Why Sharjah is where the UAE buys Persian carpets
The Central Souq has been the carpet market of the northern Emirates since it opened in 1978. Iranian traders settled here because the port and the Iranian community are minutes away, and that is still why the selection is deeper and the prices lower than in Dubai malls. The upper floor of the souq is almost entirely carpets, and Al Malakia holds four shops on it. Everything on the floor is hand-knotted. You can turn a piece over, count the knots, and ask where it was woven; most of our stock comes from families in Qum, Tabriz, Isfahan, Nain and Kashan that we visit in person.
Finding the showroom
By car
Set your navigation to Central Souq (Blue Souk), King Faisal Road, next to Khalid Lagoon. There is paid municipality parking all around the building. Take the escalator to the upper floor and look for shops 45 to 48 in Block 3.
By taxi
Every driver in Sharjah knows the Blue Souk. From Al Majaz, Al Qasba or the Sharjah bus station it is a ride of under 10 minutes.
From Dubai or Abu Dhabi
We send a private car to your hotel or home at no charge. Book on WhatsApp and a driver is usually with you within 45 minutes.
What a visit looks like
No pressure
Sit with a coffee while we unroll pieces. Most visitors spend an hour; some spend an afternoon. Browsing is welcome.
See the reverse
We show you the back of every carpet so you can see the knots and understand why two pieces of the same size can differ in price by ten times.
Certificate with every piece
Each carpet leaves with a written certificate of origin, material and knot density, and free delivery anywhere in the UAE.
Browse before you visit
Questions we hear from Sharjah visitors
Where exactly is Al Malakia in the Central Souq?
We are on the upper floor of the Central Souq (Blue Souk) on King Faisal Road, Block 3, shops 45 to 48. Ask any shopkeeper for Al Malakia if you lose your way.
What are your opening hours?
Saturday to Thursday 10am to 10pm, and Friday 2pm to 10pm. If you are travelling from far, message us on WhatsApp and we will make sure someone is there to receive you.
Is parking available at the Blue Souk?
Yes. Paid municipality parking surrounds the building; pay at the meter or through the Sharjah parking app. Weekday mornings are the quietest; Friday and Saturday evenings are busiest.
Can I pay by card?
Yes. We accept cash and major cards, and we can arrange international bank transfer for larger pieces.
Do you offer carpet cleaning and repair in Sharjah?
Yes. We offer specialist cleaning and restoration for hand-knotted Persian carpets, whether or not the piece was bought from us. Bring the carpet in or ask us to collect it.
Are prices negotiable?
Yes. Negotiation is part of buying a Persian carpet and we expect it. What we do not do is inflate the first price to leave room for it.
Visit us in Sharjah
Central Souq, Block 3, shops 45 to 48, King Faisal Road. Open daily. Call ahead if you want a specific piece ready to view.