If you are looking for an exotic place to visit in Singapore, Arab street should undoubtedly come to mind. It is a place where youths and young adults would gather for its unique assortment of shops and be enticed by the various Middle Eastern dishes. But is that all there is to the tiny street? In this post, we bring you through Arab Street and show you what are the six top things you could find or do here.


1. Singapore's National Mosque
- by Khairee


Facade of Masjid Sultan - by Nerissa Tan

Whilst strolling down the lanes of Arab Street, the Masjid Sultan, also known as Sultan Mosque, will not be able to escape your eyes. As the most prominent and iconic landmark in Arab Street, Masjid Sultan is also an important focal point for Muslims in Singapore even way back when it was first opened in 1824.

Back then, Muslim pilgrims from various ethnicities would gather at Masjid Sultan before heading to board ships bound for Arab Saudi to perform their hajj. (This was before aeroplanes became the common mode of transportation for travelling overseas.)

Irish architect Denis Santry of Swan and Maclaren designed the present building. Masjid Sultan was designed with an Indo-Saracenic style, with distinctive domes, minarets and balustrades. The mosque was completed in 1928 after four years of construction.

When at Arab Street, I urge you to consider visiting Masjid Sultan. Although access into the Main Prayer Hall is not allowed, visitors are still able to soak in the enthralling views of the mosque’s interior.

Do provide special attention to its architecture that has charmed countless tourists and locals alike as well as the intricate designs on the pillars and walls.

Visitors to the mosque are required to dress appropriately although robes and headscarves are available at the counter for the ladies. Ask for a tour as the guides provide excellent explanations of the mosque. Lastly, remember that photo taking is allowed so snap lots of pictures both during the day and at night when Masjid Sultan is basked in lovely lights!

Masjid Sultan
3 Muscat Street
Singapore 198833
Website: http://www.sultanmosque.org.sg

Operating Hours:
Mon - Sun : 9.30 am to 12.00 pm / 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm
Fri : 2.30 pm to 4.00 pm
*Visiting hour ends at 4.00 pm everyday



2. A Quirky Bookstore
- by Cheryl Piay


Front view of Wardah Books - by Cheryl Piay
Amidst the buzz and chatter of Arab Street, one would not expect to find a quaint little bookstore, Wardah Books - an independent bookstore specialized in Sufism and Islamic philosophy.

If you do not look close enough, you might just miss the store as you walk past it. Wardah Books’s minimalistic interior design will give your eyes a break from the colourful and fancy stores in Haji Lane. Wardah Books is small, and a dictionary meaning of “wardah” can be seen on the white, pristine doors of the store.

Be gentle when you push open their doors, or you may find yourself embarrassed for disrupting the tranquil environment of the store. The air conditioning is definitely welcoming, in Singapore’s humid weather.

Wardah Books may seem like just any other bookstore from the outside, but only Islamic books translated to English are sold here. Despite a limited space, Wardah Books carry a plethora of books, ranging from children’s books to Prophetic sirah and translations of the Qur’an; from history to the latest nasyeed.


Interior of Wardah Books - by Cheryl Piay

Non-Islam practitioners may not be interested, but give Wardah Books a chance; you might just find something new. It is always interesting to learn something new, isn’t it? Learning about another religion, will broaden your perspectives.

If you are in dire need to purchase a notebook or a year planner and you happen to be in the area, Wardah Books may just be the solution to your problem too! You can choose from the classic Moleskine notebooks, or something girly from the Cath Kidston series.

If you happen to be around Arab Street and have no plans, visit Wardah Books. You might just find something you like.

Wardah Books
58 Bussorah Street
Singapore 199474

Operating Hours:
Mon - Sat : 10.00 am to 9.00 pm
Sun and PH : 10.00 am to 6.00 pm



3. Something Traditional
- by Nur Amirah

Shawls are a latest trend with the women in Singapore and also of those in other countries. Along Arab Street you can find a lot of stalls selling beautiful shawls at affordable prices.

Though I am not one to wear shawls as I find them quite complicated, I can’t help but admire the beauty and the quality of the fabric. One of the stalls, Silk Studio boasts a wide range of shawls of different materials and designs. From the top-notch quality of a cashmere shawl to a simple and affordable cotton or linen type of shawl, you name it they probably have it.


Various types of shawls available - by Nerissa Tan

Prices range from a mere $10 to a whopping $169 for a piece of shawl. However, I kid you not when I say that the quality and beauty of the fabric is definitely something that you would want in your wardrobe.

Silk Studio in Arab Street has been around for about 10 years. They are a small company with outlets located at Arab Street, Bussorah Street as well as at North Bridge Road. Manned by two people, the shop has had its ups and downs due to the rising number of shops selling similar merchandises.

As said by Mdm Suriah, an employee, “It is quite a tough competition as every stall are unique however we have support from local Singaporeans as well as tourists who would buy our merchandises as souvenirs or gifts for their family.”


Some accessories to go with shawls - by Nerissa Tan

To the men and women out there, if you ever need a gift for a loved one, do drop by Silk Studio to find the perfect present. You would be spoiled for choice and find the perfect piece that suits your taste.

