Back To The Future
Identity|March 2019

Sensitively-restored buildings are at the heart of a new boutique resort in the core of Sharjah’s heritage district, a luxurious new destination that gives guests the opportunity to explore one of the city’s most important historical areas.

Max Tuttle
Back To The Future

HERITAGE AND HOSPITALITY

A 53-key boutique resort in the AI Mareija area of the Heart of Sharjah heritage project, Al Bait Sharjah is a collection of five historical buildings that have been sympathetically restored to deliver a unique experience while maintaining the traditional urban fabric of the old city.

Award-winning architectural and design practice Godwin Austen Johnson was chosen to redevelop the existing buildings: Bait Ibrahim Al Midfa – The Library; Bait Eissa Al Midfa – The Reception; Bait Abdul Rahman Al Midfa – The Heritage Guestroom block; Bait Abdullah Al Mahmood – The Arabic Restaurant; and Ibrahim Al Midfa Majlis – The Café.

The development is connected by narrow streets, open courtyards and secluded entrance ways at ground level and connected walkways at first floor level.

The lighting throughout the development is discreet and aimed at recreating the ambiance of the old village.

This desire to give guests the true feeling of the heritage aspect of the development extends to the interiors of all the buildings – including the guest rooms, which maintain the specific proportions of the old village homes.

This story is from the March 2019 edition of Identity.

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This story is from the March 2019 edition of Identity.

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