House of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum
If you are looking for a place to visit and learn about the history and culture of Dubai, you should definitely check out the House of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum. This is the former residence of the grandfather of Dubai’s current ruler, HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, born here in 1949. The house is now a museum that showcases the life and times of Dubai’s ruling family and the city’s transformation from a small fishing village to a global metropolis.
History
The house was built in 1896 by Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, who ruled Dubai from 1912 to 1958. He chose this location because it was close to Dubai Creek, the main source of trade and commerce at the time. The house was designed in a traditional Arabian style, with three courtyards, 30 rooms, and four wind towers that provided natural ventilation and cooling.
The house witnessed many important events in Dubai’s history, such as the signing of the first maritime treaty with the British in 1892, the discovery of oil in 1966, and the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. The house also hosted many distinguished guests, such as Sir Winston Churchill, King Faisal of Saudi Arabia, and Queen Elizabeth II.
The house was renovated several times to accommodate the growing family and reflect its inhabitants’ changing tastes and lifestyles. The last renovation occurred in 1986 when HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum ordered to restore the house to its original glory and turn it into a museum.
Species
The house is not only a historical monument but also a showcase of the rich biodiversity of Dubai. The house is surrounded by a lush garden featuring various species of plants and trees native to the region, such as date palms, acacias, ghaf trees, and bougainvilleas. The garden also attracts many birds and insects that add to the beauty and charm of the place.
The house contains many local craftsmanship and artistry examples, such as wooden doors and windows, carved gypsum panels, coral stone walls, and ornamental teak beams. The house also displays many artifacts and objects that reflect the culture and heritage of Dubai, such as pearl diving. tools, fishing nets, pottery, jewelry, weapons, clothing, and furniture.
Points of Interest
The house is divided into nine wings, each dedicated to a different aspect or theme of Dubai’s history and development. Here are some of the highlights you should not miss:
- The History of Saeed Al Maktoum House: This wing introduces you to the history and architecture of the house, as well as its significance for Dubai’s ruling family.
- Al Maktoum Family: This wing showcases the genealogy and biography of Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum and his descendants, as well as their achievements and contributions to Dubai’s progress.
- Old Dubai: This wing depicts the life and society of Dubai before the discovery of oil, focusing on its main economic activities, such as pearl diving, fishing, trading, and farming.
- Marine Life: This wing explores the marine environment and wildlife of Dubai Creek and the Arabian Gulf and their importance for Dubai’s economy and ecology.
- Views from Dubai: This wing presents a collection of photographs that capture Dubai’s stunning views and landscapes from different angles and perspectives.
- Social Life in Dubai: This wing illustrates the social customs and traditions of Dubai’s people, such as weddings, festivals, sports, music, dance, and poetry.
- Coins and Stamps: This wing exhibits various coins and stamps used in Dubai and other emirates over time, reflecting their political and economic relations with other countries.
- Historical Documents and Maps: This wing displays a selection of historical documents and maps documenting Dubai’s history and development from different sources and viewpoints.
- Temporary Exhibitions: This wing hosts temporary exhibitions that feature different topics or themes related to Dubai’s history or culture.
Some interesting facts
Here are some facts that you might find interesting:
- The house is one of the oldest buildings in Dubai that still stands today.
- The house is made mostly from natural materials such as coral stone, gypsum, palm wood, teak wood, sandalwood, lime plaster, mud bricks, palm fronds, and seashells.
- The house has four wind towers designed to catch the breeze from different directions and funnel it into the rooms below, creating a natural air conditioning system.
- The house has a large majlis (sitting room) on the upper floor that offers a panoramic view of the Dubai Creek and the city skyline.
- The house has a well in the central courtyard that provides fresh water for the residents and the garden.
- The house has a secret passage that connects it to the nearby Al Shindagha Watchtower, which was used as a lookout point and a defense post.
Need a tip before the visit?
When is it open?
The house is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., except on Fridays when it opens from 3:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. You can check for any updates on their website.
What to wear?
The house is a cultural and religious site, so visitors are advised to dress modestly and respectfully. Avoid wearing shorts, skirts, sleeveless tops, or anything that reveals too much skin. Wear comfortable shoes and a hat or sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
Is it family-friendly?
The house is a great place for families to visit, as it offers many educational and entertaining activities for children and adults alike. Children can learn about Dubai’s history and culture through interactive displays, games, puzzles, quizzes, and workshops. They can also enjoy the garden and the playground outside the house.
When is it best to visit?
The house is best visited in the morning or evening when the weather is cooler, and the crowds are smaller. Avoid visiting during peak hours or public holidays, when the house can get very busy and noisy. Also, try to visit during weekdays, when the entrance fee is lower than on weekends.
