![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/DPU5YXWIIFIKC2SDZZOBUOLV3A.jpg?smart=true&auth=90a8a164667ffd2042e56ba29d223161eb7221737cb49ba1641acec363a9af97&width=400&height=225)
A book about Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, sits in Nuzul Al Salam, Bahrain. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/VFMIOCYEG6QYEU4OKNMEXBS45Y.jpg?smart=true&auth=92671400feee4478ac814c8d880807abe61c0286c1d9ac90f956810b75c7981d&width=400&height=225)
Al Nuzul Salam, Bahrain's new boutique hotel, features a Mediterranean-style bistro that serves contemporary local cuisine. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/V3EWXTLNWT6ASRO2JJ5G4AB6PE.jpg?smart=true&auth=a979536147acfd393b0c0526d0131263e62483e5b2548a72651398582f1df6fc&width=400&height=225)
The building is located in old Muharraq and forms part of Bahrain's Pearling Path. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/U3LQV73JZCZBN57FDN2EUR5XKU.jpg?smart=true&auth=4dacbee2b02e4047daf15c50c49cde7e27d7e8c44bde6732314c9f742526f530&width=400&height=225)
It's a two-storey building that's been recently refurbished. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/AQ5VITFKFXMQJRTUG2YQFGPDM4.jpg?smart=true&auth=cefb3c6c83dc023e3c2d7eab2688792ada4552363499b9594594c7b4c388c3cc&width=400&height=225)
The hotel is a collaboration between Bahrain's Sheikh Ebrahim Centre and the UAE's Ministry of Culture. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/ZD4RZCABSZRDHCMCVRQXOUDWJA.jpg?smart=true&auth=9b2fb910d11f0cbcf8b21b385931f9f464c2714da2e780d8ec75bd49bfe42655&width=400&height=225)
Each of the six rooms have a name, including Bahr, Shams and Amal, which mean 'sea', 'sun' and 'hope', respectively. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/WZYJQDT5WBORABSDG5E3YA7VSU.jpg?smart=true&auth=da8377f766008cd99fd4c29098df7d99a4e148af7ecf319f7a886b9579c8d33e&width=400&height=225)
Guests will be able to book rooms from December 2019. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/25REQZKIW4G72WXHMOPZZS5EJI.jpg?smart=true&auth=564bdf0afaad0ce9b79ff035e44e96515b372d911e91aeff6599f72704d65c69&width=400&height=225)
Textures and colour palettes are combined to bring 'The Epic of Gilgamesh' to life. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/A4KQUOZNVSTMAMVYBFTT63F3WY.jpg?smart=true&auth=852534a70407c9f4d80204853c4b1b143c4f9e4e32dc610d76f7815fa66660dd&width=400&height=225)
The hotel boasts a minimal and yet retro aesthetic. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/SJMVOAS5ZEATT7WT6HE43FP4KU.jpg?smart=true&auth=bac15b1224dabb841a5444dc189ad83f6eb172ec555fcc26cd48946e2defc374&width=400&height=225)
The retro aesthetic extends to the rugs and chairs. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/WTJDI6YZYUJ7B74LX3VW7KJSEU.jpg?smart=true&auth=ae8ec2f4f4f86f0ea6e283fc727a38714a0e9c83bfbc681c0da36b3988f257d3&width=400&height=225)
Influence from 'The Epic of Gilgamesh' is stitched into the hotel's DNA. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/SY3BQ6LBBWPHODWK5KKNYWGIVE.jpg?smart=true&auth=f1fd276b19fb43415a3ee4512d5ac45aeaab9ac3b022e366e3795b3cb456e310&width=400&height=225)
One of six rooms at Nuzul Al Salam. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/FU7ITPVS6NIGRSGYFCZJCVSSAU.jpg?smart=true&auth=dcd9616ebccfda7b05b3ad4051441e2b10035bdc5050fbfe1fb4e7345e583537&width=400&height=225)
The courtyard features eight lemon and orange trees. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/DDN4CEY7BQJZVYKGDDZ2PHBM2Q.jpg?smart=true&auth=95d3b4ab1ffe6fc5b5e980ae29a353a231561926383b488f81e4ad561d6db016&width=400&height=225)
