Al Maarid District |
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The district of Al Maarid is famous as a location of the Hilton Hotel Resort and Spa. It is also an area with many impressive residential buildings situated near the beach. However, Al Maarid also has some unique examples of the old local architecture. These rather remarkable houses were built along the coast, although now the sea line is shifted further to the north.
At first the buildings appear to be similar to those in RAK City, having wind towers, wall niches and wind catchers, however, they were constructed differently and have their own distinctive decorations. Thus, despite its close location to RAK City, Al Maarid had its own skilled craftsmen.
One of the most amazing buildings in the area is a house that belonged to Bait Sirkal, a wealthy merchant. It was built in the end of the 19th century and occupied until the 1969, and had purely residential purpose. This compound not only had superb decorations, it was also one of the largest houses on the coast. It was that big that nowadays its inner yard has been used by children as a small football field. Sadly, parts of this house collapsed in the summer of 2007, joining the fate of the other older buildings in this district that had deteriorated over the time. By using your imagination, you can still see how important and impressive this area must have been. |
LOCATION: the northeast side of the creek. From the Bin Majid R/A follow the road signs to the Hilton Resort and Spa. Pass the Bin Majid Museum and turn to the right. Drive straight along this road where you should see the remains of some old houses on your right.
GPS: Bait Sirkal’s House: N25o48’ 37.52” E55o57’ 42.65”
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