Where to see traditional houses in Sharjah?

Sharjah, the cultural heart of the UAE, is a treasure trove for those keen to step back in time and witness the architectural elegance of traditional Emirati homes, offering a unique glimpse into a bygone era. We find that these meticulously preserved houses not only showcase historical building techniques but also provide intimate insights into the daily lives, customs, and social structures of past generations.

Bait Al Naboodah: A Pearl Merchant’s Grand Residence

Bait Al Naboodah stands as one of the finest examples of traditional Gulf architecture open to the public in Sharjah, offering an intimate look into the life of a prominent pearl merchant.

• Historical Significance: This magnificent house, built in 1845, was once the residence of Obaid bin Eisa Al Naboodah, a renowned pearl merchant who traded extensively with India and Africa. It serves as a tangible link to Sharjah’s rich pearling history, which was the backbone of its economy for centuries. The prosperity gained from pearling allowed families like the Al Naboodahs to build such grand homes.
• Architectural Features: The house is constructed primarily from coral stone and gypsum plaster, materials commonly used in coastal areas due to their availability and suitability for the climate. Its most striking feature is the presence of several barjeels, or wind towers, which were ingenious traditional air conditioning systems designed to funnel cool air into the house. As you walk through its courtyards and rooms, you can appreciate the intricate wooden carvings on doors and windows, and the clever layout designed for privacy and ventilation.
• Insights into Daily Life: Each room within Bait Al Naboodah is preserved to reflect its original function, featuring traditional furniture, household items, and personal belongings. You’ll see separate majlises for men and women, a spacious central courtyard, and designated areas for cooking and storage. Exhibits often include information about family traditions, social customs, and the role of women in the household, providing a deep understanding of Emirati domestic life in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Located in the Heart of Sharjah, Bait Al Naboodah is a pivotal stop for anyone exploring the emirate’s heritage. Its detailed preservation offers a profound sense of connection to the past. For current visiting hours, we advise checking the Sharjah Museums Authority website.

Sharjah Heritage Museum: A Home for Traditions

While not a single house, the Sharjah Heritage Museum is housed within a beautifully restored traditional building that itself exemplifies Emirati architecture and is dedicated to showcasing the broader aspects of local heritage.

• Traditional Building Style: The museum building reflects the characteristic features of old Sharjah homes, with its courtyards, wooden doors, and decorative elements that evoke a sense of authenticity. It’s an excellent example of how traditional architecture was adapted for public use while maintaining its historical integrity.
• Cultural Exhibits: Inside, the museum’s exhibits delve into various facets of Emirati heritage, including customs, traditions, folklore, and the daily life of Sharjah’s inhabitants. You’ll find displays on traditional clothing, jewelry, musical instruments, and the implements used for fishing, pearling, and farming. It often features dioramas and interactive displays that bring these traditions to life.
• Interactive Learning: The museum aims to educate and engage visitors of all ages, often incorporating elements that appeal to children, such as storytelling and demonstrations of traditional crafts. It provides a comprehensive overview of the rich cultural tapestry that defines Emirati society.

The Sharjah Heritage Museum, also part of the Heart of Sharjah district, is an essential stop for a holistic understanding of the emirate’s past. You can find more information about its exhibits and opening hours on the Sharjah Museums Authority website.

Al Eslah School Museum: Education in a Historic Setting

The Al Eslah School Museum offers a unique perspective on traditional life by showcasing Sharjah’s first formal educational institution within its original, restored building.

• Pioneering Education: Established in 1935, Al Eslah School played a pivotal role in modernizing education in Sharjah. Visiting this museum allows you to step into the actual classrooms where generations of young Emiratis received their early schooling, transitioning from traditional Quranic studies to more structured subjects.
• Simple Traditional Architecture: The school building features the modest yet functional architectural style of its era, reflecting the prevailing building practices of the time. Its simple layout, open classrooms, and use of local materials provide a stark contrast to modern educational complexes, highlighting the historical progression of schooling in the region.
• Glimpse into Student Life: Exhibits include old textbooks, blackboards, and classroom setups, recreating the learning environment of the past. You’ll also find photographs and information about the teachers and students who once filled its halls, offering a personal touch to the history of education.

Located conveniently within the Heart of Sharjah, the Al Eslah School Museum provides an insightful addition to your exploration of traditional buildings and their roles in community life. Details are available on the Sharjah Museums Authority website.

Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn Sharjah): A Ruler’s Traditional Abode

While primarily a fort built for defense and governance, Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn Sharjah) also served as the residence of the ruling Al Qasimi family for many years, making it a key traditional structure to visit.