A tapestry highlighting Bahrain's flora and fauna. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/HYSLXHZ3NRDH4XKR4AAIBQZZMY.jpg?smart=true&auth=7c71c61b72075a7711f6dfe93bfcc4b637513af89db3704cf85cecde51271c95&width=400&height=225)
A standalone bathtub offers lovely views of the courtyard. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BN2FEAZMMR63UOQ5ICNZJQ46EY.jpg?smart=true&auth=58269e7e060ccd5d7c3acfde2cd91a2e5d94dbb98a060d576d6b42f8de7688bb&width=400&height=225)
Woven tapestries bring Bahrain's culture to life throughout. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/2QW23GYWD36W7RNS57UV2VX5IM.jpg?smart=true&auth=867b8890d35b4cfb50a94c0f4f58dee2af471189e1214349a9502004a0a3b771&width=400&height=225)
Terrazzo flooring has been used throughout the hotel. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/J6W5P7ZLO4LTJYGD3QOFCDGVDY.jpg?smart=true&auth=c3907c3af7276155c4dec940c0e53b74c5d0f17ac936497804ab6c918e90c751&width=400&height=225)
A kinetic wall using state-of-the-art technology sees the moon change from crescent to full as visitors walk past. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/IEE2ZSZVGNVR7HI6JJRZA3CANQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=2df2410ab7f7bb11228421b555af94cfc39b9104a445d2caea18b1b88e539526&width=400&height=225)
Even the bathrobes have been weaved by a local fashion designer. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/MFOM3VBYZMP7AE2267QSDQGPXQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=e013f177086a972db5ffec37686c23e5dccbf398e91d5c4ba7f444536c256897&width=400&height=225)
Elements of bold design are also incorporated, but everything pays homage to the Gulf's culture and history. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/GYQWAC4HK7Q4AH4BD6BDFM6JHA.jpg?smart=true&auth=152f5270adf65ed0fbb960af4e6d4c6ee292f1c11dc9c0a77a6f5cebc8543748&width=400&height=225)
Modernity meets tradition in the design at Nuzul Al Salam. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/42YHZCHXX6ASDDQVWNKQYCGQUQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=61f8924f7871197297feb89d2a264832baf4a146d54a3efb4ddd96652ee57e4b&width=400&height=225)
A central parametric staircase incorporates 700 hand-carved pieces of natural oak wood. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/MJ23CF5LBG3RS4WQKBTL2J2PD4.jpg?smart=true&auth=ab387fed66f7ac1a7fc3c7ed9aac701543ade82c2085e61ea910be0292dbc22e&width=400&height=225)
The staircase took three-and-a-half months to make. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/M7Q3AX6D3RH2IGRE7PIU7YWLII.jpg?smart=true&auth=44471901f62736e25b3d3a9005c53a649b1b3d1e3035d1826b42546d8a3c09cb&width=400&height=225)
The hotel features a central courtyard and cafe. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/QX6YB2FRWQXEKISZOSIUA7S4KM.jpg?smart=true&auth=a4dc25ba6f2ab64829ca4fbd3800055abddbbaebd8798bcb4016efbab0c15ec1&width=400&height=225)
Bahrain craftspeople were involved every step of the way. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/AMVYYDCNOASNUDP72VUG42DCFM.jpg?smart=true&auth=9e23b0cf97d60d6ae7185132787b25469056e121902e33cf147be5e09b807883&width=400&height=225)
The hotel is full of design elements that hark back to 1930s and 1940s Bahrain. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/DPU5YXWIIFIKC2SDZZOBUOLV3A.jpg?smart=true&auth=90a8a164667ffd2042e56ba29d223161eb7221737cb49ba1641acec363a9af97&width=400&height=225)
A book about Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, sits in Nuzul Al Salam, Bahrain. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/VFMIOCYEG6QYEU4OKNMEXBS45Y.jpg?smart=true&auth=92671400feee4478ac814c8d880807abe61c0286c1d9ac90f956810b75c7981d&width=400&height=225)
