Today's Edition
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
Standing at the entrance of the Al Ain Region, the historic Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa welcomes travellers from Abu Dhabi, offering a glimpse into the enduring Emirati tradition of a leader opening his home to the community.
Built in 1958, the sprawling house was the residence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan (1909–1979), the father-in-law of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and a revered elder of the Al Nahyan family.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa was a prominent figure in the sociopolitical life of Al Ain and Abu Dhabi. His home became a bustling hub for the community, hosting gatherings, discussions, and moments that shaped the character of the city.
“The house brings back the memory of Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa and highlights the transitional period the area went through,” said Shamma Heyab Alketbi, Acting Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa Unit Head, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.
A quick glance at the home reveals distinctive elements of traditional Emirati architecture, from elegant pillars and delicate plaster decorations to the spacious courtyard. Yet, modern touches are also present, reflected in the clean lines, colourful interiors, and the use of materials like cement and stone.
This blend of old and new reflects the “Transition Period” of the 1930s to 1960s, a time when hybrid architecture emerged, influenced by both traditional Emirati styles and the economic currents driven by oil exploration.
In 2008, Al Ain Municipality officially handed over the house’s stewardship to the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. After years of careful planning and restoration starting in 2017, it reopened its doors in 2021.
Though the house does not display historical artefacts, which are preserved in museums, it features many original architectural elements, including the main entrance door. The spaces are alive with colour and history, each room telling a story through its vibrant walls and structural evolution - from a single-floor layout to its current two-level design.
Today, the restored house is much more than a historical monument. True to its legacy as a community space, the facility has become a versatile venue for meetings, workshops, cultural activities, and educational programmes.
It houses several rooms - ranging from intimate 8-person spaces to a grand hall that can accommodate up to 50 attendees. These are regularly used by government departments, private schools, and cultural organisations, offering a flexible and historically meaningful alternative to conventional venues like hotels.
During summer, it comes alive with children’s energy and laughter as it hosts camps for kids of various age groups.
“Every day, children engage in different heritage-based activities,” Alketbi said. “It helps them connect with the past in a meaningful and engaging way.”
A new café is set to open on the premises in November, providing a space for casual gatherings. The site also features the RFLCT Art Center, which regularly organises a variety of art workshops and creative programmes, further enriching the cultural offerings available at the site.
As Alketbi explains, the ultimate goal is preservation-not only of bricks and mortar but of memory, identity, and community. In a region where change has been swift and dramatic, Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa stands as a gentle reminder of the roots from which the modern UAE has grown.
