Crafts, curios and carpets

Sharjah is home to some of the best museums and galleries in the region, and the emirate has been a beacon of knowledge and culture. It also has some of the most impressive traditional souqs. While malls are springing up everywhere, the souq survives as an important commercial outlet. The Central Souq (also known as the Blue Souq) is among the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Built in observance of Islamic principles, the walls of the building’s entrance have vine designs, engraved, arch-topped windows and elaborate bluetiled decorations. From carpets to jewellery and antiques to oud, the 600 shops at the souq have everything for every one. The National’s photographers Antonie Robertson and Reem Mohammed take us on a pictorial tour of the Blue Souq.