Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum House, Dubai - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 2 km from Dubai Museum and 11 km from Dubai International Airport, the Saeed Al Maktoum House is a historic building situated in the Al Shindagha area of Dubai. It is one of the oldest buildings in the city and among the famous historical monuments in Dubai.

The Saeed Al Maktoum House was the former residential palace of Sheikh Saeed bin Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai from 1912 to 1958, and grandfather of the present ruler - His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Located along the Dubai Creek, the building was established around 1896 CE as the seat of the Al Maktoum family. The building remains the residency of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum since his death in 1958. The site is also the birthplace of his sons and grandsons.

The house is the epitome of Arabic architecture, which has a splendid design, coupled with luxurious interiors. It has three inner courtyards flanked by 30 rooms behind richly ornamented teak doors and lorded over by four wind towers. The house was built using coral treated with lime and plaster, the standard building materials back in the day. The coral gives the whole building a pink hue - dusk, in particular, is a wonderful time to see it.

Currently, the building has been converted into a museum known as the Shindagha Museum that showcases a wide range of artifacts aligned with the Arab dynasty. There are a total of nine exhibits at the museum namely the History of Saeed Al Maktoum House, Al Maktoum Family, Old Dubai, Marine Life, Views from Dubai, Social Life in Dubai, Coins and Stamps, Historic Documents and Maps.

Timings: 8. 30 AM - 8. 30 PM from Saturday - Thursday, 3 PM - 8.30 PM on Friday

Entry: AED. 3 for Adult & AED. 1 for Children