Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House was built back in 1896 in the Al-Shindagha area. Its strategic location a stone’s throw from the Creek bend makes it possible to survey both sides of the Creek and the Deira and Bur Dubai districts.
The building was the residence of the ruling Al Maktoum family until 1958 and was notably the home of Dubai’s monarch at the time, Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum. This house has seen the birth of his children and grandchildren, and is now considered a tourist icon that receives visitors every day of the year.
Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum’s house gives visitors an insight into the environments in which a Dubai ruler of the first half of the 20th century lived, with its simplicity and large spaces, and their diversity: enclosed, semi-open and open.
The house is currently used as a museum showcasing the history of Dubai, with a collection of historical photos of sheikhs and life in Dubai before the discovery of oil, a life that no longer exists in the city. There is also a large collection of official historical documents relating to the emirate of Dubai, as well as jewellery, coins, stamps and other items from the time of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum.
The nine areas into which the museum is divided are the history of Saeed Al Maktoum’s house, the Al Maktoum family, old Dubai, marine life, views of Dubai, social life in Dubai, coins and stamps, historical documents and maps.
A visit to the home of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum is a unique opportunity to learn about the facets and details of traditional Dubai life and society. The visit is also an opportunity to learn about the nature of the strong relationship between the Al Maktoum royal family and the citizens of Dubai, which is also evident in the symmetry, harmony and proximity between the house and its surroundings, as well as with the ease of direct contact without the presence of barriers between ordinary citizens and the royal family.
This explains the continuity of this relationship to this day between the people of Dubai and their ruler.
Visitors can also discover in this well-kept house numerous architectural styles from the local artistic and cultural-historical heritage. For instance, it is possible to notice that all outlets to the outside of the house are small at the top, while the entrance to the house is mirrored, as the person entering the house is put in front of a wall that forces him or her to turn around and enter the interior space indirectly, where the different general and specific elements of the house are distributed.
Furthermore, the house, like all other houses in the Al Shindagha area, faces south-west, the direction of Mecca. This fact highlights the importance of the religious values of the original local community.
Interestingly, the kitchens are positioned on the south side. The reason is quickly stated: by orienting them in this direction, the sea breeze blowing from the Persian Gulf inland would sweep away the steam and smells from the kitchen, thus purifying the air of the entire house.
In conclusion, a visit to Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum’s house will uncover values and other architectural ideas that will undoubtedly make one appreciate the importance of the local historical heritage, which goes beyond its simplicity and austerity, becoming a unique philosophy and lifestyle that visitors can cherish forever.
The house-museum is open for visits from Saturday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., while on Fridays it only opens from 3 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.
Admission is charged although it only costs a few pennies, and the cost also includes the tour guide.
Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House is located in the Al Shindagha area, Bur Dubai side of the Creek. It can be reached by metro by getting off at Al Ghubaiba stop on the green line, once you get off it is about 300 metres walk, or by bus by getting off at Al Ghubaiba station.
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