Blue Souk
I discovered the Blue Souk when I lived in Dubai. It was located about 45 minutes from my villa in the neighboring Emirate called Sharjah. The traffic was always a problem so the trip usually took much longer, but I started early in the day which helped beat the mad rush.
The word souk refers to an old world style market and this one was huge! There were many souks around Dubai I enjoyed visiting. Some of my favorites were the gold, camel, garden, spice, and fabric souks. The Blue Souk in Sharjah was a bit of a trip, but worth the effort. It was similar to a mall rather then the usual cluster of individual shops. Like most souks they closed for several hours in the afternoon for a long lunch. I usually did my shopping early to avoid the crowds, but the souks magically came to life in the evening. That is when the locals ventured out wearing their abayas and dishdashas and flashing their 24 carat gold jewelry.
When I started on this great adventure I didn't expect I would practice interior design here. However, when the opportunities came my way I took advantage of them. I often had to go off the beaten path to find what I needed. It was quite a learning experience and often felt a bit like a scavenger hunt!
This part of the world tends to be a night society, because of the oppressive heat and humidity during many months of the year. It was only recently that air-conditioning was made widely available, so the custom is still deeply ingrained. It was strange seeing small children playing outside late at night, but that is the local way. It also seemed odd that restaurants didn't get busy until after 10:00 pm, and you were never hurried. At the end of the evening you had to ask for the bill.
Here is a map of the region, so you can get a feel for the area. I'd never heard of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) before moving to Dubai, but it turned out to be a wonderful experience.
Dubai is western friendly and comfortable for an American to visit and live there. It's very different in many ways and took some getting used to, but I loved living in Dubai. Sharjah is a different Emirate and is more conservative. I found it difficult to drive in Sharjah because the signs were mostly in Arabic, and I spent a majority of my time being lost. Yes, I could drive, and I did not have to wear a veil!
During my time living in Dubai the newspaper announced Sharjah was implementing a Decency Law, which anyone visiting had to follow. If you’re interested you can read about the Decency Law HERE. Basically, I respected the country I was a guest in so I dressed modestly anyway.
Once you arrive at the Blue Souk you're in for a rare treat! It's jam packed with everything imaginable under the sun from this region of the world. The prices are negotiable and bargaining is considered normal and is expected. I was very good at this since I was already a garage sale connoisseur!I had several good bargaining phrases I used including these:
I'm your lucky first customer so you must give me your very best price!
I'm not a tourist, I live here so give me best pricing!
I can bring my friends if you give me your best price!
Rosewood is beautiful, and there are different qualities and varieties. Indian Rosewood is commonly imported into this region as furniture. If it's not treated properly it will dry out and split, which causes major problems. I was fortunate to find a place that carried excellent raw rosewood pieces, which could be custom stained. I bought a beautiful fully carved Pakistan screen that weighs a ton. I made the deal with the shop owner and picked out the stain. A week later I returned to check the color, and the man I dealt with looked at me puzzled like he never met me before. It was very odd until his twin brother poked his head out of the office and warmly greeted me in English!
I loved these graceful Arabic coffee pots, and bought myself one which I keep in my home office. The coffee pot is a sign of hospitality in the Arab world similar to the pineapple motif found in New England.
The Blue Souk has a wonderful store called Sheba where you can purchase a Persian Carpet in style. It's quite an adventure and you are treated royally. The carpets are laid out in front of you, and if they don't have a suitable one in the store they send a runner to their storeroom for more! I bought several carpets during my time in Dubai from a variety of sources, but the carpet traders at the Blue Souk were my favorite. When my sister came to visit from the States, I took her here, and she said it was one of the biggest thrills of her life. She really got a kick out of the ceremony around purchasing a carpet. When you are ready to leave, they carry your carpet on their head wearing their long gowns to your vehicle, along with your other packages. It is quite a sight to see!
Purchasing a carpet is considered a big event and you're given a comfortable place to sit and offered drinks served on a tray while you select your purchase. It would be considered rude if you did not accept this gracious hospitality. When you have had your fill of coffee you shake your cup to signal you are finished.
Arabian Market by artist, Beena Samuel
Purchasing a carpet is considered a big event and you're given a comfortable place to sit and offered drinks served on a tray while you select your purchase. It would be considered rude if you did not accept this gracious hospitality. When you have had your fill of coffee you shake your cup to signal you are finished.
Arabian Market by artist, Beena Samuel 
This is yours truly, standing in the courtyard of a historical villa near the Blue Souk. How ironic that the women who used to live here rarely ventured beyond the high walls to go shopping. Goods and services were brought to them, because they lived a cloistered existence.
