Which area shows old Emirati architecture in Sharjah?

Sharjah, often lauded as the cultural heart of the United Arab Emirates, stands as a living testament to the rich architectural heritage of the region, offering a captivating journey into the elegance and ingenuity of traditional Emirati design. We find that to truly immerse oneself in the authentic aesthetics of old Emirati architecture, there is one area that shines above all others, showcasing the enduring beauty of traditional building practices.

Heart of Sharjah: The Quintessence of Old Emirati Architecture

The Heart of Sharjah is unequivocally the prime destination for witnessing and experiencing old Emirati architecture. This ambitious and meticulously executed heritage project has transformed the city’s historical core into a vibrant, open-air museum, showcasing the indigenous building styles that once characterized coastal settlements in the UAE.

• Authentic Restoration and Preservation: The Heart of Sharjah is not merely a collection of old buildings; it is a sprawling district that has undergone extensive and careful restoration, often using traditional materials and techniques. The goal has been to bring the area back to its 1950s glory, preserving the architectural integrity of its homes, souqs, and public spaces. This commitment to authenticity means you’re seeing structures that truly reflect the building practices of their time.
• Building Materials and Techniques: As you wander through the narrow alleys, you’ll immediately notice the prevalent use of coral stone and sea stone as primary building materials. These were readily available from the Arabian Gulf and were ingeniously cut and shaped to form sturdy walls. Walls were often plastered with sarooj, a traditional lime-based cement, sometimes mixed with ash or sand, which provided both durability and a distinctive finish. Ceilings frequently featured mangrove poles (locally known as chandals) laid across wooden beams, overlaid with palm fronds (barasti) or woven mats, and then covered with a layer of mud and gypsum for insulation. This natural and sustainable approach to construction is a hallmark of old Emirati architecture.
• Ingenious Climate Adaptation: The Wind Tower (Barjeel): One of the most iconic and fascinating elements you’ll repeatedly encounter in the Heart of Sharjah is the wind tower (barjeel). These tall, square structures rising from the rooftops were the ingenious air-conditioning systems of old, designed to capture prevailing winds and funnel cool air down into the living spaces below. They are a testament to the Emirati people’s deep understanding of their harsh environment and their ability to create comfortable dwellings using natural resources. You can observe their distinctive designs on many of the restored homes, such as Bait Al Naboodah.
• Architectural Features and Layout: Traditional Emirati homes in the Heart of Sharjah typically feature thick walls for insulation, small, strategically placed windows to minimize heat gain, and often incorporate multiple courtyards (Hosh). These courtyards served as private outdoor living spaces, providing light, ventilation, and a sense of tranquility. The design emphasized privacy, with separate entrances for guests and family members, and often distinct male and female reception areas (Majlis). Look for intricately carved wooden doors, often adorned with brass studs, which were both decorative and provided security.
• Diverse Building Types: Beyond residential homes, the Heart of Sharjah showcases the architecture of traditional public buildings. You’ll see the robust walls of Al Hisn Sharjah (Sharjah Fort), the former seat of power, built for defense. The covered pathways and individual shop units of Souq Al Arsa and Souq Al Shinasiyah demonstrate traditional commercial architecture, designed to provide shade and facilitate trade. The restoration efforts include faithful recreations of historical mosques, schools like the Al Eslah School Museum, and community majlis spaces, each reflecting the architectural norms of its function.

Walking through the Heart of Sharjah is not just sightseeing; it’s an immersive experience where every building, every alleyway, whispers stories of a past era, providing an unparalleled insight into the elegance and practicality of old Emirati architecture.

Bait Al Naboodah: A Masterpiece of Traditional Living

Within the Heart of Sharjah, Bait Al Naboodah stands out as an exceptional example of a well-preserved and thoughtfully presented traditional Emirati home. It offers an intimate look at the domestic architecture of a wealthy 19th-century pearl merchant’s family.

• Detailed Interior and Exterior: This house allows you to fully appreciate the layout and features typical of grand coastal homes. From the multiple wind towers on its roof to its courtyards, living quarters, kitchens, and private spaces, every detail reflects traditional design. You can observe the specific types of timber used for beams and doors, the application of gypsum plaster, and the decorative motifs carved into wooden elements.
• Authentic Furnishings and Artifacts: The interior of Bait Al Naboodah is furnished with period-appropriate items, helping visitors visualize daily life within such a structure. This includes traditional furniture, household items, and tools, offering a complete picture of domestic architecture and its function. This attention to detail significantly enhances the understanding of traditional living environments.
• Significance of the Wind Tower (Barjeel) Here: Bait Al Naboodah is particularly renowned for its prominent and well-preserved wind towers. These structures are not just architectural features but are integral to the cooling system of the house, demonstrating the advanced climate control techniques employed long before modern air conditioning. Their visual prominence makes them a key photographic subject and a highlight of traditional Emirati architectural design.

