls and comfortable airflow through wind towers for natural air conditioning.





This is a wind tower, simple mud construction strengthened by poles acting like rebar.

In the evening, we drive down to an area called Creekside, which rims the central corniche in Sharjah. There is another heritage center here where spinning is demonstrated and the old ways of living in the United Arab Emirates. We go to the old market in the center and have a light dinner on the street: fresh fruit juices and roasted meat in pita with delicious sauces, all the while, the street is alive with the native dress of the surrounding regions. A feast for the eyes.