Two more highlights of Sharjah Heritage area

Sharjah Calligraphy Museum and Bait Al Naboodah, the home of a wealthy pearl merchant. are additional highlights of the Sharjah Heritage Area.

Sharjah Calligraphy Museum and Sharjah Centre for the Art of Arabic Calligraphy and Ornamentation

Inside 'al khat', or the calligraphy square, are two traditional homes turned into a teaching and exhibition centre for Arabic calligraphic art, as well as other languages such as Chinese and French. Notable displays include the oldest pieces from a couple of hundred years ago, which trace the evolution of Kufic writing from the 7th century's simple, angular, undotted script to more elaborate forms. It is said to be the only museum in the Arab world devoted entirely to calligraphy. There are workshops for all ages in calligraphy and in decorating objects with the various forms of script.

Bait Al Naboodah

Covering 1,280 square metres, it was the home of a wealthy pearl merchant. Its majlis, which has a unique bridge or 'sarbatoh', was the meeting place of merchants, sea captains and pearl divers. There is the legend of a 'mischievous guardian' who appears as a lady in white carrying two babies. She is said to roam the house and vanish when approached. She is also said to frequent the 'traditional games room', the only room with its original door.