After its transformation from a barren desertland to a global cosmopolitan city, Dubai has managed to preserve its rich heritage in one form or another. Historical monuments, mosques, and traditional souks aesthetically represent the ancient heritage of the bygone era of the Emirates. For a unique reason, Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House is among the popular tourist destinations in Dubai.
The ancient heritage site was the house of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum, the former Governor of Dubai. To know more about this architectural landmark, continue reading the article below.
History of the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House:
Built in 1896, the heritage site was thoughtfully designed in a safe residential area of Al Shindagha. It is one of the oldest buildings in Dubai and has been restored several times since its construction. It was the former residence of Dubai’s ruler of that time, H. H. Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum Bin Hasher Al Maktoum from 1912 till his death in 1958. His children and grandchildren were born and raised in this house, including the current ruler H.H.Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Highlights of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House:
The magnificent structure is now converted into a museum which gives an insight into the lifestyle of Dubai’s great ruler and his family. The house has been constructed using many conventional items like palm trunks and mangroves for the beams, shell stones for the walls and it is a fine example of thoughtful architecture in the 19th century. Some of the key elements that make the house distinct from other historical buildings are:
- The entire building comprises more than 30 rooms decorated in a unique Arab style.
- The combination of coral and lime plaster on the structure appears to be sparkling pink in color when seen from up close.
- One can enjoy breathtaking views of the Persian Gulf from the terrace of the building.
- A unique characteristic that fascinates the tourists is the four wind towers located at the corners of the residence.
The place not only served as a residence of the royal family but also displayed the ruler’s faithfulness towards the religion. Some of the rooms inside the house are dedicated to the Islamic culture and the ruler’s spiritual connection with the almighty. A visit to the residence will give insight into the principles and ideology Sheikh Saeed al Maktoum and his family adopted.
Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House architecture:
The traditionally styled structure is built around a central courtyard. The Sheik Saeed House flaunts a Middle Eastern design with high-beam ceilings, arched doorways, and an official meeting area, often known as Majlis in Arab culture. The kitchen in the south direction prevents steam and smokes from escaping through other parts of the house.
While the building has kitchen and storage rooms on the ground floor, it has various bedrooms on the first floor with balconies that offer pleasant views of the creek. The most prominent element of this house is the four wind towers (also known as Barjeels), which were used to keep the temperature down inside the house during summers.
Even though the house’s interior is not so royal from the outside, the complex is expansive and elegant. The outstanding architectural masterpiece aesthetically showcases the simple lifestyle of the ruler family. The house’s proximity to the surrounding neighborhood shows how open and inviting the ruler was to his citizens. Also, the building’s external structure never had large fences and barriers, making it a relaxed and welcoming palace.
Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum Museum Exhibits:
The royal residence, which is now transformed into a museum, exhibits coins, photographs, local handicrafts, and artifacts that date back to the time before the oil exploration in Dubai.
Besides this, the exhibition at the museum offers an opportunity to uncover the lives of locals through ancient maps and documents, stamps, painting, and a series of photographs that gives a glimpse of Dubai in the 20th century. A separate room is devoted to the exhibition of jewellery that belongs to the royal family. The museum also reflects people’s social and professional life in those days when pearl trading and fishing were the primary occupations for living.
Museum Location:
The historical site is located in the Shindagha District, on the Bur Dubai side of Dubai creek.
Timing:
The Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House visit hours are Saturday to Thursday, 8:00 am to 8:30 pm, and the time on Friday is 3:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House tickets:
One can enjoy the exhibits at the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House at a very affordable price. Entrance fees for adults are AED 15, whereas students from 5- 24 years can visit the museum at only AED 5. The museum offers free entry to children under five and people with determination.
EndNote:
Dubai museums artfully unveil the deep secrets of the forgotten era with artefacts, paintings, and many other valuable belongings. Sheik Saeed AL Maktoum House is a structural landmark that preserves the artefacts and values of the royal family of Dubai. Visitors can also take photographs of this outstanding architecture.
After your visit to the museum, you will admire the outlook of the great ruler on life and spirituality. History buffs would love to uncover the facts about the 19th and 20th centuries on their visit to the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum residence.
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