Silk Studio
37 Bussorah Street
Singapore 199455
Tel: +65 6296 3912



4. Oil-based Perfumes
- by Nerissa Tan


Handmade bottle from Egypt - by Nerissa Tan

The pretty, glass perfume bottles stood on the shelves. Drawn towards them, I walked closer, only to be overwhelmed by the mixtures of scents that came from the shop. Sitting at a corner of Arab Street, Jamal Kazura Aromatics specialises in oil-based perfumes that is sold to Muslim women. As their religion forbids the usage of products that have high percentage of alcohol, Muslims tend to use scented oils to perfume themselves so that they will not go against the teachings of the Qur'an.

Opened in 1933, Jamal Kazura Aromatics is one of the few shops recognised for the creation of various scents. With handmade bottles imported from Egypt, prices range from SGD15 per bottle to well over SGD100 or more. As the scents are oil-based, they tend to be stronger than your usual Eau de Parfum or Eau de Toilette. The scents are also prone to last longer as compared to the two. Thus, the smallest bottle could last up to two months even with everyday usage. This makes it favourable for those who have to run about the entire day but still wish to smell fresh and good.

If you prefer a scent that is unique to only you, Jamal Kazura Aromatics' shop hands are more than happy to offer their expertise. Ashiq, who works at Jamal Kazura Aromatics’, has more than six years of experience. With one whiff of the scent, he can immediately tell you its name and its origins. Therefore, you can be rest assured, you will be well taken care of.

So, if you’re looking for a new scent to try, why not check out this fragrance shop that’s tucked away in Arab Street? Maybe you will find a hidden gem of your own.

Jamal Kazura Aromatics
21 Bussorah Street
Singapore 199439
Tel: +65 6293 3320



5. Unique & Handmade Home Décor
- by Mae Chu

Textiles and home décor are one of the main attractions of Arab Street. As I walked by the lined up textile shops, I was spoiled for choice by the abundance and variety of textiles. Sarvan's Carpets was one of the many.


Collection of carpets at Sarvan's Carpets - by Mae Chu

With quality-imported textiles made in Iran and India, SARVAN’S CARPETS mainly catered to locals interested in traditional home décor. Machine made rugs are affordably priced at $30-$60 dollars whereas the handmade carpets are much more pricey.

Mohammad Avaki, the cousin of the shop owner, said, “The carpets range from $900 to $8000. It’s a big difference in price because of the quality. The carpets costing $8000 are made of wool and silk with very intricate designs.”

Besides the textile shops, what caught my eye was a shop selling vases and other home décor. DR.MOSAIC.


Handmade home décor - by Mae Chu

Being the first company to sell handmade mosaic home décor, the items are well received by locals, especially the vases and coasters. Items are all custom made, whereby customers can choose the color and pattern of the mosaic for their product. The items in the store are mainly for reference and for customers to gather inspiration on how they want their product to be.

Muhd Zain, the owner of DR.MOSAIC said, “It would take a month for the bigger items to be made. For the smaller items, 2 to 3 weeks will do.”

He also added that the items in the shop were “self-designed”, and one would be unable to find the items elsewhere.

Sarvan’s Carpets
49 Arab Street
Singapore 199746
Tel: +65 6396 6489
E-mail: serapicarpets@yahoo.com.sg

DR. MOSAIC
32 Bussorah Street
Singapore 199450
Tel: +65 62912918
E-mail: whitecatinc.sg@gmail.com



6. Sweet-smelling Shisha
- by Shermaine Ng
Along the many lanes in Arab Street, I found myself drawn to a little place called Sufi's Corner that was decorated with blue tiles. I don't know what exactly drew me over, but I do know that the little corner has many things to offer, ranging from Turkish Food, to handicrafts, as well as Shisha (water pipe smoking).


Cozy corner at Sufi's - by Bookjunkie
Located on the corner of spirited Arab Street, SUFI'S allows their patrons to have one of the better experiences on a chill night out, watching the world go by from dusk till dawn.

As I wandered around, a nice employee, Al, who has been working at SUFI'S for about a year and a half, talked me through smoking shisha. Shisha is known as water pipe smoking, where smoke is cooled by passing through water in an oriental tobacco pipe, connected to a long flexible tube.


Shisha pots at the side of the shops - by Nerissa Tan

With more than 50 tobacco flavours to choose from, SUFI'S manage to round up at least 150 customers on weekdays, and 250 on weekends. Most of their regular customers go for flavours such as grape, double apple, orange and pineapple. The more adventurous might prefer to mix around with combination flavours like grape and apple, as well as orange and mint.

I remember Al mentioning that one pot of Shisha costs $18, and can last up to an hour or more. If you prefer having a slow night, compared to banging music at clubs, be sure to gather a group of 4 and try out Shisha at Arab Street.

Sufi’s Corner
48 Arab Street
Singapore 199747

Operating Hours:
Mon - Fri : 2.00 pm to 12.00 midnight
Sat, Sun and PH : 2.00 pm to 3.00 am


With so much to do and see in Arab Street, you will never be bored. It is no wonder Singapore is culturally rich. With so much to do in a street alone, we can't help but wonder what other hidden gems can be found in other parts of Singapore. So the next time you're feeling bored about living in Singapore, how about taking a trip down to Arab Street where a whole new level of fun awaits.

Labels: 6 Things You Can Expect in Arab Street, Amirah, Cheryl Piay, Khairi, Lifestyle, Mae Chu, Nerissa Tan, Shermaine Ng, Travel