A guest room at Al Bait. A guest room at Al Bait.

Al Bait Sharjah, the new luxury resort to be managed by General Hotel Management Ltd (GHM), is set to open at the end of 2017.

Developed in partnership with Shurooq (the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority), Al Bait in Sharjah is part of the emirate’s historical preservation and restoration project known as Heart of Sharjah. The heritage project is planned over a 15-year period and targeted for completion by 2025.

Al Bait, following traditional Sharjah architecture, is constructed from the restored foundations of old houses that once belonged to important families. Its name, Al Bait, means ‘The House’, and will be a 10,000m2 area with 53 luxury guestrooms and suites.

GHM president Hans R. Jenni said in a statement: "The introduction of Al Bait Sharjah in the UAE will do what sister resort, The Chedi Muscat, has achieved for the Sultanate of Oman: redefine luxury resort accommodation, increase travellers’ aspiration to explore the destination, and ultimately raise the profile for the resort and destination."

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The architecture and design of Al Bait in Sharjah is undertaken by the GAJ, and it will offer direct connectivity and access to traditional bazaar Souk Al Arsah, said to be the oldest in the UAE. Guests will be able to witness the conservation of the last remaining round wind tower, and even the incorporation of handcrafted thatched roofs and distinct motifs into the ceilings of the hotels’ buildings.

Al Bait, whose general manager is Florian Leven, will target both the business and leisure traveller with three different categories of accommodation.

The property will offer meeting spaces, and with F&B including all-day dining concept The Restaurant, and The Café for light pastries and tea. A luxury spa – the first in the GHM portfolio to feature a hammam as part of its treatment facilities – will be a part of the wellness offering.