• Defensive Architecture Meets Domesticity: The fort’s robust coral stone walls, towering watchtowers, and strategic layout speak to its defensive purpose. However, within its confines, there were traditional living quarters that housed the ruling family. Exploring the fort allows you to understand how security, administration, and daily family life coexisted within a single, formidable structure.
• Royal Insights: The museum inside the fort provides insights into the lives of the Al Qasimi rulers, showcasing their personal belongings, historical documents, and photographs. This offers a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the emirate’s leaders within their historical home.
• Heart of the Community: Historically, the fort was not just a residence but the heart of Sharjah’s community, where important decisions were made and justice was administered. Walking through its grounds helps one grasp its central role in the emirate’s development.

The Sharjah Fort is a powerful symbol of Sharjah’s history and its enduring heritage. It stands prominently in the Heart of Sharjah, easily accessible for exploration. You can find more information on the Sharjah Museums Authority website.

The Heart of Sharjah: A Holistic Heritage Experience

The entire Heart of Sharjah district itself is designed to provide a cohesive experience of traditional Emirati urban life. Beyond the specific museums, simply wandering through its pedestrian-friendly lanes and squares reveals a wealth of preserved traditional houses.

• Authentic Streetscapes: The restoration project focused on preserving the original street patterns, building materials, and architectural styles, ensuring that every corner reflects the authentic charm of old Sharjah. You’ll encounter traditional wind towers (barjeels), intricate wooden screens (mashrabiya), and courtyards that provided privacy and ventilation in the pre-air conditioning era.
• Cultural Ambiance: The area is imbued with a unique cultural ambiance, often featuring traditional cafes, art galleries, and small shops that blend seamlessly into the historic surroundings. It’s a place where you can sit and observe daily life unfolding against a backdrop of centuries-old architecture.
• Future Phases: The Heart of Sharjah is an ongoing project, with future phases planned to restore even more historical structures, further enhancing the area’s rich heritage offerings. This continuous commitment ensures its long-term preservation and accessibility.

Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or a full day, the Heart of Sharjah provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore and appreciate the traditional houses and the historical urban fabric of the emirate. It’s a deeply enriching experience that connects you directly to the past.

This guide has been carefully compiled by the www.few.ae team. Sharjah, a gleaming jewel in the crown of the UAE’s cultural landscape, offers a captivating journey back in time, allowing us to truly experience traditional Emirati life through its beautifully preserved historic homes. We find that the most authentic and accessible examples of these architectural gems are predominantly clustered within the Heart of Sharjah, an ambitious restoration project that brings the emirate’s past vibrantly to life.

Bait Al Naboodah: A Pearl Merchant’s Grand Abode

Bait Al Naboodah stands as a prime example of a traditional Emirati coastal home, once owned by Obaid bin Eisa Al Shamsi, nicknamed Al Naboodah, a prominent pearl merchant of the 19th century. Visiting this house offers an incredibly intimate and detailed look into the daily life of a wealthy family during the flourishing pearl trade era.

• Architectural Marvel: Built around 1845, the house is a testament to traditional Gulf architecture, constructed primarily from coral stone and gypsum, with ceilings often featuring teak and palm frond (barasti) elements. Its design incorporates essential elements for the local climate, most notably the ingenious wind tower (barjeel), which acted as a natural air-conditioning system, channeling cool breezes into the house. Walking through its various rooms, courtyards, and majlis (reception areas), you can appreciate the intricate carvings on its wooden doors and window frames, reflecting the craftsmanship of the era.
• Daily Life Exhibits: Inside, the house has been transformed into a museum, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that portray the family’s history, their customs, and the social structure of the time. You’ll see traditional furniture, household items, old photographs, and perhaps even some of the tools or equipment related to the pearl trade that brought the Naboodah family their fortune.
• Renovation and Accessibility: The house underwent extensive renovation and reopened in 2018, ensuring its preservation while making it more accessible for visitors. It’s truly a must-see for anyone interested in historical homes. Bait Al Naboodah is typically open Saturday to Thursday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and on Fridays from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. We always advise checking the Sharjah Museums Authority website for the most current information, as hours can sometimes change.

Sharjah Heritage Museum (Bait Saeed Al Taweel): A Comprehensive Overview

Located within the Heart of Sharjah, the Sharjah Heritage Museum itself is housed in a renovated historic house, Bait Saeed Al Taweel, which was also once the residence of a pearl merchant. This museum provides a broader understanding of Emirati culture and traditions, using the context of a traditional home to tell its story.

