Sharjah Central Souq[2] (Arabic: السوق المركزي, romanized: Sūq al-Markazi) also known as the Blue Souk or Gold Souq[3] is the covered souq (market) located in King Faisal Street, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, adjacent to the 'Smile You Are In Sharjah' roundabout and the Khaled Lagoon. The Central Souk consists of two large connected buildings, with an area of approximately 80,000sqm and over 600 shops.[4]
| Sharjah Central Souq Blue Souk | |
|---|---|
السوق المركزي (Arabic) | |
 Night View of Sharjah Central Souq | |
 | |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Islamic architecture |
| Town or city | Al Jubail, Emirate of Sharjah |
| Country | United Arab Emirates |
| Coordinates | 25°20′56″N 55°22′51″E / 25.3489964°N 55.3807475°E |
| Construction started | 1978 |
| Inaugurated | 1980[1] |
| Owner | Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority |
| Height | 50 m (160 ft) |
| Dimensions | |
| Diameter | 160 m × 150 m (520 ft × 490 ft) |
| Technical details | |
| Floor area | 80,000 m2 (860,000 sq ft) |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | Michael Lyle Partners |
| Other information | |
| Public transit access | bus station |
History
editThe Central Souq has been designed by the British architects Michael Lyle & Partners, based on the ideas and guidance of the Ruler of Sharjah, Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, and was completed in 1978. The architecture captures the character of a traditional market on a grand scale. Located on the King Faisal Street, Sharjah[1]
Architecture
editThe Central Souk consists of two large buildings, interconnected by bridges, with exuberant vaults and a unique skyline of 20 windtowers. Because of the blue tiles on the outside walls, the market is called the Blue Souk. On a total aerea of approximately 80,000sqm there are more than 600 shops[5]
Honorable mention
editThe Central Souq featured on a United Arab Emirates's five-dirham note (Bank Note AED 5)[6]
References
edit- ^ a b "Over 30 years on: Central Souq in Sharjah". gulfnews.com. July 8, 2011.
- ^ "Combating coronavirus: Sharjah Central Souq reopens with strict health measures". Khaleej Times.
- ^ Zakaria, Sherouk. "PHOTOS: Tales from Sharjah's iconic Central Souq". Khaleej Times.
- ^ "وكالة أنباء الإمارات".
- ^ "Central Souq, Sharjah: Celebrating global cultures and people with rare carpets". gulfnews.com. June 18, 2022.
- ^ "uae currency english". freejna.dewa.gov.ae.