Sharjah Ruler Orders Revival of Khorfakkan Historic Souq Sharq as Craftsmen's Houses

Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi has directed a full restoration and expansion of the historic market, turning it into a dedicated hub for artisans on the UAE's east coast.

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has directed the Sharjah Institute for Heritage to expand, restore, and revive the historic Souq Sharq in the eastern coastal city of Khorfakkan, transforming the old market into a dedicated cultural destination to be known as "Craftsmen's Houses."

A Dedicated Home for Traditional Crafts

Under the directive, the redeveloped market will serve as a hub for artisans specializing in traditional handicrafts and heritage skills. The plan includes workshops and live demonstrations, giving residents and visitors the chance to directly engage with and learn about traditional Emirati crafts rather than simply viewing finished work.

Officials say the project is designed to preserve Emirati heritage while giving working artisans a sustainable platform to practice their trade and pass their skills on to younger generations — part of a broader effort to keep traditional craftsmanship alive as a living practice rather than a museum display.

Anchoring Khorfakkan's Waterfront

Positioned near Khorfakkan Beach, the revitalized heritage hub is expected to enrich the city's waterfront setting and strengthen its standing as a cultural and tourism destination along the UAE's east coast, an area increasingly positioned as a counterpoint to the more urban tourism draws of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The project is part of Sharjah's broader strategy of safeguarding cultural heritage and weaving it into everyday community life and sustainable tourism development — an approach that has previously earned the emirate recognitions such as UNESCO World Book Capital and Islamic Culture Capital.

Part of a Wider Push in Khorfakkan

The Craftsmen's Houses initiative follows recent comments from Sheikh Dr. Sultan highlighting Khorfakkan's potential for further development, including plans for a protected coastal reserve along Al Qalqali Beach and continued investment in local infrastructure. The Ruler has repeatedly emphasized preserving the city's distinctive black mountain landscapes alongside new development, aiming to balance environmental conservation with growth in tourism and community services.

What Comes Next

No formal completion date has been announced for the Souq Sharq redevelopment. The Sharjah Institute for Heritage is expected to oversee the restoration and expansion work, with the project positioned as part of the emirate's continued push to blend heritage preservation with modern cultural tourism infrastructure.