Al Bait Sharjah

The minute you hand your key over to the valet at Al Bait Sharjah, you will realise that you have stepped into another time. This retreat is located in an area called the Heart of Sharjah, a distinctly unique development which follows traditional Sharjah architecture built upon the original foundations of old houses that once belonged to the most esteemed families in the country. Al Bait Sharjah forms a part of this development.

This boutique hotel was formerly owned by the Al Midfa family and its history dates back to as long as 1927. Hosting only 53 luxury rooms and suites within 10 low-rise buildings, it formerly hosted the first post office in the erstwhile Trucial States (the UAE’s former name). It also shares walls with one of the oldest souqs in the country, the Souq Al Arsah. Meander in there, and you’ll spot a little studio where an official royal family photographer displays his best work. The souq is perfect place to go if you want to pick up some unique antique items or even tuck into the famous Al Arsah biryani often visited by locals.

Al Bait’s architecture remains authentic, with few changes made to the original design. The walls are still imbibed with coral blocks, much like yesteryear; and the majlis areas are left virtually untouched in terms of structure. Walk into one of their suites and enjoy the lovely little living room set up with a lot of attention to detail in terms of keeping the interiors true to the exterior feel of the resort. The windows and doors are made of teak, while the ceilings are made using mangrove beams and covered in layers of du’un and palm mat. The four poster bed is exceptionally grand, as is the washroom. Ask the hotel staff to draw you a luxurious bath, complete with camel’s milk coupled with music from a vinyl record player. A perfect way to relax and rejuvenate, you also have the option of visiting the spa for a massage and a host of hammam therapies.

Located within the hotel, is a museum. This museum is curated by the Sharjah Museums Authority and contains several keepsakes of the Al Midfa family. Interestingly, Ibrahim Al Midfa also hand wrote and published the first newspaper in the region. Find little gems of Sharjah history all in this museum, including fine examples of Arabic calligraphy and signs of Al Midfa’s love and fascination with erstwhile Bombay (now Mumbai).

Al Bait Sharjah also hosts a cafe, a Middle Eastern restaurant and an Asian restaurant open to visitors. You can choose a bespoke dining experience or just order a la carte. Al Bait Sharjah also offers a host of packages depending on the season. These packages involve a cultural tour all the way to the Mleiha region & cooking classes, to something as novel as having golf lessons with a sports psychology-trained coach. At Al Bait Sharjah, there’s a surprise at every turn and an experience waiting to be cherished.

T: +971 6 502 5555 | E: [email protected] 

W: www.ghmhotels.com/en/al-bait-sharjah 

A: Heart of Sharjah, Al Mareija Sharjah, U.A.E