Bait Al Naboodah
About This Museum
Tucked away in the heart of Sharjah's Heritage Area, Bait Al Naboodah feels like stepping directly into the 19th century. This wasn't just any home; it was the residence of a wealthy pearl merchant, Obaid Al Naboodah, and you can almost hear the whispers of trade deals being struck in its grand courtyard. The air is thick with the scent of ancient wood and the stories of a family whose fortunes were built on the sea. It’s a place that captures Sharjah's soul before oil, a quiet testament to a grittier, more mercantile past.
Collection Highlights
Look for the heavy wooden chests used to safeguard pearls and gold, and the intricate 'mashrabiya' screens that allowed women to observe courtyard life unseen. Don't miss the recreated 'majlis' where guests were received, its cushions and coffee pots set as if the master of the house has just stepped out.
Visitor Information
It's right there in the maze of alleyways near the Sharjah Souq, easy to weave into a day of exploring. Check their official timings before you go, as they often close in the afternoon heat and have different hours on Fridays.
Architecture & Building
A classic example of Arabian Gulf architecture, built from coral stone and gypsum with a central wind tower—that iconic square chimney you see on old houses—designed to catch every breeze and cool the interior.
