Bait Al Naboodah
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Bait Al Naboodah, Al Naboodah House, is a pearl merchant's house and museum located in the Heart of Sharjah, the restored old town and heritage area of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE).[1]
The house, a traditional Arabian family home based around a courtyard with almond and palm trees, was built in approximately 1845. It is an outstanding example of its style and features fine carved teak reflective of the wealth and status of its owner, the pearl merchant Obaid Bin Isa Bin Ali Al Shamsi, who was known as Al Naboodah. His family were members of the influential Al Bu Shamis tribe (Al Shamsi is the singular of Al Bu Shamis).[2] Obaid Al Naboodah had three wives.[3] He gave his name to one of the UAE's great trading families, today employing some 16,000 staff and active across aviation, construction, agriculture and logistics.[4]
Built from coral, gypsum, and adobe, the house consists of numerous rooms surrounding a central courtyard. The family quarters are accessible separately from the outside, supporting extended family members. The house underwent expansion to accommodate his children and their respective families.[2] The house is a double story building, relatively unusual for its time and a symbol of great wealth. As well as the traditional barjeel wind towers for cooling, the house features malaqaf, wind catchers, built into the walls.[3]