A historic home in Al Ain, now restored and repurposed as a vibrant community centre
Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa is a historic house within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al Ain. The house includes a permanent exhibition celebrating the nation’s social and architectural transition to modernity during the 1950s and 1960s. It is also a community centre with a diverse programme of activities and events. The building has been repurposed and is home to the Al Ain Theatre Group, the RFLCT Creative Arts Centre and a Notes Cafe with its own bakery.
History
The house was for the late Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan (1909-79), the father-in-law of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates, and the grandfather of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.
It was built in 1958, during the Transition Period (1930s-60s), a time of social and cultural change following the early oil exploration and discovery in the emirate. Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa merges traditional architecture and design with modern materials and building techniques and is a notable symbol of this period. While the domestic character of Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa was different from the traditional forts used as residences, it retained the time-honoured tradition of a leader opening up his home to the community.
Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa was once an eminent landmark and a focal point for the community of Al Ain, as Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan was a highly esteemed figure. Now, after being carefully conserved, the space has resumed its legacy as a vibrant and creative community centre.
