Bait Elowal an extension of Sharjah’s vision: Bodour

Bait Elowal, set in the Heart of Sharjah, announced the inspiring ‘Cinema and Dining’ experience at the emirate’s most atmospheric destination, in collaboration with Cinema Akil, and with the support of Xposure International Photography Festival that celebrates visual storytelling.

Taking place every Friday and Saturday between 16–31 January, ‘Cinema and Dining’ will feature an intimate series of curated film screenings paired with thoughtfully designed dining experiences in the courtyard of the restored heritage house.

The programme offers an immersive evening of film and food where audiences can experience storytelling through place, memory, and exceptional cinematic experiences.

Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the visionary behind Bait Elowal, said: “Bait Elowal is an extension of Sharjah’s vision of sharing story and heritage through contemporary approaches. ‘Cinema and Dining’ creates an immersive exchange between visual culture and gastronomy that strengthens cultural understanding. It is a uniquely holistic experience that brings together imagery, a sense of place, and taste.”

Alya Al Suwaidi, Director of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), affirmed the importance of the partnership between Bait Elowal and at Xposure, stating: “For over a decade, Xposure has been dedicated to advancing visual storytelling. ‘Cinema and Dining’ represents a distinctive cultural programme that expands the language of cinema through the culinary arts. This collaboration aligns with the mission of Xposure to broaden the horizons of visual storytelling and to strengthen cross-cultural exchange.”

A cultural experience designed for constructive dialogue and shared discovery, ‘Cinema and Dining’ invites guests to take their time, listen, taste, and reflect while Cinema Akil presents a range of films that resonate with regional narratives and global perspectives.

Dining elements will be paired to echo the films’ atmospheres, origins and themes, creating a multisensory arc from the opening frame to the final course.

Cinema Akil’s Butheina Kazim said: “Cinema and food both hold the power to transport us through memory, and emotion. At Cinema Akil, we have always believed deeply in the ability of film to expand our frames of reference and reshape how we understand the world. We’re proud to be back in Sharjah partnering with Bait Elowal and Xposure to bring these sensibilities together, creating an experience where storytelling, heritage, and hospitality come together.”

The titles to be screened include:

Jan 16 – Homework — Abbas Kiarostami

Jan 17 – Tale of the Three Jewels — Michel Khleifi

Jan 23 – A Separation — Asghar Farhadi

Jan 24 – Taste of Cherry — Abbas Kiarostami

Jan 30 – The Experience — Abbas Kiarostami

Jan 31 – Capernaum — Nadine Labaki

Bait Elowal offers a unique blend of excellence in the culinary arts and cultural heritage. With an innovative vision by Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, it represents a living tribute to Sharjah’s legacy as a vibrant commercial centre, where flavours, stories, and traditions come together under one roof for an exceptional experience Nestled in the Heart of Sharjah, a beautiful, restored district with winding alleys, traditional souks and historic museums, Bait Elowal is a true showcase of authentic Emirati culture.

This two-storey heritage house, which is over 100 years old, faces Sharjah Creek on Al Merraijja Square. The house’s architecture preserves the region’s history and the central courtyard, adorned with a tranquil central fountain and jewelled with Moroccan Zellige tiles, which creates a picturesque dining ambience. Renovated in 2024, the structure retains its thick walls, flat roofs and intricately carved wooden doors. The ground-floor courtyard features Bait Elowal’s main restaurant, featuring a menu that emphasises locally sourced ingredients and showcases the flavours of Morocco, Persia, India, and Turkey, reflecting the Silk Road’s rich heritage.