Set within the restored heritage walls of the iconic 100-year-old Bait Elowal in Sharjah, the magnificent AI Atlas is a supper club that transforms dining into an experience of discovery. From the moment you step inside, there’s a palpable sense of story, steeped in culture, history, and tradition. It’s a space where reverence for the past seamlessly meets the excitement of something entirely new.
Guided by H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Bait Elowal has been brought to life as a living testament to Sharjah’s cultural heritage. In a quiet, intimate moment, she led her father, H.H. Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, through the restored halls, where each corner whispers stories of the past, and each detail represents a bridge between tradition and the present.
The space now pulses with vibrant flavours, textures, and time-honoured narratives that pay homage to centuries of history, while inviting a new generation to discover them.
The ambience can be best described as reanimating – intimate yet expansive. Low lighting, warm hues of sandstone and wood, and touches of brass and aged plaster echo the building’s storied past, while contemporary design elements anchor it firmly in the present. Every aspect feels thoughtfully curated, balancing heritage and modernity in perfect harmony.
Inside Bait Elowal, the space is layered. The air is filled with the delightful aroma of spiced citrus and slow-roasted meats, while conversation drifts like a soft, understated soundtrack, accompanied by the gentle clatter of heels on the aged tiles.
As you enter, you’ll first encounter the main dining chamber, generous in scale but cosy in feel. Its open pathways envelop you in its warmth, while private alcoves offer moments of privacy with your loved ones. Bookshelves, art pieces, and curated artefacts create intimate corners that serve to invite contemplation and ignite conversation.
Though the architecture has been fully reimagined, subtle traces of its former life linger throughout. Raw wood beams, arched doorways, and traditional lattice windows transform into modern vantage points.
At AI Atlas, there are no traditional printed menus. Rather, guests embark on what the supper-club calls “A Pilgrimage of the Senses”, a seven-course sequence unveiled right here, in real time.
The culinary narrative draws on the ancient Silk Road, propelling you down the Gulf’s own trade-heritage routes, through which spices, textures, and recipes passed from souks to family kitchens.
At AI Atlas, the experience is where the real story unfolds. Beyond the flavours on the plate, every moment is immersive, drawing you into a whole new world. Soundscapes shift, lighting changes, and textures encourage guests to pause and reflect – not just on the food, but on the experience itself.
Now, a guest may savour a tartlet of smoked salmon crowned with Ossetra caviare, and then, moments later, find themselves drawn into the story of saffron-hued rice and black tahini. These flavours are layered as intricately as the centuries behind them.
The vision behind AI Atlas builds on Bait Elowal’s legacy, honouring its first-generation roots while transforming them into an experience that feels both timeless and strikingly contemporary.
Given the supper club’s intimate nature, securing a reservation is wise. Here, evenings linger, conversations flow, and every detail commands your full attention. If you’re seeking an experience where food is art, architecture is storytelling, and history is edible, Al Atlas at Bait Elowal offers just that.
Visit baitelowal.com
