One of the most famous shopping destinations in the 1980s was the Souq Al Majarrah, as visitors were keen to admire its extravagant architectural designs.
Having been built in 1987, it quickly turned out to become a popular landmark for both the people of Sharjah and tourists.
The building also became the second souq in Sharjah to use traditional-Islamic design - the first being the Central Souq that was built in 1977.
After standing for more than 20 years in Sharjah the building of Souq Al Majarrah still proudly stands, although it is not a home for shops anymore. In 2008, the building was renovated and reopened as the Museum of Islamic Civilisation.
The Islamic museum has now become the 20th museum in the emirate and aims to reach the interest of people of different ages and interests, according to Aisha Deemas, curator of the Museum of Islamic Civilisation.
The Sharjah Heritage Museum is a combination of several museums and includes the Souq Al Arsah and Bait Al Naboudah, all located at the Heritage Area in Al Shuwaihean.
Bait Al Naboudah is a two-storey family house, built around a shaded courtyard, is dedicated to a reconstruction of a family life long ago. The various rooms have displays of traditional furniture and household items as well as children's games, jewellery and costumes.
Visitors can see handcrafted works of art and objects that date back to a time when people relied solely on fishing and pearling. One can also see old coins, the early postal system, herbal medicines and musical instruments.