Visiting Bait Al Naboodah provides a focused and detailed exploration of a specific, high-status example of old Emirati architecture, offering insights into both its structural elements and its role in family life. For detailed visiting hours, consult the Sharjah Museums Authority website.

Al Hisn Sharjah (Sharjah Fort): Fortified Architectural History

Also located in the Heart of Sharjah, Al Hisn Sharjah offers a different facet of old Emirati architecture: the robust and defensive style of a historical fort. While it served a different purpose than a home, it showcases traditional construction on a grander, more public scale.

• Defensive Design: Built with thick, imposing walls of coral stone and mud brick, the fort’s architecture emphasizes strength and security. Its square towers, high battlements, and strategic positioning speak to its role as the emirate’s primary defensive structure and the seat of its ruling family.
• Courtyards and Interiors: Inside, the fort features spacious courtyards, historical majlis areas, and administrative offices. The architecture here reflects public and governmental functions, with simpler, more utilitarian designs compared to the ornate details of private homes, yet still adhering to traditional building materials and methods.
• Historical Significance: The fort itself is a historical landmark, providing context to the broader architectural landscape of old Sharjah. Its restoration allows visitors to walk through its grounds and appreciate the scale and permanence of these traditional fortifications.

The Sharjah Fort provides a valuable counterpoint to the residential architecture, showcasing the versatility and adaptability of traditional Emirati building techniques for various civic functions.

Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival Venues: Temporary Architectural Blends

While not permanent structures built in old Emirati style, during the annual Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival (typically December-January), many contemporary art installations are placed within the traditional architectural settings of the Heart of Sharjah and other historical areas. This creates a fascinating blend of old and new, highlighting the enduring beauty of the traditional backdrops.

• Art in Heritage Spaces: The festival often utilizes the courtyards, alleys, and even interiors of traditional buildings within the Arts Area to display modern artworks. This juxtaposition allows visitors to appreciate the historical architecture from new perspectives, as it forms a compelling frame for contemporary creations.
• Illumination and Atmosphere: During the festival, these historical areas are often beautifully illuminated, enhancing the visual appeal of the traditional buildings. The lively atmosphere of the festival, set against the quiet dignity of the old architecture, creates unique photographic and experiential opportunities.

This temporary blend showcases the adaptability and timeless appeal of old Emirati architecture as a backdrop for evolving cultural expressions. For festival dates and locations, check the Sharjah Department of Culture website.

The Heart of Sharjah truly acts as a living archive of old Emirati architecture, inviting visitors to step into a bygone era and appreciate the beauty, functionality, and cultural significance of these unique historical buildings.

This guide has been carefully compiled by the www.few.ae team. Sharjah, a true beacon of cultural preservation in the United Arab Emirates, offers a captivating journey into its past through its beautifully maintained traditional architecture. We’ve discovered that to truly experience the essence of old Emirati building styles, one must venture into specific areas where history is not just displayed, but truly embodied in the very fabric of the structures.

The Heart of Sharjah: The Quintessence of Old Emirati Architecture

Without a doubt, the Heart of Sharjah stands as the foremost area to witness old Emirati architecture in its most authentic and preserved form. This ambitious restoration project has transformed the emirate’s historic core into a living museum, showcasing the building techniques and design philosophies of a bygone era.

• Traditional Materials and Techniques: As you wander through the pedestrian-only alleys of the Heart of Sharjah, you’ll immediately notice the prevalent use of traditional building materials. Many structures, including residential homes, souqs, and even the formidable Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn Sharjah), are constructed using coral stone and gypsum. Coral, harvested from the Arabian Gulf, provided sturdy building blocks, while gypsum acted as a natural mortar and plaster. We also see liberal use of teak wood, often imported from India, for intricately carved doors, window frames, and structural beams. Ceilings frequently feature mangrove poles and palm fronds (barasti), demonstrating ingenious and sustainable construction methods perfectly adapted to the local climate and available resources.
• Distinctive Architectural Features: The architecture here is characterized by several iconic features. The most prominent are the barjeel (wind towers). These tall, chimney-like structures, often with four open sides, were ingeniously designed to funnel cooler air from above into the rooms below, providing natural ventilation and a passive cooling system long before air conditioning existed. You’ll also observe malaqaf (wind catchers) built into walls, serving a similar purpose. Houses are typically built around a central courtyard, providing a private, shaded outdoor space for families and a source of natural light and ventilation for the interior rooms. The exteriors often feature high, unadorned walls with minimal openings to the outside, prioritizing privacy and protection from the harsh sun, while inner courtyard facades might boast more intricate plasterwork and open designs.
• Key Historical Buildings to Explore: Within the Heart of Sharjah, specific buildings offer exceptional examples of old Emirati architecture. Bait Al Naboodah, the beautifully preserved home of a prominent pearl merchant, is a prime example. Its two-story structure, unique teak wood columns, and elaborate plasterwork provide a detailed look into the domestic architecture of a wealthy 19th-century family. The Sharjah Heritage Museum and the Al Eslah School Museum, both housed in traditional buildings, also showcase characteristic architectural elements and offer insights into their historical functions. Even the Souq Al Arsa and Souq Al Shinasiyah feature traditional market architecture with shaded walkways and wooden shopfronts, reflecting their historical trading roles.
• Restoration and Authenticity: The ongoing restoration efforts in the Heart of Sharjah, which began in the early 2000s, aim to return the area to its 1950s state, ensuring that the architectural details are authentic to the period. This careful preservation work makes it the most comprehensive and immersive place to study old Emirati architecture in the emirate. The entire district is designed for pedestrian exploration, encouraging visitors to wander through its charming alleys and discover architectural nuances at their own pace.

