OTHER ATTRACTIONS
When in Ajman, hop over to Souq Al Saleh (Embroidery Souq), directly opposite Ajman Museum, and shop for traditional tailoring materials for women and children in this recently refurbished atmospheric Arabian market. Sunlight filters in through its palm-frond roof supported by timber beams, creating intricate patterns on the coral stone floor. It is the oldest textile market in the GCC, and houses around 200 shops and features everything from gold and silver-embroidered Moroccan kaftans and jalabiyas to crystal encrusted hijabs and shaylas.
At Saleh Abdullah Embroidery, we watch as Naved from Pakistan carefully and slowly runs a warm iron over a gold-sequinned yoke he has just embroidered to smooth out the wrinkles. Dress materials in every hue are on display here while mannequins showcase a variety of patterns ranging from simplistic designs to the more ornate and elaborate gowns that celebrate the Arabian aesthetic. ‘It takes two to three days to complete one dress,’ says Naved, who has been in the embroidery trade for 13 years now. ‘Our clients are mainly UAE nationals and those from the neighbouring GCC countries. While earlier, printed material was the preferred choice, ladies today prefer plain materials in silk, crepe and satin that are embellished with heavy gold and silver embroidery.’
At the far end of the souq is Al Eatimad Tailoring that specialises in accessories for the garments. Metallic yarns in various hues of gold and silver and hand-knotted Moroccan buttons in an array of sizes and colours are also available, says Naimatullah from Afghanistan, who manages the store. Satin and chiffon from Indonesia and China too are available.
Souq Al Saleh is open from 9am to 1pm and 5pm to 11pm
A short distance away, near the Creek is the bustling Fish Market where you can watch fishing boats unload fresh catch on to rows of auction tables. A lively auction takes place every day at 6am, 5pm and 6pm. There are around 200 fish stalls in the market where you can haggle on prices and get your fish filleted. Take it to the adjoining restaurants where it will be coated with spices and grilled/cooked to your taste. The Ajman Fish Market is open from 5am to 10pm.