Landmarks in Dubai
Dubai driving trip from Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo to Sallet Al Sayad Seafood Restaurant
Direction 1: Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
1. Get on Al Khail Rd/D68 from Dubai Mall service road (3 min, 2.4 km)
a. Head southeast on Acces to Dubai Mall Main Entrance (51 m)
b. Keep left to continue toward Dubai Mall service road (80 m)
c. Continue onto Dubai Mall service road (900 m)
d. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for Bur Dubai/City Center/Deira/E66/Business Bay Cr/D71/DXB Airport, and merge onto Al Khail Rd/D68 (1.3 km)
2. Get on Al Ain – Dubai Rd/Oud Maitha Rd/Oud Metha Rd/E66 (2 min, 2.8 km)
a. Merge onto Al Khail Rd/D68 (650 m)
b. Take the E66 W/2nd Zaa’beel St/D73 ramp to Oud Maitha Rd (300 m)
c. Keep left at the fork to continue toward Al Ain – Dubai Rd/Oud Maitha Rd/Oud Metha Rd/E66 (1.0 km)
d. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for Oud Maitha Rd/E66 W/Bur Dubai/Latifa Hospital (450 m)
e. Keep left at the fork to continue toward Al Ain – Dubai Rd/Oud Maitha Rd/Oud Metha Rd/E66 (190 m)
f. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for E66 W/Oud Maitha Rd/Bur Dubai/Latifa Hospital, and merge onto Al Ain – Dubai Rd/Oud Maitha Rd/Oud Metha Rd/E66 (220 m)
3. Continue on Al Ain – Dubai Rd/Oud Maitha Rd/Oud Metha Rd/E66 to Sheikh Rashid Rd/D75. Take exit 1A from Al Ain – Dubai Rd/Oud Maitha Rd/Oud Metha Rd/E66 (3 min, 3.4 km)
a. Merge onto Al Ain – Dubai Rd/Oud Maitha Rd/Oud Metha Rd/E66 (850 m)
b. Take exit 1A for Al Sa’ada St/D86/Sheikh Rashid St/D75/E11 S/Sheikh Zayed Rd toward PR Port/Latifa Hospital/Abu Dhabi (180 m)
c. Keep left at the fork to continue toward Sheikh Rashid Rd/D75 (650 m)
d. Keep right at the fork and follow signs for D75 W/PR Port/Sheikh Rashid St (1.1 km)
e. Keep right to continue toward Sheikh Rashid Rd/D75 (290 m)
f. Keep left at the fork and merge onto Sheikh Rashid Rd/D75 (350 m)
4. Drive along D92 (7 min, 5.1 km)
a. Merge onto Sheikh Rashid Rd/D75 (210 m)
b. Slight left (1.0 km)
c. Merge onto Sheikh Rashid Rd/D75 (700 m)
d. Take the 2nd exit at the roundabout and stay on Sheikh Rashid Rd/D75, heading to Port Rashid (280 m)
e. Turn right onto Al Mina St/D92 (600 m)
f. Continue straight onto Al Khaleej Rd/Al Mina St/D92, and follow Al Khaleej Rd/D92 (500 m)
g. Keep left to stay on al Khaleej Rd/D92 (1.2 km)
h. Slight right (210 m)
i. Merge onto Al Khaleej St/D92 (350 m)
5. Drive to your destination (3 min, 1.2 km)
a. Slight right (350 m)
b. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit (150 m)
c. Turn right, and the destination will be on the right (700 m).