For detailed information on specific buildings and their historical significance within the Heart of Sharjah, we recommend consulting the Sharjah Museums Authority website.

Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn Sharjah): A Defensive Masterpiece

Within the Heart of Sharjah but warranting its own mention, Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn Sharjah) is a stellar example of traditional Emirati defensive architecture. Originally built in 1823, its construction reflects the practical needs of protection and resilience against external threats.

• Robust Construction: The fort’s thick walls, primarily built from coral stone and gypsum, exemplify the robust construction techniques used for defensive structures. These materials provided excellent thermal insulation and structural integrity, crucial for a fortress in the desert climate. The use of locally sourced materials highlights the self-sufficiency of the communities in constructing such significant buildings.
• Strategic Design: The fort’s design, with its imposing watchtowers and strategic placement, showcases the tactical thinking behind traditional Emirati defensive architecture. The fort’s original purpose was to protect the city and its ruling family. While largely demolished in 1970 and subsequently meticulously rebuilt, the restoration efforts have faithfully recreated its historical appearance, offering an authentic glimpse into military architecture.
• Symbol of Power: Beyond its defensive function, the fort’s architecture conveyed authority and power. Its commanding presence within the old town signaled the strength and stability of the ruling Al Qasimi family, who historically resided there. Visiting the fort allows you to appreciate how architecture served both practical and symbolic roles in Emirati society.

Access to Al Hisn Sharjah may have an entry fee, but its exterior and prominent location within the Heart of Sharjah allow for ample appreciation of its traditional architectural style.

Al Muntazah Park (Former Eye of the Emirates): Historic Leisure & Transformation

While largely modernized, the area of Al Muntazah Park and the former Eye of the Emirates Ferris wheel (now relocated) once housed a more traditional leisure area that reflected evolving Emirati architecture. Today, its surrounding areas still offer glimpses of traditional elements.

• Blending Old and New: While this area is primarily known for its recreational facilities, its development has often seen a blend of traditional design elements in newer structures, especially those that house food and beverage outlets or public facilities. Architects often incorporate traditional arches, courtyards, and patterned facades to maintain a sense of local identity within modern designs.
• Buhairah Corniche Connection: The park is situated along the Buhairah Corniche, a long promenade that offers views of both modern high-rises and, in the distance, traditional elements of the older city. While the architecture here leans more contemporary, you can still observe how newer buildings sometimes pay homage to older styles through their use of geometric patterns or traditional motifs on facades, a nod to the emirate’s architectural heritage.

While Al Muntazah Park itself is largely contemporary, the blend of styles in the surrounding urban fabric illustrates how traditional Emirati architecture has influenced modern development.

Sharjah Creek (Khor Khalid) Waterfront: Functional Heritage

The waterfront along Sharjah Creek (Khor Khalid), especially in proximity to the traditional souqs like Souq Al Jubail, offers a different perspective on old Emirati architecture, focusing on functional buildings and the traditional dhows.

• Working Dhows: While not strictly “architecture” in the static sense, the traditional wooden dhows that dock and ply the waters of Sharjah Creek are themselves magnificent examples of Emirati craftsmanship and design. These vessels, constructed from wood (often teak and mangrove) using techniques passed down through generations, are living testaments to the emirate’s maritime history and traditional shipbuilding. Observing these working boats provides insight into the functional beauty of old Emirati design.
• Old Market Buildings: Along the creek, particularly near Souq Al Jubail, you can still see older, more functional market buildings and warehouses that, while perhaps less ornate than the heritage houses, showcase the practical architecture of Sharjah’s historical trading port. These structures often feature simpler lines, sturdy construction, and design elements geared towards facilitating trade and storage.
• The Urban Fabric: The way these older market buildings integrate with the creek, and how the pedestrian flow connects them, reveals the traditional urban planning that supported Sharjah’s role as a vital port. It’s a less polished, but equally authentic, representation of old Emirati architectural presence in the working heart of the city.

By exploring these areas, you’ll gain a comprehensive appreciation for the diverse forms and enduring legacy of old Emirati architecture in Sharjah, from its grand forts and intricate homes to its functional market spaces and traditional boats. This guide has been carefully compiled by the www.few.ae team.