Traditional Shopping |
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OLD SOUQ
Location: RAK City, it starts from the RAK National Museum and runs parallel to the Persian Gulf. Other part includes RAK Main Road north from the Pearl Roundabout. Open: mainly 8am–1pm, 4.30pm–11pm, Fri 9am-11am, 5pm–11pm
From the Al Hisn Fort, which is now the RAK National Museum, starts an area with small shops that offers a unique experience to its visitors. It is considered the oldest market in Ras Al Khaimah, although its location has shifted to slightly more to the west. Even though the bazaar has changed over the years, it is still a vivid and fascinating place. It is one of those rare place in the city where past and present are combined. Previously, the souq was a centre of life of the town. Numerous small shops together with wooden caravans composed the souq. Many merchandising goods were offered and variety of services provided. Doctors using traditional herbal medicine practiced in the area. Coffee shops not only offered warm beverages, they provided meeting places. Additionally, many crafts were practiced in the souq. The entire souq was divided into smaller areas that would sell only one type of merchandise.
Nowadays, the market consists of a cluster of more than 50 shops situated along a few streets. Unfortunately, the RAK Old Souq is becoming less popular due to the growth of new and modern shopping centres, and because of the relatively low-quality of products offered at the souq. The traditional items sold in this neighbourhood are often mixed with plastic toys, cheap clothes and other commodities. Nevertheless, the atmosphere of this distinctive place still attracts many tourists that are looking for a typical Arabic experience in the small shops and streets. Indeed, the chance to observe local people and the range of available products that represent Arabic lifestyle are definitively worth a visit.
It is one of the spots where spices, perfumes and gold are sold. You can purchase shisha for your own use or as a gift. You can also find traditional articles made out of date palm leaves. Crockery and household items such as coffee pots, baskets, food containers or food mats are offered here as well. There are also plenty of shops that sell the typical national dresses and clothes, both for women and men. Moreover, tailor-made clothing can be ordered at one of many tailor shops. In this area you will find many barber shops that still shave their clients with a razor; and henna salons, decorated with photos of henna designs, inviting women inside. Bargaining is common practice, so do not forget to negotiate your price before paying.
In the middle of the RAK Old Souq, the first modern shopping centre of Ras Al Khaimah, Al Waha Centre,was constructed. It offers traditional items, similar to those sold outside, and a generally pleasant shopping experience. Toilets can be found inside and the air conditioning system allows tired bargainers to cool down from the heat outside.
Al NAKHEEL SHOPPING AREA
Location: Shopping area in the neighbourhood of the Gulf Cinema. Open: mainly 8am–1pm, 4pm–11pm, Fri 9am-12pm, 5pm–11pm
Al Nakheel is an interesting district that will give you the impression that you have moved to another country, particularly to India or Pakistan. It is an Indian-Pakistani neighbourhood with shops, a cinema and restaurants set in a distinctive setting. Small bits and pieces, household items, food, traditional dresses, fabrics, spices and probably any imaginable product, which cannot be found elsewhere else in Ras Al Khaimah, is sold here. Additionally, many Indian restaurants attract residents from all over Ras Al Khaimah to try the tasty and colourful dishes.
Al MUAIREDH SOUQ
Location: a shopping area that runs parallel to Bin Majid St, on the right side if driving from the city centre. Open: mainly 8am-1pm, 4.30pm-11pm, Fri 9am-11am, 5pm-11pm
Al Muairedh Souq is one of the old;est shopping areas in Ras Al Khaimah. Similar in structure and atmosphere to the RAK Old Souq, and is very popular with the locals. Tourists and expatriate residents seldom visit this well hidden place, not because it is not worth it, but mainly because they do not seem to know about its existence. In the past, caravans with products were roaming around the souq, but they have been replaced with small shops. Many different kinds of goods and services can be found at this souq. You will find there perfumes, clothing, toys, household items, gold, tailors, beauty salons and more. You can negotiate the prices of chosen goods. There are also some cafeterias and small restaurants. Amongst the local people, this souq is appreciated also for its gold and diamonds.
VEGETABLE AND FRUIT MARKETS
Locations: I: Corniche Rd, near the bridge, Open: 6.30am-1am. On the other side of the bride, fruit and vegetable wholesalers place their stands. II: in the heart of Al Nakheel, near Gulf Cinema, Open: 6.30am–1am III: Al Maarid, near Al Maarid R/A, Open: 8am–11pm
A visit to a vegetable and fruit market in Ras Al Khaimah is a unique experience. Ras Al Khaimah has three main vegetable and fruit markets. The main market is by Corniche Road, visible from the bridge. Only recently the vendors have moved to a new, Arabic in style buildings. The Al Nakheel’s market is located in the heart of the busy Al Nakheel shopping area. The market in the district of Al Maarid is the smallest, but sometimes you will find local farmers selling their farm products there. The colours and variety of products will impress everyone. Fruit and vegetables are both imported and home-grown. Try local small bananas, lemons or sweet melons; they are absolutely delicious!
TIP: It is good to get to know a particular vendor to be sure of the best deal.
FISH MARKETS
Locations: In Ras Al Khaimah there are two fish markets. I. end of Corniche Rd, near HSBC Bank, Open: 7am-12pm II. Al Maarid, near Al Maarid R/A, Open: 2pm–10pm
Even though it is a smelly, wet and noisy place, a visit to the market is a worthwhile event and not to be missed by any visitor to Ras Al Khaimah. It offers the opportunity to buy and see a variety of colourful local fish and sea life. Sharks, huge tunas, hamours, barracudas, shrimps and crabs are just a few examples of the fish available. It also gives an excellent chance to witness a vibrant and interesting part of local life. In the mornings, fish is brought in from the boats, divided into wholesale and retail, and an interesting auction takes place in front of the fish market building. Buyers are bidding for the fish stocks, while the vigilant eyes of the boat owners (mostly local Arabs) are observing the whole business transactions. Next, retailers inside the building sell single pieces of fish. The best time to visit the market at Corniche Road is in the early hours of the morning. Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays are the busiest days. Be sure to get there early to have the best choice.
The Most Popular Types of Fish Hamour (grouper, similar to cod, it the most favourable local fish), king fish, hamra (red snapper), safi (comparable to sole), zubeidi (pomfret), jodar (tuna), cigalees (similar to crayfish), milkfish, barracuda, lobster, prawns, squids, crayfish and shark.
TIP: It is always advisable to ask around for prices at different stalls, though, the asking price is usually similar. Outside the main building, there is a station where your fish can be scaled and filleted at the price of around 5dhs. |
NOTE: The RAK Old Souq is often known as Kuwaiti Souq; the name comes from the Kuwaiti Hospital located in the neighbourhood.
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