Direction 2: House of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum
779R+72F – Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
1. Continue to Dubai (3 min, 1.0 km)
a. Head northeast (700 m)
b. Turn left (87 m)
c. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit (200 m)
2. Drive along D92, Sheikh Rashid Rd/D75, 36th St, 2nd Za’abeel Rd/D73, and Al Mustaqbal St/D86 (13 min, 6.9 km)
a. Keep left (1.4 km)
b. Keep right to continue toward Al Khaleej St (160 m)
c. Merge onto Al Khaleej St (260 m)
d. Continue onto Khalid Bin Al Waleed Rd (180 m)
e. Continue straight onto al Khaleej Rd/D92, and follow D92 (450 m)
f. Continue straight onto Al Mina St/D92 (290 m)
g. Keep left to stay on Al Mina St/D92 (22 m)
h. Slight left toward Sheikh Rashid Rd/D75 (100 m)
i. Turn left at the 1st cross street onto Sheikh Rashid Rd/D75 (550 m)
j. Take the 2nd exit at the roundabout and stay on Sheikh Rashid Rd/D75 heading to Za’abeel/E11 (450 m)
k. Turn right toward 36th St (150 m)
l. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto 36th St, go through 3 roundabouts (1.3 km)
m. Continue straight onto Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed St/D88 (280 m)
n. At Trade Centre Roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto 2nd Za’abeel Rd/D73 heading to Za’abeel/D.X.B. Airport/DIFC/Trade Center/Jumeirah Emirates Towers (650 m)
o. Turn right onto Al Mustaqbal St/D86 (400 m)
p. Keep left to stay on Al Mustaqbal St/D86 (18 m)
q. Keep left to stay on Al Mustaqbal St/D86 (270 m)
3. Turn right (28 sec, 180 m)
Direction 3: Dubai World Trade Centre
67FP+8QM – Sheikh Zayed Rd – Trade Centre – Trade Centre 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
1. Continue to Al Mustaqbal St/D86 (3 min, 750 m)
a. Head northwest (260 m)
b. At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit (400 m)
c. Slight right toward Al Mustaqbal St/D86 (76 m)
2. Take Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 and Al Safa St/D71 to Al Multaqa St (5 min, 3.9 km)
a. Turn right onto Al Mustaqbal St/D86 (250 m)
b. Turn right (signs for Dubai/Abu Dhabi/E11) (1.2 km)
c. Merge onto Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 (750 m)
d. Take exit 50A for D71 W/Al Safa St toward Jumeira (Toll road, 240 m)
e. Keep right at the fork and merge onto Al Safa St/D71 (750 m)
f. Keep right to stay on Al Safa St/D71 (600 m)
g. Turn left toward Al Multaqa St (76 m)
3. Continue on Al Multaqa St. Drive to Al Madina St (2 min, 550 m)
a. Turn left onto Al Multaqa St (350 m)
a. Turn left onto Al Madina St, The destination will be on the right (180 m).
Direction 4: The Green Planet
City Walk – Al Wasl – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
1. Take Al Madina St to Al Safa St/D71 (2 min, 600 m)
a. Head southeast on Al Madina St toward Happiness St (300 m)
b. Turn left onto Happiness St (300 m)
2. Get on Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 (2 min, 1.8 km)
a. Turn right onto Al Safa St/D71 (400 m)
b. Take the E11 N ramp to Al Sharjah (1.4 km)
3. Continue on Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 to your destination (9 min, 7.3 km)
a. Merge onto Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 (450 m)
b. Keep left to stay on Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 (3.0 km)
c. Take exit 54A-55 for D79/E66/Oud Maitha Rd toward Al Ain (140 m)
d. Keep right at the fork to continue toward Oud Maitha Rd/Oud Metha Rd/D79/E66 (300 m)
e. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for E11 N/DXB Airport/Sheikh Rashid Rd/Al Sharjah (500 m)
f. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for D79 W/Bur Dubai, and merge onto Oud Maitha Rd/Oud Metha Rd/D79/E66 (1.5 km)
g. Take the exit toward Umm Hurair 2/Floating Bridge (350 m)
h. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Creek Park/Dr Sulaiman Al Habib/Children’s City/Wonder Land, and merge onto 20th St (Partial restricted usage road, 1.0 km)
4. Turn right (Restricted usage road, destination will be on the right, 34 sec, 86 m)
Direction 5: Dubai Dolphinarium
Riyadh Street, Inside the Creek Park Gate 1 – Dubai Dolphinarium Building – Umm Hurair 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
1. Get on E11 from Riyadh St (4 min, 1.5 km)
a. Head northwest (Restricted usage road, 86 m)
b. Turn left toward 20th St (Partial restricted usage road, 87 m)
c. Continue straight onto 20th St (57 m)
d. Turn left onto Riyadh St/D81 (450 m)
e. Continue straight to stay on Riyadh St/D81 (290 m)
f. Keep right to stay on Riyadh St/D81, and follow Riyadh St (400 m)
g. Take the ramp on the left onto E11 (170 m)
2. Take exit 54 from E11 (3 min, 4.0 km)
a. Merge onto E11 (3.2 km)
b. Take exit 54 toward Zaa’beel St (750 m)
3. Drive to your destination (1 min, 600 m)
a. Continue straight (110 m)
b. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit (230 m)
c. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Al Majlis St, heading to Za’abeel Park/Trade Centre/Al-Satwa/Area B (91 m)