Al Nuzul Salam, Bahrain's new boutique hotel, features a Mediterranean-style bistro that serves contemporary local cuisine. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/V3EWXTLNWT6ASRO2JJ5G4AB6PE.jpg?smart=true&auth=a979536147acfd393b0c0526d0131263e62483e5b2548a72651398582f1df6fc&width=400&height=225)
The building is located in old Muharraq and forms part of Bahrain's Pearling Path. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/U3LQV73JZCZBN57FDN2EUR5XKU.jpg?smart=true&auth=4dacbee2b02e4047daf15c50c49cde7e27d7e8c44bde6732314c9f742526f530&width=400&height=225)
It's a two-storey building that's been recently refurbished. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/AQ5VITFKFXMQJRTUG2YQFGPDM4.jpg?smart=true&auth=cefb3c6c83dc023e3c2d7eab2688792ada4552363499b9594594c7b4c388c3cc&width=400&height=225)
The hotel is a collaboration between Bahrain's Sheikh Ebrahim Centre and the UAE's Ministry of Culture. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/ZD4RZCABSZRDHCMCVRQXOUDWJA.jpg?smart=true&auth=9b2fb910d11f0cbcf8b21b385931f9f464c2714da2e780d8ec75bd49bfe42655&width=400&height=225)
Each of the six rooms have a name, including Bahr, Shams and Amal, which mean 'sea', 'sun' and 'hope', respectively. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/WZYJQDT5WBORABSDG5E3YA7VSU.jpg?smart=true&auth=da8377f766008cd99fd4c29098df7d99a4e148af7ecf319f7a886b9579c8d33e&width=400&height=225)
Guests will be able to book rooms from December 2019. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/25REQZKIW4G72WXHMOPZZS5EJI.jpg?smart=true&auth=564bdf0afaad0ce9b79ff035e44e96515b372d911e91aeff6599f72704d65c69&width=400&height=225)
Textures and colour palettes are combined to bring 'The Epic of Gilgamesh' to life. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/A4KQUOZNVSTMAMVYBFTT63F3WY.jpg?smart=true&auth=852534a70407c9f4d80204853c4b1b143c4f9e4e32dc610d76f7815fa66660dd&width=400&height=225)
The hotel boasts a minimal and yet retro aesthetic. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/SJMVOAS5ZEATT7WT6HE43FP4KU.jpg?smart=true&auth=bac15b1224dabb841a5444dc189ad83f6eb172ec555fcc26cd48946e2defc374&width=400&height=225)
The retro aesthetic extends to the rugs and chairs. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/WTJDI6YZYUJ7B74LX3VW7KJSEU.jpg?smart=true&auth=ae8ec2f4f4f86f0ea6e283fc727a38714a0e9c83bfbc681c0da36b3988f257d3&width=400&height=225)
Influence from 'The Epic of Gilgamesh' is stitched into the hotel's DNA. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/SY3BQ6LBBWPHODWK5KKNYWGIVE.jpg?smart=true&auth=f1fd276b19fb43415a3ee4512d5ac45aeaab9ac3b022e366e3795b3cb456e310&width=400&height=225)
One of six rooms at Nuzul Al Salam. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/FU7ITPVS6NIGRSGYFCZJCVSSAU.jpg?smart=true&auth=dcd9616ebccfda7b05b3ad4051441e2b10035bdc5050fbfe1fb4e7345e583537&width=400&height=225)
The courtyard features eight lemon and orange trees. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/DDN4CEY7BQJZVYKGDDZ2PHBM2Q.jpg?smart=true&auth=95d3b4ab1ffe6fc5b5e980ae29a353a231561926383b488f81e4ad561d6db016&width=400&height=225)
A tapestry highlighting Bahrain's flora and fauna. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/HYSLXHZ3NRDH4XKR4AAIBQZZMY.jpg?smart=true&auth=7c71c61b72075a7711f6dfe93bfcc4b637513af89db3704cf85cecde51271c95&width=400&height=225)
A standalone bathtub offers lovely views of the courtyard. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BN2FEAZMMR63UOQ5ICNZJQ46EY.jpg?smart=true&auth=58269e7e060ccd5d7c3acfde2cd91a2e5d94dbb98a060d576d6b42f8de7688bb&width=400&height=225)
