Latest news with #BaitElowal
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
3 days ago
- Business
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Take A Tour Of Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi's Waterfront Boutique Full Of Exquisite Trinkets
From Emirati mkhaweer to Amazigh homeware, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi's new space is a quiet invitation to rediscover global craft and heritage Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi wears her heritage on her sleeve. A woman of many facets – president of the American University of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority, among others – her latest venture, Bait Elowal, is a homecoming of sorts. Tucked along the Sharjah waterfront, this culinary destination is designed to feel like home. The name itself reflects its philosophy – 'Bait' meaning home, and 'Elowal', an old Emirati term once used to describe a returning traveller, someone who comes back not just with things, but with memories, knowledge and discoveries gathered along the way. At its heart is Soghat Elowal, a boutique – more cabinet de curiosités than concept store – curated with handcrafted treasures from around the world, each with its own tale to tell. From hand-embroidered Emirati mkhaweer and rare Amazigh homeware to vintage Indian jewellery, the boutique is a tribute to heritage and craftsmanship. 'To understand Soghat Elowal, it must be seen in the context of Bait Elowal, where every element carries the imprint of journeys taken and stories gathered along the way,' explains Al Qasimi. The pieces showcased reflect her travels – she's instantly drawn to places where heritage lives in the hands of the artisans. 'When I come across a piece that draws me, I want to know more. There is always a journey behind it, a childhood memory, a family tradition, a skill passed down generations.' Visitors can browse crystals, sandalwood, hand-bound books and even a signature perfume, Terra, created exclusively for Bait Elowal, its crystal- topped bottle designed to live on long after the scent has faded. Naturally, everything is rooted in sustainability. 'Craftsmanship has always been sustainable. It employs local hands, uses what is available and respects the pace of tradition. At Soghat Elowal, we're trying to reclaim that feeling. To build a sustainability narrative grounded in culture versus consumption.' Ultimately, the space is more than just objects – it's a reminder to slow down and engage in the quiet joy of discovery. 'I want visitors to remember what it means to pause and engage with something that was made with care and intention.'
Sharjah 24
27-02-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Department of Civil Aviation, Sharjah hosts annual gathering
His Excellency stated, "The successes we are celebrating today reflect our ongoing commitment to developing the civil aviation sector in Sharjah, enhancing quality standards, and leading the way in delivering the best services. We are proud of our distinguished team, and we look forward to further accomplishments in the years to come." The event featured a video showcasing the Department's remarkable achievements during 2024. The video highlighted the significant developments across various areas, including the launch of innovative initiatives designed to enhance the efficiency of air operations and services. In addition to the active participation in several local and international awards, reflecting its continuous drive for excellence. The video also underscored the ongoing efforts made by the Department to achieve the highest levels of performance and quality, all while reflecting a safe and effective environment within the civil aviation sector. As part of the Department's ongoing commitment to encouraging outstanding performance, H.E Sheikh Khalid bin Issam Al Qasimi, honored distinguished employees for their exceptional efforts and contributions throughout the year 2024. Additionally, the event paid tribute to retired employees who, throughout their careers, made sincere and significant efforts that contributed to the development of the civil aviation sector in Sharjah. Their dedication and invaluable contributions over the years were acknowledged as essential to the Department's growth and continued success. During the event, the 'Chairman's Award' was introduced, as prestigious honor presented to an employee who has demonstrated exceptional performance and innovation, significantly contributing to the Department's strategic goals. this award underscores the department's commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and leadership among its workforce The annual gathering concluded with an exciting raffle draw for valuable prizes, creating an atmosphere of interaction and enthusiasm among the attendees. This gesture was aimed at appreciating the contributions of the employees and motivating them to continue striving for excellence and innovation in their work. The ceremony also included a special tour of "Bait Elowal," one of Sharjah's newest landmarks. During the tour, attendees were introduced to the unique project and its cultural and architectural additions, which exemplify the city's rich heritage and forward-thinking approach. The tour highlighted the Department's commitment to innovation, renewal, and excellence in all aspects of its work, reinforcing its role as a leader in the civil aviation sector.
