Arab Street overview

Known also as Kampong Glam, Arab St is the main thoroughfare of the traditional Arab trader settlements of Singapore. Most of the Muslim community and Malay royalty that founded the district relocated after the arrival of Stamford Raffles, whose city planning did little to promote Arab residential development. A fascinating district with gorgeous street front shophouses which lie calmly just blocks from the frenzied Bugis Junction, the area is also home to the magnificent Sultan Mosque – the undisputed highlight of the suburb. Arab St sits just south of Little India and is known these days as more of a silk and fabric emporium. Blissfully quiet in the early morning, Arab St turns into a lively and colourful shop and stroll destination offering everything from Swarovski crystal to Turkish carpets. Baghdad St features dozens of restaurants where the sheesha pipe frequently takes pride of place.