Stamps – Traditional Houses In UAE (2003)

Emirates Post is issuing a set of special stamps in four denominations on the traditional houses of the UAE, as part of its commitment to the conservation of the architectural and traditional heritage of the country.

Al Areesh (Palm Frond) House:

The Al Areesh house built with palm trunks and the jandal wood has a square shape. The design on the coast is different from the oasis area. On the coast the fronds are removed in some places for ventilation. While in the oasis area, fronds are placed in such a way as to block hot air.

The height of the house may reach up to 10 feet.

Al Teen (Mud) House:

The exact date of the origin of the Al Teen house is not known, but it became common in the 20th century. It is built with cone-shaped bricks which are made of mud and straw. Usually, the number of rooms and the area are determined by the land available for construction. Many corridors are built inside this house. The height of the house may reach up to 12 feet.

The roof is made up of palm trunks, mud and Jandal wood.

Al Saff (Pebbles) House:

The Al Saff house is built in a rectangular shape. It is built with stones or pebbles and mud. Its height may reach 8 to 9 feet as per the requirements of the owner. This type of house was common in the eastern areas. The roof is made of palm trunks and mud mixed with straw.

Al Shaar (Tent) House:

The Al Shaar house is built from goat fur and sheep wool which is mixed, yarned and twisted into round shapes.

This type of house is usually built in the desert by Bedouins.

The height of the house is between 7 to 8 feet. Ropes, pillars and sticks are used in the construction of this house.