Sharjah: Sharjah has begun working on a project to convert an historic building in to a tradition hotel in the heritage area of the emirate known as the ‘Heart of Sharjah.
The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) on Tuesday announced the commencement of ground works on the Dh1 million project of Al Bait Hotel. Starting this July, phase 1 of the project will result in the closure of a number of areas that surround the Heart of Sharjah development such as the Souk Al Arsah parking area.
The second phase will see the closure of roads leading to Bank Street and the partially paved parking area behind the Commercial Bank International in mid-July. Work on all phases are planned to be completed in December 2013.
The project, which will be the first traditional Emirati hotel in the emirate, is scheduled to continue its necessary infrastructure studies in successive phases before beginning construction works at the site.
During this phase of the development, Yousif Al Mutawa, Manager of the Heart of Sharjah said that Shurooq will collaborate with the Sharjah Department of Public Works and Sharjah Municipality when reviewing the infrastructure plans.
Al Mutawa added that an important aspect of Al Bait’s development is the renovation of all of the traditional Emirati houses that are included in the project.
“Each one of these properties was once owned by families that had a significant impact on Sharjah’s history and are therefore important symbols of the Emirate’s legacy,” he said, pointing out that guests staying at the hotel will be able to experience the region’s rich history and heritage by living in these traditional Emirati homes.
The project’s plans include a number of houses and buildings, five of which are heritage houses currently under renovation. The houses include Bait Ibrahim Al Midfa, Bait Eissa Al Midfa, Bait Abdul Rahman Al Midfa, Bait Abdullah Al Mahmoud, and Al Midfa Majlis.
A number of other houses that will be built in accordance with the designs of the traditional homes in the region will also be apart of the project. The surrounding streets and courtyards will be landscaped, revitalised and resurfaced.
Once completed, the Al Bait Hotel will include 54 guest rooms, a spa and health club, dining areas, a traditional Arabic tea and coffee house, a traditional Arabic restaurant, and all-day diner.
