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Sharjah's Muwailih Commercial area: An Instagram paradise for the hipster in you

Sharjah - Situated in between Sharjah Industrial Area 13 and University City, the commercial district is a sight to behold after the Maghrib prayers.

Is the Muwailih Commercial area going to be Sharjah's next big hipster spot? Possibly.
Tucked behind Sharjah's school district, the Muwailih Commercial area is inconspicuous and dusty-looking at first sight. With constructions going on to develop the road infrastructure, many drivers usually avoid the area as traffic disruptions are expected.
However, once you drive right into the district after the Adnoc petrol station - with Saif Zone on your left - you will be greeted with rows of up-market and hipster eateries, sweets shops, boutique salons, flower shops, art studios, and much more.
Situated in between Sharjah Industrial Area 13 and University City, the commercial district is a sight to behold after the Maghrib prayers.
There are over 100 small boutique stores for one's every need, especially restaurants and cafes serving different cuisines. Most shops are lined with outdoor seats and decorated with twinkling fairy lights and colourful artworks.
Families and university students drive into the district for chai, club sandwiches, and macaroons. Many are often seen seated on the rows of benches outside the restaurants, on the main street facing the highway towards University City.
Young students, millennials and professionals would usually arrive at the district in cars, parked outside their favourite eateries, as waiters rush to serve them food and snacks
Drastic transformation
Mohammed Afreen, a 21-year-old grocery delivery boy, said: "I've been working here for  four months now. It does get crowded at night. People from all nationalities spend time here.
 "Young Arabs, Indians and Pakistanis arrive in expensive cars to buy tea, snacks, burgers, desserts, etc. They socialise late into the evening with their friends and families."
Long-time residents of the district would say that the area has evolved considerably over the past six to seven years.
Salam Marahouse, a proprietor, said: "The area has been transformed over the past few years. Since it is so close to the University City, many of the outlets cater to the youth. So, they are attractively laid out. However, there have been no changes to the real estate prices in the area. Rents have even dropped."
A florist in the area, Hussain Al Homeidi, a Syrian national, said his brother Ahmed launched the flower store four years ago.
"The store is profitable as it is very popular among young people. We sell unique and rare flowers, including roses from Holland," said Hussain. Bouquets are priced at Dh100 to Dh1,000, including a delicate selection of rare white orchids.
Must know
1-A sight to behold
Situated between Sharjah Industrial Area 13 and University City, the commercial district is a sight to behold after the Maghrib prayers. There are easily over 100 small boutique stores in the district and most shops sparkle with fairy lights and colourful artworks. Benches also line the vicinity, perfect for family and friends who would like to spend some quality time.
2-Foodies' favourite
One of the most popular restaurants in the area, especially for food bloggers, is Pepper Fig Desserts. It serves chocolate mousse cake and berry sorbet that can rake up several 1,000 likes on social media, said visitor Shifana. Other popular outlets are - August Snow, World of Wrapping, Race Café, Bresso, Sayed Al Shay, Alath Shi, Bresso, plus a section for organic foods.
3-A park would be perfect
The only thing missing in the district is a park, said parent and resident of six years Shabrina Arooz. To entertain her little ones, the Sri Lankan mum brings her kids to the seating area outside a large mosque in the heart of the district. "This is the only open area my kids can play," she said. During the summer season,  they go to the area after the sun sets.
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com