Tucked away in the heart of Ajman, Souk Al Hosn, often referred to as the Fort Market, offers an insight into the UAE’s traditional market life. Surrounded by old fort walls, this traditional souk invites visitors to step back in time and experience the essence of Emirati heritage.
Fort Market has sand-colored walls and shaded walkways. The air is filled with the scent of oud and spices. It promises a memorable day for its visitors. This guide provides an overview of what to expect during your visit, the kind of goods available, and tips for making the most of your trip.
- Fort Market – Overview
- Location
- How to Get There
- Architecture and Design
- What to Expect at Fort Market
- Nearby Restaurants
- Nearby Attractions
- Best Time to Visit
- Visitor Tips
- FAQs
Fort Market – Overview
Ajman, the smallest emirate in the UAE, is often overshadowed by its larger neighbours. Yet, it preserves pockets of history that offer an authentic glimpse into Emirati culture. One such place is Fort Market.
Surrounded by the fort of old times, the market offers visitors an opportunity to experience traditional Emirati craftsmanship, trade practices, and architecture. The stage is set with stalls of traditional jewellery, rich spices, ouds, and handmade crafts waiting to be explored.
Whether you’re a tourist passing through or someone living in Ajman, Fort Market offers an accessible way to connect with the city’s cultural roots. Its central location and traditional charm make it a favourite among residents and visitors alike.
Location
How to Get There
The Fort market is located in the centre of Ajman, at a short walk from the Ajman Museum. Visitors can reach the marketplace easily by car, taxi, or on foot. Parking is usually available nearby, although weekends and evenings can be busier.
Architecture and Design
Fort Market is not just a shopping destination but also has a rich history linked to it. The market is built around an old fort that was once used for local defence. The fort’s thick walls were constructed from coral stone and gypsum. Their design reflects traditional Gulf architecture, made to keep the interiors cool in high temperatures.
Although modest in size compared to other forts in the UAE, it stands as a reminder of Ajman’s heritage before modern development. Today, the area around the fort has evolved into a lively souk, where locals and tourists from around the world come to shop for the traditional goods of Ajman.
What to Expect at Fort Market
Fort Market makes for a traditional souvenir shopping experience. In comparison to bigger commercial souks, this one specialises in everyday items, not luxury goods. Here is what you can find at the market:
1. Traditional Emirati Garments
The souk sells a variety of local attire such as abayas, handwoven scarves, and both men’s and women’s kanduras. You’ll find a number of abaya shops in Ajman within Fort Market, where a wide selection of beautifully crafted abayas is available.
There are simple tailoring stalls at the market that allow for some garments to be adjusted so they may be more useful and comfortable to the customers. The available fabrics feature lightweight embroidery along with warm colour traditional patterns, congruent with the local climate.
2. Silver Jewellery and Accessories
Bedouin-inspired silver jewellery is available at many shops located toward the outskirts of the market. Detailed rings, bracelets, and necklaces are among other items that are often meticulously crafted. Such jewellery serves as an exquisite reminder of the vacation and an insight into local craftsmanship.
3. Spices and Fragrances
The market is abundantly filled with traditional scents such as bakhoor, oud and frankincense. Vendors have a variety of options from oud chips to herbal blends. Many of these products have been made through traditional techniques passed down through generations.
4. Food Scene
The food stalls at the market serve traditional Emirati cuisine. Here, visitors can also buy local snacks and sweets or visit nearby restaurants that serve seafood dishes or other Middle Eastern specialities.
5. Handicrafts and Home Goods
At the Fort Market, handicrafts play an important role in the collection of products. Tourists can also buy traditional coffee sets, decorative kettles, ceramic jugs, hand-woven baskets, carved wooden pieces, and even traditional coffee urns.
The market also features ornate swords, old-style lanterns, and other culturally inspired home goods, each reflecting the craftsmanship rooted in regional heritage. Bargaining is part of the experience here, with prices often varying based on the detail and artistry involved in each piece.
Beyond shopping, the market offers cultural experiences such as henna painting, camel rides, falcon shows, and hands-on workshops where visitors can learn more about local arts and traditions.
Nearby Restaurants
After exploring Souk Al Hosn, visitors can enjoy a variety of dining options nearby—ranging from authentic Emirati dishes to international flavours. Most of these restaurants are just a short drive or walk from the market, making them convenient stops for a post-shopping meal.
1. Viking Restaurant – 6 minutes walk away | Cuisine: European, Steakhouse
2. Curry Chatti Restaurant: 3 minutes drive away | Cuisine: South Indian, Kerala
3. Panoor Restaurant: 5 minutes drive away | Cuisine: Indian, South Indian, Indo-Chinese
4. Zorona Turkish & Lebanese Restaurant: 4 minutes drive away | Cuisine: Turkish, Lebanese
5. Al Kaif Restaurant: 20 minutes drive away | Cuisine: Arabic, Central European, Italian
Nearby Attractions
In addition to the market itself, the area around Fort Market features several attractions that showcase Ajman’s heritage and coastal beauty. Visitors looking to extend their trip can consider visiting:
- Ajman Museum – 5-minute walk away
- Saleh Souq – 5-minute walk away
- Ajman Beach 10-minute drive
- Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Ajman – 20-minute drive
- Ajman Corniche – 5-minute drive
Best Time to Visit
The souk operates throughout the day, but the best times to visit are usually:
- Morning (around 9:00 AM to noon)
- Late afternoon to early evening (04:00 PM to 7:00 PM)
On Fridays, shops open later in the afternoon, following the midday prayers.
Visitor Tips
- Bring cash, as many vendors prefer it for smaller purchases.
- Bargaining is common, but it should always be done respectfully.
- Take your time to explore and soak in the traditional atmosphere of the souk.
- Ask shopkeepers about their products, they’re often eager to share their stories.
FAQs
There is no entrance fee for Fort Market.
Many traditional goods and handicrafts are available at the Fort Market. Top items include traditional Emirati clothing, silver jewellery, spices and perfumes, and handmade crafts like woven baskets and pottery.
Fort Market allows an opportunity to experience the traditional Emirati way of life far from the commercial bustle of larger towns. The history is alive within the fort’s walls and in the market’s handcrafted goods, textiles, and spices. The Fort Market ties you to Ajman’s culture, whether you are buying souvenirs or just want to stroll around.
For a comprehensive shopping experience, consider visiting Ajman City Centre.