d. Take the exit (180 m)
e. Enter the roundabout (13 m)
Direction 6: Dubai Garden Glow
Zabeel Park, Gate No- 6 & 7 Area – B – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
1. Get on Al Majlis St (1 min, 160 m)
a. Head south (8 m)
b. Exit the roundabout onto the Al Majlis St ramp (160 m)
2. Drive along D78 and Baniyas Rd/D85. Take the exit toward Dhow Wharfage from Baniyas Rd/D85 (9 min, 7.2 km)
a. Merge onto Al Majlis St (500 m)
b. At the Trade Centre Roundabout, take the 1st exit onto the E11 N ramp to General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs/Al Sharjah/DXB Airport (550 m)
c. Merge onto Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 (240 m)
d. Take exit 54A-55 for D79/E66/Oud Maitha Rd toward Al Ain (140 m)
e. Keep left at the fork to continue on Exit 54B (210 m)
f. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for D78/Umm Hurair St/Deira/D84 N/Zaa’beel St/Bur Dubai (550 m)
g. Keep at the fork to continue toward Umm Hurair Rd/D78 (85 m)
h. Continue onto Umm Hurair Rd/D78 and follow D78 (1.2 km)
i. Keep left to continue on Tariq Bin Ziyad Rd/D78 (Toll road, 1.8 km)
j. Keep right to stay on Tariq Bin Ziyad Rd/D78 (28 m)
k. Take the D85 ramp to City Center/Deira/Al Ras (140 m)
l. Keep at the fork to continue toward Baniyas Rd/D85 (49 m)
m. Keep right at the fork and merge onto Baniyas Rd/D85 (450 m)
n. Keep left to stay on Baniyas Rd/D85 (650 m)
o. Slight left toward Baniyas Rd/D85 (150 m)
p. Sharp left onto Baniyas Rd/D85 (450 m)
q. Take the exit toward Dhow Wharfage (56 m)
3. Drive to your destination (1 min, 290 m)
a. At the roundabout, take the 4th exit (250 m)
b. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit, and the destination will be on the right (43 m)
Direction 7: Dhow Wharfage
7859+85Q – 90 Baniyas Rd – Port Saeed – Riggat Al Buteen – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
1. Get on Baniyas Rd/D85 (4 min, 950 m)
a. Head southwest (650 m)
b. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit (250 m)
c. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto the Baniyas Rd/D85 ramp (45 m)
2. Take D78 and Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 to your destination (11 min, 10.1 km)
a. Merge onto Baniyas Rd/D85 (110 m)
b. Take the Al Maktoum Br/D78 ramp to City Center/Bur Dubai (Toll road, 350 m)
c. Merge onto Al Maktoum Bridge/Tariq Bin Ziyad Rd/D78 (Toll road, 400 m)
d. Keep left to continue on Tariq Bin Ziyad Rd/D78 (Toll road, 400 m)
e. Keep left to stay on Tariq Bin Ziyad Rd/D78, and continue to follow D78 (1.9 km)
f. Keep left to continue on Umm Hurair Rd/D78 (260 m)
g. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for E11 S/Sheikh Zayed Rd/Abu Dhabi, and merge onto Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 (1.0 km)
h. Keep left to stay on Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 (3.3 km)
i. Take exit 50A for D71 W/Al Safa St toward Jumeira (Toll road, 240 m)
j. Keep left at the fork to continue on Exit 50B (650 m)
k. Keep left at the fork to continue toward Financial Center Rd/D71 (180 m)
l. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for The Dubai Mall/Za’abeel/Burj Khalifa/D71, and merge onto Financial Center Rd/D71 (600 m)
m. Turn right onto Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd (signs for D921/Burj Khalifa) (650 m)
3. Turn left (26 sec, 71 m).
Direction 8: Burj Khalifa
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
1. Continue to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd (49 sec, 140 m)
a. Head southeast (18 m)
b. At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit (120 m)
2. Get on Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 (5 min, 2.1 km)
a. Turn right onto Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd (650 m)
b. Turn left onto Financial Center Rd/D71 (450 m)
c. Take the E11 N/Sheikh Zayed Rd ramp (1.0 km)
3. Continue on Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 to 16th St. Take exit 54A-55 from Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 (4 min, 5.2 km)
a. Merge onto Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 (450 m)
b. Keep left to stay on Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 (3.0 km)
c. Take exit 54A-55 for D79/E66/Oud Maitha Rd toward Al Ain (140 m)
d. Keep left at the fork to continue on Exit 54B (210 m)
e. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Bur Dubai (500 m)
f. Keep right at the fork to continue toward 16th St (500 m)
g. Keep at the fork to continue toward 16th St (300 m)
4. Continue on 16th St. Take 45B St to 47C Street (2 min, 450 m)
a. Continue onto 16th St (110 m)
b. Turn right onto 45B St (190 m)
c. Turn right onto 20B St (66 m)
d. Turn left to stay on 20B St (21 m)
e. Turn right onto 47C Street, destination will be on the right (70 m)
Direction 9: Sallet Al Sayad Seafood Restaurant
Bin Abdulah, AL Shafar building – 46 47C Street – Al Karama – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Our Timing
- We Are Open Everyday 12:00PM - 12:00AM