Built in 1845 during the Emirates pearl trade heyday, Bait Al Naboodah is a home that belonged to the most successful Emirati pearl merchant, Emir Obaid bin Isa bin Ali Al Shamsi who was also known as Obaid Al Naboodah.
Bait Al Naboodah was restored twice by different teams of historians and archaeologists. During the first restoration, a termite damage and water damage that had resulted in cracks in the walls, ceilings, and floors were fixed, so the house opened to the public in November, 1995. It was reopened again in April, 2018 after the second restoration and renovation.
The large two-storey building situated near the Fort of Sharjah, in a place popular among wealthy merchants at that time, was a home for Al Naboodah’s big family and grew with it. In the end, it reached more than 10,000 m. One of the features that make the house unique is separate entrances to the areas which were homes to different sections of the family.
Being close to the harbour, Bait Al Naboodah was also adjacent to Souq al Arsa, a hub for pearl trade back then. Such a location was beneficial for Al Naboodah: he often had merchants and dignitaries as guests in his majlis, in a separate building opposite the house.
Al Naboodah was familiar with other cultures, so Indian, Iranian and European influences are clearly visible in the design details of Bait Al Naboodah. The house with coral walls is built around a large courtyard that is bordered by 24 columns made of teak wood from India and styled as ‘Roman Iconic’. Inside the house there are gypsum screen panels featuring floral patterns. The teak doors are adorned with Indian-inspired patterns, while malaqaf (wind scoops) in the walls are decorated with geometric borders.
Nowadays, Bait Al Naboodah is a museum where one is offered to learn not only about the authentic architectural style of traditional Emirati houses, but also about the daily routines of the Naboodah family. Visitors can have a look at their belongings; they include Indian and the Gulf coins and different devices for measuring the weight and size of pearls. In one of the rooms, Al Naboodah’s financial ledgers are kept. They tell about his dealings with various companies, businessmen, and such notable figures as members of the ruling Al Qasimi family.
To learn more about the museum, please visit its official web page.
You might also be interested in visiting “Dagger Craftsmanship in the UAE: A Craft of Authenticity and Creativity”.
