Sharjah's cultural treasure, the Central Souq, popularly known as the Blue Souk, is poised for a significant transformation. The Sharjah City Municipality announced a comprehensive renovation strategy on Wednesday, aimed at safeguarding the esteemed position of this historic locale. Obaid Saeed Al Tunaiji, the Director General of Sharjah City Municipality, reaffirmed the municipality's dedication to preserving the city's profound Islamic architectural legacy while upgrading service amenities. He highlighted that the Central Souq, celebrated for its unique design and vibrant market, will be a primary focus of these efforts.
Al Tunaiji detailed in a communication to Khaleej Times, "The renovation at the Central Souq is crafted to prolong the building's life and uphold its status as a heritage and cultural icon. This involves substantial architectural, civil, and electromechanical tasks, repainting all internal and external surfaces, and replacing the glass and ironwork on the windows. We are also tackling structural concerns, including the restoration and reconfiguration of the rainwater drainage systems." A recent inspection by Khaleej Times showed active construction and scaffolding enveloping the upper part of the building.
Established in 1978 and situated by Khalid Lagoon, the Central Souq is a testament to architectural excellence. Its unique blue-tiled exterior features two primary wings linked by charming bridges. One wing gazes over Khalid Lagoon, home to shops of gold and silver, while the other faces King Faisal Street, famous for its textiles and Persian rugs. Occupying roughly 80,000 square meters and housing approximately 600 stores over two floors, the Souq is a hub for both tourists and locals. Its wide variety of stores, particularly those selling gold, silver, and Persian rugs, draws in visitors from around the world, creating a blend of cultures and interests. The Central Souq also graces the five-dirham note.
