At Al Maha, antiques adorn the rooms, most of which can be purchased and arrangements for shipping can be made. The Gallery Shop stocks unusual works of art and antiques as well as hotel-branded items (bathrobes to baseball caps) and small eco-friendly gifts.

The Gallery Shop Ethnic art and antiques for sale The Arabian Peninsula is one of the few places in the world where genuine art and antiques can be sourced at reasonable prices, but more importantly the region's art provides a vital insight into the culture of the Arab people.

Arabian art has its origins in Islamic culture. Until recent times, life in the desert was simply too harsh for time to be spent upon frivolities that were not essential to survival. Because of this, art was largely restricted to the decoration of everyday items - such as utensils and weapons.

Artists devoted their attention to the art of carving doors and decorating pots. Traditional weaponry such as the dagger worn by some Arab people, known as the khanjar, is highly decorated and the belts that hold the khanjars are an art form in themselves.

The art of door carving is a traditional skill and styles vary from region to region. A simple door becomes a work of art when adorned with highly intricate hand-carved patterns often depicting the occupation of the home within.

A khanjar was the Bedu’s prized possession and as such would be handed down from father to son from generation to generation.