Woven tapestries bring Bahrain's culture to life throughout. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/2QW23GYWD36W7RNS57UV2VX5IM.jpg?smart=true&auth=867b8890d35b4cfb50a94c0f4f58dee2af471189e1214349a9502004a0a3b771&width=400&height=225)
Terrazzo flooring has been used throughout the hotel. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/J6W5P7ZLO4LTJYGD3QOFCDGVDY.jpg?smart=true&auth=c3907c3af7276155c4dec940c0e53b74c5d0f17ac936497804ab6c918e90c751&width=400&height=225)
A kinetic wall using state-of-the-art technology sees the moon change from crescent to full as visitors walk past. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/IEE2ZSZVGNVR7HI6JJRZA3CANQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=2df2410ab7f7bb11228421b555af94cfc39b9104a445d2caea18b1b88e539526&width=400&height=225)
Even the bathrobes have been weaved by a local fashion designer. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/MFOM3VBYZMP7AE2267QSDQGPXQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=e013f177086a972db5ffec37686c23e5dccbf398e91d5c4ba7f444536c256897&width=400&height=225)
Elements of bold design are also incorporated, but everything pays homage to the Gulf's culture and history. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/GYQWAC4HK7Q4AH4BD6BDFM6JHA.jpg?smart=true&auth=152f5270adf65ed0fbb960af4e6d4c6ee292f1c11dc9c0a77a6f5cebc8543748&width=400&height=225)
Modernity meets tradition in the design at Nuzul Al Salam. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/42YHZCHXX6ASDDQVWNKQYCGQUQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=61f8924f7871197297feb89d2a264832baf4a146d54a3efb4ddd96652ee57e4b&width=400&height=225)
A central parametric staircase incorporates 700 hand-carved pieces of natural oak wood. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/MJ23CF5LBG3RS4WQKBTL2J2PD4.jpg?smart=true&auth=ab387fed66f7ac1a7fc3c7ed9aac701543ade82c2085e61ea910be0292dbc22e&width=400&height=225)
The staircase took three-and-a-half months to make. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/M7Q3AX6D3RH2IGRE7PIU7YWLII.jpg?smart=true&auth=44471901f62736e25b3d3a9005c53a649b1b3d1e3035d1826b42546d8a3c09cb&width=400&height=225)
The hotel features a central courtyard and cafe. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/QX6YB2FRWQXEKISZOSIUA7S4KM.jpg?smart=true&auth=a4dc25ba6f2ab64829ca4fbd3800055abddbbaebd8798bcb4016efbab0c15ec1&width=400&height=225)
Bahrain craftspeople were involved every step of the way. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/AMVYYDCNOASNUDP72VUG42DCFM.jpg?smart=true&auth=9e23b0cf97d60d6ae7185132787b25469056e121902e33cf147be5e09b807883&width=400&height=225)
The hotel is full of design elements that hark back to 1930s and 1940s Bahrain. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/DPU5YXWIIFIKC2SDZZOBUOLV3A.jpg?smart=true&auth=90a8a164667ffd2042e56ba29d223161eb7221737cb49ba1641acec363a9af97&width=400&height=225)
A book about Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, sits in Nuzul Al Salam, Bahrain. Courtesy Ammar Basheir
Nuzul Al Salam: the new boutique hotel in Bahrain that pays tribute to Sheikh Zayed
The hotel is located on a Unesco-listed heritage trail in the old town of Muharraq
![Katy Gillett](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/https%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Farc-authors%2Fthenational%2F0d30538e-8093-483b-9671-b522ebeb7695.png?smart=true&auth=8c7547f4ac03274ba8bbce82d6291f909b38c6ccab7737911edec4058f46eea6&width=70&height=70)
Katy Gillett
25 November, 2019
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