"Bastah" Welcomes Visitors with Authentic Bazaar Experiences at the Heart of Sharjah

Heart of Sharjah, the largest historical preservation and restoration project in the region, organised the first day of the “Bastah” market on Saturday December 3rd 2016 at its Souq Al Shanasiyah, featuring a selection of speciality goods, authentic local cuisine and traditional handicrafts to large sums of visitors and tourists in Sharjah.

Designed to be a recreation of the traditional weekly bazaars of Emirati heritage, the "Bastah" will be taking place every Saturday from November 3rd December 2016 until January 7th, 2017 from 9:00am until 3:00pm. The unique shopping event hosted a range of musical and cultural performances, with many more activities scheduled to take place in the next coming Saturdays such as authentic recreational experiences as well as other entertainment performances.

The "Bastah" pays homage to the traditional and historical culture of the preserved destination, mixed with modern shopping stalls, entertainment activities and recreational facilities reflecting one of the most distinctive lifestyles and tourism experiences in the UAE.

Attracting a diverse set of local visitors, residents and tourists across the UAE, the authentic bazaar offers the opportunity to indulge in a unique set of goods, products and services, through a number of kiosks installed for the five-week long activity. The bazaar will be held alongside the established Souq Al Shanasiyah shops, which are renowned for displaying authentic Emirati goods, such as traditional clothing, perfumes and handicrafts.

The "Bastah" was designed to enable visitors to enjoy a range of traditional Emirati goods and products that highlight the national identity and rich heritage of the UAE and the GCC region. We chose Souq Al Shanasiyah as the site of the market because of its traditional ambience, vitality and array of facilities. Located in an easily accessible area in Sharjah, it attracts a heavy footfall of tourists, especially in the cooler winter months,” said Yousif Al Mutawa, Heart of Sharjah Manager.

Scheduled for completion in 2025, Heart of Sharjah is situated in the old Sharjah district just five minutes from the city's corniche and 10 minutes from Sharjah International Airport. The destination is one of the largest heritage and tourist projects being undertaken by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) and once complete will feature diverse commercial, cultural and residential developments. Included in its site are a five-star hotel, restaurants, retail outlets, art galleries, traditional and contemporary market places, archaeological sites, museums, play areas and commercial offices.

Heart of Sharjah aims to renovate the city’s traditional area and houses to reflect its 1950s style, creating a tourist and trade destination with contemporary artistic touches that retain the identity of Sharjah from over a half century ago. Souq Al Shanasiyah is one of the region’s oldest and most vibrant souqs that attracts residents and tourists alike, educating them about Sharjah’s heritage and its unique commercial, social and cultural history.