Dubai, that magical and futuristic metropolis, is also a storehouse of ancient Arab culture and its recent history. Many museums and centers effectively capture the essence of the rich history of the United Arab Emirates. One such must-visit building for tourists is the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House. This house is located in the Al Shindagha area of Dubai, by Dubai Creek.
About Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House
Things to Do See
The huge building will take you back in time, with its splendid architecture representing the prevalent style over a century ago. It houses a wealth of displays in its 9 wings, which are – The History of Saeed Al Maktoum House, Al Maktoum Family, Old Dubai, Marine Life, Views from Dubai, Social Life in Dubai, Coins, and Stamps, and Historic Documents and Maps.
Get to see coins belonging to the times of Sheikh Saeed, articles used by him, and rare stamps belonging to the early days of modern Dubai. Historical jewelry that showcases the inimitable Arabian design patterns is also to be seen. Also, check out the numerous photographs that document the early life and emergence of Sheikh Saeed as one of the notable rulers of the Middle East.
Done with the wings? Then simply take a walk around the building. Facing the holy city of Mecca, the building is not overburdened with fences and gates. This shows how approachable and inviting the ruling family has always been. It’s big, it’s simple and it is a showpiece of traditional Arab architecture. There is also a Coins Museum Bur Dubai for you to check out.
Best Time to Visit Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House
You can visit the museum around the year. However, the best time to visit Dubai would be between October and March, due to the oppressive summer weather.
History
Established in 1896, it served as the residence of the former ruler of Dubai, Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum. His descendants were also born and continued to stay here for quite some time in the 1960s and 1970s. The building was a designated “safe house” for the ruling family of Dubai.
Opening Hours
- Saturday to Thursday: 8:00 A.M. to 8:30 P.M.
- Friday: 3:00 P.M. to 9:30 P.M.
Ticket Prices
As of 2023, the current entry ticket price of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House is as follows:
- 3 AED per head for people aged 6 years and above
- 1 AED per head for people aged below 6 years
How to Reach
You can opt for Travel Saga’s transportation services or go by private transport. If you wish to opt for public transport then, take the Green Line metro to Al Ghubaiba Metro Station. You can walk to the Al Fahidi neighbourhood in 5 minutes after arriving at Al Ghubaiba station.
Other similar tourist places:
- Saruq Al Hadid Museum
- Al Shindagha Museum