• Cultural Narratives: The museum’s galleries delve into various aspects of Sharjah’s heritage, including its landscape, the lifestyle of its people (both Bedouin and coastal), traditional celebrations, livelihoods, and oral traditions. While not solely focused on the house itself, the setting within a traditional home adds to the immersive experience, allowing you to connect with the past in a tangible way.
• Artifacts and Displays: You’ll find a wide range of artifacts here, from traditional dress and jewelry to household items and tools used in various historical professions. The exhibits are designed to be informative and engaging, providing insights into the daily routines, social customs, and spiritual beliefs that shaped Emirati society.
• Integrated Experience: As part of the larger Heart of Sharjah project, visiting the Sharjah Heritage Museum seamlessly integrates with exploring other traditional houses and souqs in the vicinity, offering a holistic cultural experience.

The Sharjah Heritage Museum is an excellent starting point to grasp the broader context of traditional Emirati life before delving deeper into individual homes.

Al Eslah School Museum: Education in a Traditional Setting

Adjacent to other heritage sites in the Heart of Sharjah, the Al Eslah School Museum offers a unique glimpse into the history of education in the emirate, set within what was Sharjah’s first formal school building.

• Historic Schoolhouse: This traditional house was converted into a school in the early 20th century, marking a significant shift in the educational landscape of the region. Walking through its simple classrooms, you can imagine students learning the Quran and basic subjects in a setting that reflects the architectural style of residential homes of the period.
• Educational Evolution: The museum details the evolution of education in Sharjah, from traditional Quranic schools (kuttabs) to more formalized institutions. Exhibits include old textbooks, writing instruments, and photographs, providing a poignant look at the early efforts to provide structured learning.
• Community Importance: The school’s location within the old town highlights the close-knit nature of traditional communities, where educational institutions were an integral part of the neighborhood.

A visit to the Al Eslah School Museum offers a fascinating perspective on a crucial aspect of Sharjah’s social history, all within a well-preserved traditional building.

Bait Al Midfaa: A Community Hub in a Historic Home

Another notable traditional house in the Heart of Sharjah that has been preserved and repurposed is Bait Al Midfaa. This house, dating back almost 200 years, belonged to a prominent local family and has been transformed into a formal council space, maintaining its role as a community gathering spot.

• Architectural Features: Like other houses in the area, Bait Al Midfaa showcases traditional construction methods and architectural features typical of coastal Emirati homes. Its restoration highlights the beauty and durability of coral stone and traditional building techniques.
• Community Significance: Originally a family home, its transformation into a public majlis (council) where retirees, shop owners, and visitors gather for discussions and tea reflects the enduring Emirati tradition of hospitality and community engagement. This offers a unique chance to witness a traditional home still serving a vital social function.
• Authentic Atmosphere: Visiting Bait Al Midfaa allows you to experience the warmth and conviviality of a traditional Emirati gathering space, often accompanied by the aroma of Arabic coffee and dates. It’s a subtle yet powerful connection to the living heritage of Sharjah.

While not a formal museum, its accessibility as a community hub provides an authentic interaction with a historic residence.

Najd Al Maqsar Village: Mountainous Traditional Homes

For those willing to venture outside the city center, the Najd Al Maqsar Village in the mountainous region of Sharjah offers a truly unique glimpse into traditional, remote Emirati village life and its corresponding architecture.

• Abandoned Stone Houses: This village features a collection of abandoned stone houses, often built into the rugged terrain of the Hajar Mountains. These homes, made from local stones and mud, represent a different architectural style adapted to the mountain environment, distinct from the coastal coral houses.
• Falaj Irrigation System: The village also showcases remnants of an ancient falaj irrigation system, a testament to the ingenuity of past communities in sustaining life in arid conditions. Walking through these ancient pathways and around the old houses provides insight into the self-sufficient nature of these remote settlements.
• Hiking and Exploration: Visiting Najd Al Maqsar often involves a scenic hike, making it an adventure for those interested in combining historical exploration with outdoor activity. It offers a powerful sense of isolation and resilience.

While requiring a dedicated trip, Najd Al Maqsar Village offers an invaluable opportunity to see traditional homes in a completely different, rugged setting, providing a broader understanding of Emirati historical dwellings across diverse landscapes. Details about reaching this fascinating site can be found on the Visit Sharjah website.

Sharjah’s dedication to preserving its traditional houses offers a profound and immersive journey into the emirate’s rich history and cultural identity. Each home tells a story, contributing to the vibrant narrative of the UAE. This guide has been carefully compiled by the www.few.ae team.