The National
13-02-2025
- The National
First look: Bait Elowal revives Sharjah's trading past with flavours from the Silk Road
The scent of cardamom and saffron drifts from the kitchen of Sharjah's Bait Elowal, echoing the UAE's past as a vital node along the Silk Road. Overlooking the Sharjah Creek and the vast Arabian Gulf, the new restaurant gazes upon the storied paths once travelled by traders from India, Persia and North Africa – their dhows laden with black pepper, turmeric, local fish and dates – some of the ingredients defining what is now known as Emirati cuisine. Opening to the public on Thursday and the brainchild of Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Bait Elowal reflects this heritage through its detailed architecture and a meticulously crafted menu inspired by the raw, fresh goods once carried in ancient cargoes. Sheikha Bodour notes that the name itself is a nod to the past travellers who found shelter – and, in some cases, a new life – upon stepping onto the shores of Sharjah. 'The name itself reflects this journey. 'Bait' means home, while 'Elowal' is an old Emirati term for the traveller who returns, not just with goods, but with knowledge, experiences and discoveries,' she tells The National. 'For centuries, Sharjah welcomed traders and explorers from India, Persia, Morocco and beyond. Their ships docked along its shores, carrying silks, spices, and traditions that blended seamlessly with our own. 'I wanted Bait Elowal to reflect that sense of homecoming, a place that embraces visitors as if they were returning from a long voyage, where every dish, craft and space carries echoes of the journeys that have shaped us.' Nestled in the heart of Sharjah and located off Corniche Road, Bait Elowal sits in one of the emirate's typically culturally rich coastal neighbourhoods. It is home to the Sharjah Art Foundation, the picturesque Urban Garden, and the stunning Masjid Al Zahra, a mosque that features bright decorative tile work that is heavily influenced by Iranian-Persian design. The facade of the two-storey structure, once a century-old residence known as Bait Al Mazrou, is restored and designed to reflect traditional Emirati architecture. Its coral stone walls and carved wooden doors are materials historically chosen to insulate residents from the intense desert heat. 'Restoring Bait Elowal was about more than preserving a building; it was about safeguarding the stories and traditions embedded in its walls,' Sheikha Bodour says. 'The house, originally home to the Al Mazrouei family, had stood for over 100 years, witnessing the movement of travellers, merchants and generations of Emirati life. The priority was to retain its character while carefully integrating elements that allow it to serve as a welcoming space for modern visitors.' Once inside, guests are transported to a stately Moroccan riad with a fountain at the centre of a tranquil central courtyard. The sunlight glimmers off the colourful Zellige tiles, casting shadows on creamy walls with Moorish horseshoe arches. The seats lining the courtyard are a mix of woven rattan chairs and cushioned benches adorned with colourful throw pillows. Inside, surrounding the courtyard, are several plush majlises featuring luxurious couches and artisanal rugs perfect for group tea sessions. Also on the ground floor is Al Kutubkhana, an on-site bookstore featuring a selection of art and history books on the region's cultural heritage, along with English translations of novels and non-fiction works by Sharjah's ruler Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi that explore the emirate's past. There's also Soghat El Lowal, an arts and crafts boutique, that showcases works by local and regional artisans that embrace sustainable practices. These include Emirati hand-embroidered mkhaweer dresses, silk scarves from Uzbekistan, jewellery from India, and traditional shoes and homeware from Morocco's Amazigh culture. Al Marmas, the rooftop terrace, is stunning – featuring elegant archways and a majestic view of the Sharjah Creek. Bait Elowal 's menu is a meeting point of cultures, with each section evoking a journey across the region. Breakfast dishes are titled The Silk Road Awakens, while appetizers are dubbed Teasers – A Prelude to the Voyage. Main courses fall under Coming Back – The Journey Returns and desserts are presented as A Sweet Journey Through the Silk Road. With more than 30 dishes on offer, priced between Dh25 and Dh190, the menu focuses less on fusion and more on highlighting the culinary connections forged through historical trade routes. An example is the roasted eggplant with red miso and feta cheese – an impactful eggplant salad that showcases some of the ancient fermentation techniques traders used to preserve ingredients on months-long journeys. The smoked salmon and ossetra caviar tartlet, an elegant pastry appetiser, takes its cues from the historic Caspian Sea Trade – a key feature of the Silk Road. It reflects how delicacies such as caviar and fish roe were transported from places like Persia throughout the region. The meat dishes, such as the braised lamb shank and striploin, are infused with Silk Road spices like sumac, ginger and cloves. Meanwhile, contemporary influences emerge in the quinoa-crusted octopus and chicken liver parfait. The octopus is gently braised, then coated in crisped quinoa for added texture, while the sweetness of apple and the richness of the parfait create a balanced, smooth finish. A dessert dish that could prove popular is Hidden Treasure – a decadent Guanaja chocolate whipped ganache with crunchy cocoa nibs, sitting atop a crispy date cake and a puddle of fragrant cardamom soup. 'We wanted to celebrate this history by creating a menu that captures the essence of those exchanges,' Sheikha Bodour says. 'Every dish is designed to reflect the natural evolution of flavours that have travelled across continents yet feel at home in Emirati kitchens. Some dishes pay homage to time-honoured recipes, while others reimagine these influences in new ways.' Bait Elowal is located on Al Merraijja Square, Sharjah; open daily from 8am to 11pm; for reservations go to
