Dubai Attractions

Venue: Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House    When: Daily

The Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House is one of the oldest in Dubai, as well as one of the best examples of traditional architecture. Built in 1896, the one-time ruler of the city used the house to monitor trade in and out of the country. It was opened as a museum in 1986.

The imposing building takes its name from the Sheikh who lived in it until his death in 1958. Originally strategically situated at the mouth of Dubai's lifeline, the Creek, this carefully restored museum now lies close to the Bur Dubai side of the Shindagha Tunnel and next to the Heritage and Diving Village.

It is built in the traditional manner of the Gulf Coast, from coral covered in lime and plaster, with a large courtyard and a large number of rooms, verandas and bath rooms, divided into independent family units. There are two entrances to the building. The main entrance is from the Creek side, the second entrance is on the rear side of the building, and was probably reserved for family members.

The restoration is remarkable for its carved teak doors and windows, architraves and wooden lattice screens, and the balustrades of railings. The pierced gypsum ventilating screens have floral and geometric designs, and are set into the thick walls. The house also contains an exhibition illuminating Dubai's development from the 1940s to the late 1960s.