7 places
Foster + Partners' modern take on a souk sits on the site of the old Central Market, with carved timber lanes and oud and spice stalls.
A modern souk on the canal facing the Grand Mosque, with waterside terraces for dinner after browsing.
104 fresh-fish stalls under one roof, with cleaning stations and restaurants that will cook what you just bought.
Sharjah's fish, meat and produce market, where the day's catch is auctioned from about 6am.
Buy fish straight off the boats, about 70% from UAE waters, have it cleaned on the spot and grilled in the same building.
Over 600 shops on two floors, with carpets, kilims and handwoven textiles upstairs and Bedouin silver and gold along the lagoon side.
One of the oldest souks in the country, covered and air-conditioned, with copper coffee pots, pearl chests, oud and a halwa shop.