Of course. Sharjah has a rich cultural heritage, and traditional crafts like mirror work are an important part of it. Finding a dedicated “handcrafted mirror workshop” might be a specific search, but you will find the art form alive and well in several key places.

Here’s a guide to finding and experiencing handcrafted mirrors in Sharjah:

1. The Best Bet: Sharjah Heritage Area & Arts Area (Heart of Sharjah)

This is your primary destination. The restored historical area is a living museum and the hub for traditional Emirati and Islamic crafts.

• What to expect: You won’t necessarily find a large, signposted “mirror workshop.” Instead, you will find small artisan studios and shops where craftsmen (often from families who have practiced for generations) work on various decorative items, including handcrafted mirrors.

• The Craft: The mirrors you’ll find here are typically not just plain glass. They are often:

  • Part of larger wooden pieces (e.g., decorative boxes, furniture doors with mirror inlays).

  • Embellished with intricate designs using techniques like engraving, sandblasting, or hand-painting with Islamic geometric or floral patterns.

  • Incorporated into traditional “Sadou” (woven) or embroidered pieces as decorative elements.

• Key Locations to Visit:

  • Al Arsah Souq: One of the oldest souqs in the UAE. Wander through its alleys and you will find small shops selling antiques, crafts, and sometimes mirrors.

  • Souq Al Shanasiyah: Another traditional market in the heritage area with artisan shops.

  • Bait Al Naboodah & Bait Al Nomas: These are historical homes that often showcase traditional lifestyles and sometimes have craft demonstrations.

How to Find the Craftsmen: Walk slowly, peek into open doorways, and don’t be afraid to ask shopkeepers. You might see a craftsman sitting in the back of a shop, working on a piece. You can ask them directly if they make or know where to find handcrafted mirrors.

2. Sharjah Old Souq (Blue Souq / Central Market)

While known more for gold, jewelry, carpets, and souvenirs, the Blue Souq is another place to look.

• What to expect: Here, you are more likely to find retail shops selling finished products rather than seeing the workshop in action. Many shops on the upper levels sell beautiful Persian and Oriental handicrafts, which can include decorative mirrors with hand-worked frames (e.g., carved wood, metal inlay).

• Tip: Be prepared to browse and negotiate. Explain that you are looking for something handcrafted and unique, not mass-produced.

3. Annual Events and Festivals

Timing your visit with a major cultural event can be a fantastic way to see multiple artisans in one place.

• Sharjah Heritage Days: This is a must-attend event (usually held in spring). It features dozens of workshops and live demonstrations from Emirati and international craftspeople. You will almost certainly find artisans working on and selling handcrafted decorative items, including mirrors.

• Xposure International Photography Festival: While focused on photography, it celebrates all visual arts and sometimes features related crafts.

4. Modern Interpretations & Custom Work

If you are looking for a more contemporary or custom-made handcrafted mirror, your search might expand:

• Interior Design Stores: Check upscale home decor and furniture stores in areas like Al Qasba or Al Majaz. They may work with local or regional artisans and could commission a piece for you.

• Online Platforms: Instagram and Facebook are powerful tools. Search for hashtags like #SharjahArtisans, #UAEHandmade, #IslamicArt, or #ArabicCalligraphyArt. Many modern craftspeople use social media to showcase their work and take commissions.

Key Tips for Your Search:

• Use the Right Terminology: While everyone understands “mirror,” describing what you want helps. Phrases like “Arabic design mirror,” “engraved mirror,” or “traditional Islamic mirror” can be useful.

• Be Patient and Explore: The joy is in the discovery. The workshops are often small, hidden, and not aggressively advertised.

• Ask for a Demonstration: If you see a craftsman at work, politely ask if you can watch. They are often proud of their skills and happy to share them with interested visitors.

• Consider a Tour: Joining a guided cultural tour of the Heritage Area can provide context and direct you to artisans you might otherwise miss.

In summary, your best chance to see handcrafted mirrors being made is to explore the shops and studios in the Sharjah Heritage Area (Heart of Sharjah). For a wider selection of finished goods, the Blue Souq is also a good option.

Address for your GPS:
Heart of Sharjah / Sharjah Heritage Area: Opposite the Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn), near the Khalid Lagoon.
Sharjah Old Souq (Blue Souq): King Faisal Street, Al Majara, Sharjah.