Bait Al Naboodah, Pearl merchant residence museum in Heart of Sharjah, UAE
Bait Al Naboodah is a two-story residence built from coral and gypsum with rooms arranged around a central courtyard planted with almond and palm trees. The structure displays carved wooden elements, wind cooling devices integrated into the walls, and clearly defined family and guest areas typical of the period.
Built in 1845, the house belonged to Obaid Bin Isa Bin Ali Al Shamsi, a merchant engaged in pearl trading with markets across the UK, France, and India. His involvement in international commerce shaped the architectural choices and lifestyle reflected in the residence.
The residence demonstrates how Gulf families organized their daily lives through separate spaces for women, men, and guests, visible in the carved wooden details and room layouts. These design choices shaped social interactions and reflected the values important to merchants of the time.
The best time to visit is early in the day when it is cooler and rooms are easier to explore at your own pace. The house is located in the old town next to Al Eslah School Museum, making it convenient to combine with other heritage sites in the area.
The residence uses malaqaf wind scoops built directly into its walls rather than the traditional barjeel towers found elsewhere in the Gulf. This local approach to cooling shows how builders adapted ventilation techniques to suit the specific conditions of Sharjah.
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