At a time when cities around the world are on the path to modernization, Sharjah is charting a different course, one that sees the preservation of cultural heritage not as an obstacle to progress, but as the basis for sustainable development.
Across the emirate, historic buildings, traditional souks and entire neighborhoods are being carefully restored and reimagined to transform them into vibrant cultural and economic destinations that honor the past while embracing the future.
The restoration effort spans multiple locations, from the bustling Heart of Sharjah district to remote mountain villages and desert outposts.
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Using original materials such as clay, coral stone, plaster and wood, restoration teams breathe new life into buildings that are over a century old, ensuring that the architectural language of the past continues to speak today for future generations.
The scale and ambition of these initiatives have made Sharjah a regional leader in heritage conservation.
According to UNESCO, 77 percent of the world's recognized heritage sites are cultural in nature and play a direct role in boosting local economies through tourism and job creation.
While restoring historic buildings can cost 30 to 50 percent more than modern construction—requiring bespoke materials, specialized craftsmen and rigorous documentation—the long-term economic and cultural returns prove significant.
Heart of Sharjah: A District Reborn
At the epicenter of this transformation lies the Heart of Sharjah, one of the largest historic restoration projects in the region. The 100,000 square meter precinct will be revitalized through a partnership between the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) and the Sharjah Institute for Heritage and will be operated by GHM.
Traditional souks, narrow streets and centuries-old houses will be restored to their former glory, creating a living museum where history is not hidden behind glass but can be experienced first-hand by residents and visitors alike.
The project is complex and requires detailed architectural studies, material analysis and collaboration with heritage experts to ensure that any restoration meets historical standards.
The result is a seamless blend of old and new, where traditional architecture coexists with modern amenities and the district's social and economic fabric is rewoven without sacrificing its historic integrity.
The Chedi Al Bait: Where history meets hospitality
Located in the heart of Sharjah is The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah, a luxury hotel that exemplifies the emirate's approach to heritage-led development. The hotel is housed in carefully restored houses that once belonged to the Al Midfa family, whose legacy is closely linked to Sharjah's early civic and economic life.
The restoration of these houses was a laborious process. Built from original materials – clay, coral stone, plaster and wood – the structures have been revitalized while maintaining their architectural authenticity.
The restored properties include Ibrahim Al Midfa's house, which served as the first headquarters of the postal services during the British presence in the region.
Nearby is the former customs office, which was once housed in the residence of Issa Al Midfa. Today, these historic buildings have been converted into a museum, library and Al Bareed Café, offering guests a comprehensive cultural experience that bridges the past and present.
The hotel recently expanded to include The Serai Wing, Bait Khalid bin Ibrahim, a 12-room boutique wing that revives the historic home of a 20th-century pearl merchant.
The expansion is aimed at discerning travelers seeking traditional hospitality – where every room tells a story and the architecture itself becomes part of the guest experience.
Najd Al Meqsar: A Mountain Heritage Retreat
Beyond the urban core, heritage restoration efforts have expanded to the mountains of Khor Fakkan. Najd Al Meqsar, a historic clifftop mountain village overlooking Wadi Shee, has been transformed into a luxury eco-retreat as part of the Sharjah Collection hotel brand.
The site includes seven heritage-listed guest units; The interiors were later redesigned with a bespoke aesthetic that honors the site's history while offering modern comforts.
Original stone walls, wooden lattice windows and traditional construction techniques have been preserved, creating an authentic mountain retreat that blends seamlessly into the natural surroundings.
The retreat also features Washi Restaurant, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
The project shows how heritage and ecotourism can converge, offering visitors a unique experience that is both culturally enriching and environmentally conscious.
Al Faya Retreat: Desert Heritage Reimagined
In the heart of the desert, Al Faya Retreat offers another compelling example of Sharjah's innovative approach to preserving cultural heritage.
Also part of the Sharjah Collection, the retreat is housed in a restored 1960s clinic and gas station, buildings that once served travelers crossing the desert.
Even the original fuel pump is still intact, a relic of a bygone era that remains today as part of the site's historical narrative.
The five-unit boutique lodge combines sophisticated comfort with rugged desert heritage, offering guests a minimalist retreat brimming with meaning.
The retreat is located within the Faya paleolandscape, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, giving global recognition to the natural and cultural significance of the area.
The site's transformation from a forgotten outpost to a sought-after destination highlights the potential for adaptive reuse in preserving cultural heritage.
The restoration projects across Sharjah reflect a broader philosophy that sees cultural identity not as nostalgia but as a cornerstone of sustainable development. “Heritage is not frozen architecture,” says Khawla Sayed Al Hashimi, Chief Projects Officer at Shurooq. “It is the collective memory of our people, the fabric of our identity. Every house we restore, every wall we breathe life into, is a rewritten chapter in Sharjah's history – one that honors the past while offering new purpose.”
Ruqayya Al Qaidi
Ruqayya Alqaydi is a special correspondent with a boundless curiosity for learning. Like a journalist on a caffeine fix, she is fueled by passion and on a mission to uncover every gem in the UAE.