Dubai, UAE: Ninety years ago, before the iconic skylines of Dubai and the opulent resorts of the UAE, a modest structure emerged in Sharjah: the BOAC Rest House. This wasn’t just a building; it was the UAE’s first-ever hotel, a pivotal point in the region’s history, and the starting chapter of its now-renowned hospitality industry.
Built in the 1930s, it served as a crucial overnight stop for Imperial Airways (later BOAC) flights connecting the UK and India.
This story reveals how a simple transit stop for early aviation paved the way for the sophisticated tourism and dining scene we see today.
BOAC was more than just a transit point, it played a significant role in the early development of the Trucial States, paving the way for modern institutions and shaping the region’s hospitality landscape.
A Desert Oasis for Early Aviation:
Constructed between 1932-33 at the Sharjah airfield, the BOAC Rest House addressed the need for accommodation along the western Gulf air route. During its nine-month construction, passengers endured tented camps, highlighting the challenging conditions of the era. The Rest House itself, incorporating a wing of a defensive fort, offered basic amenities: six single and three double rooms, accommodating twelve guests. Later, five additional rooms were added for the Indian Meteorological Service, whose role at the airfield remains somewhat obscured.
The Sole Hotel in the Trucial States:
In a time when Sharjah and its neighboring emirates were known as the Trucial States, the BOAC Rest House stood as the only hotel. This changed in 1947 when BOAC ceased its Sharjah stopovers, handing the airfield to International Aeradio Limited. However, the Rest House remained the sole accommodation option until the 1960s, hosting diplomats, businessmen, and explorers.
Beyond Transit: A Catalyst for Development:
The Rest House’s impact extended beyond providing lodging. It indirectly contributed to the establishment of the British Bank of the Middle East and Al-Maktoum Hospital in Dubai. Personnel from these institutions resided at the airfield while awaiting construction in Dubai and Sharjah. Notable figures like Mark Stott (British Bank of the Middle East founder) and Desmond McCaully (Al-Maktoum Hospital founder) spent extended periods at the Rest House.
A Glimpse into the Past:
The Rest House hosted a diverse clientele, including Colonel Moody (medical advisor), explorer Wilfrid Thesiger, and oilman Wendell Phillips. Novelist Hammond Innes, in 1954, described the Rest House as “incredibly good” for a desert hostel, foreshadowing Sharjah’s future as a luxury destination. Egyptian journalist Salim Zabbal further emphasized its importance, noting it as the only air-conditioned hotel until the early 1960s.
The Dawn of Modern Hospitality:
The era of the BOAC Rest House ended with the rise of modern hotels in Sharjah. The Seaface, Sheba, and Carlton hotels, the latter still operational, opened in the late 1960s, marking a transition to the sophisticated hospitality industry we know today.
Legacy and Preservation:
The story of the BOAC Rest House is preserved by the UAE’s National Archives, established in 1968. This institution, a cornerstone of UAE cultural preservation, documents the region’s history, ensuring that the legacy of this pioneering hotel remains alive.
– The details in this story were first published by WAM in 2021. See the complete timeline here.
