Historic Al Sharqi House in Muttrah Revived: What This Means for Heritage Tourism and Investment in Oman
Muttrah: Al Sharqi House, also known as “The Eastern House,” stands as one of the most distinguished historic residences in the Wilayat of Muttrah, Muscat Governorate. For decades, this venerable building has served as a welcoming stop for merchants and visitors in Muttrah, a port city renowned for its maritime trade and commercial vitality.
Following an extensive restoration project under an agreement between the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and Jebel Al Akhdar Hotels and Resorts, Al Sharqi House has been revitalized to reclaim its prominent place in Muttrah’s heritage and urban fabric. The restoration preserves the building’s architectural integrity and its strategic location near Muttrah Fort, ensuring that this nearly 131-year-old landmark continues to symbolize the city’s rich built heritage.
Eng Hamida Sulaiman al Azri, Projects Director and Chief Architect at Jebel Al Akhdar Hotels and Resorts, explains that the house was named for its position east of Muttrah and dates back to around 1895. It was commissioned by merchant Said bin Rashid Al Zakwani, a member of a prominent Omani trading family whose business focused on exporting dried dates through the harbor known as “Al-Fardha.” The location was chosen for its proximity to the port, facilitating both storage and export activities—the ground floor was used for warehousing goods. The house reached its current form under Talib bin Mohammed al Zakwani’s completion in 1960.
At its peak, the residence attracted dignitaries and merchants from across Oman’s governorates, particularly Al Dakhiliyah, Al Batinah, and Al Sharqiyah. Mornings were marked by gatherings in a corner called “Al-Sabah,” where news was exchanged before trips to the market. During the early years of Oman’s renaissance, the house also served as the headquarters for the Ministry of Lands.
Architecturally, Al Sharqi House stands out for its unique blend of styles reflecting Muttrah’s diverse cultural influences. It combines traditional Muttrah residential elements with East African features, highlighting the city’s historic role as a vibrant commercial port linked to Indian Ocean trade and migration networks. Decorative details also show Persian and Indian influences, illustrating the rich cultural exchanges of the era.
Rafia Ibrahim Al Bahlani, Architect and Technical Implementation Lead at Jebel Al Akhdar Hotels and Resorts, describes the restoration approach as one focused on maintaining the house’s authentic architectural character without compromising its identity. Windows and doors were carefully restored using original materials wherever possible, with replacements crafted to match the originals only when necessary. The interior layout was preserved according to historical arrangements, with some areas repurposed to serve the house’s new function as a cultural destination. The project balances historic preservation with providing an engaging visitor experience.
A notable architectural feature of Al Sharqi House is its adaptation to the maritime climate. A central courtyard promotes natural ventilation and offers shaded communal space. The design’s balconies and openings allow sea breezes to flow through, providing passive cooling without mechanical systems. These features showcase a deep understanding of local climate conditions and traditional design methods for comfortable living before modern technology.
Today, the house functions as a cultural and hospitality venue, featuring four boutique hotel rooms, a souvenir shop, a restaurant, and a multipurpose room. It also incorporates Muttrah’s first well, built on a hill and preserved as part of the house’s historical ensemble. This ensures that Al Sharqi House remains a captivating architectural treasure for generations to come.
تحليل خاص من عمانت | تصفح سوق عُمان
The meticulous restoration of Al Sharqi House in Muttrah exemplifies Oman’s growing commitment to preserving cultural heritage while fostering tourism-driven economic diversification. For businesses, this underscores an opportunity to leverage heritage sites as unique hospitality and retail destinations that attract culturally curious tourists. Smart investors should consider ventures that blend authentic Omani heritage with modern tourism demands, while entrepreneurs can explore creative hospitality and cultural experiences that enhance Muttrah’s historic allure, balancing preservation with innovative commercial uses.
