Outside the historic Sharjah Fort stands an unassuming yet curious monument called Halabat Al Tawba. At first glance, it appears to be just a piece of wood, but the plaque beside it provides a fascinating glimpse into Emirati history. The story goes back to the reign of Sheikh Saqr bin Khalid Al Qasimi, circa 1883-1914. One day, a fire was caused by a blind man named Baseedou, who was cooking fish when his house, made of palm fronds, caught fire. It was a windy day, and the fire soon spread…
