The Sheikh Saeed House Museum is located in the chambers of the former ruler of Dubai, Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, who lived from 1878 to 1958. The historical building allows you to understand what the traditional Arab architecture of the late 19th and early 20th centuries was like. The object emphasizes the importance of the continuity of generations, demonstrates the care with which local residents treat the memory of great rulers.
Historical facts
The Sheikh Saeed House Museum was built in 1896 by the ruling sheikh, and Said ibn Maktoum and his family lived here until 1958. People came here whose opinions were really listened to and respected in society. Once upon a time, informal meetings were held here, and the most important state issues were raised.
The sons and grandsons of the ruler were born in this house, and Crown Prince Rashid bin Said, who later became Sheikh and then the first Emir of Dubai, grew up in it. In 1981, under the leadership of the municipality, a major restoration of the building began, which lasted 5 years. The workers reinforced the foundation and ceilings, carried out all the necessary modern updates, but at the same time managed to preserve the originality of the architecture. In 1986, the Sheikh Said House Museum received the status of a museum, it was officially included in the list of national cultural monuments.
Short description
The area of the Sheikh Said House Museum is 3.6 thousand square meters. In front of us is a 2-storey building with high ceilings, arched openings, and a wide courtyard, which were common in past centuries.
On the ground floor there is a spacious room where serious negotiations used to be held, and there are also living and utility rooms. The kitchen overlooked the courtyard. The bedrooms with balconies were located on the second floor, overlooking the lagoon. On the facade, you can see 4 wind towers, also called barges, which in the past saved people from the hot climate.
What can I see
Photographs taken from 1948 to 1953 are available at the Sheikh Said House Museum. The pictures describe the history of the city, its development under the rule of the sheikh. From the models of the houses, you can understand exactly what the architecture of that era looked like. Among the exhibits are letters with contracts, there are even old geographical maps. Special attention is paid to the sculptures of sailors, sailors, and pearl fishermen, who were treated with special respect.
The doors of the Sheikh Saeed House Museum are open to the public from Saturday to Thursday from 8.30 to 20.30. On Friday, there is a part-time working day that starts at about 3 p.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m., sometimes at 8:30 p.m. The visiting time is always shortened during Ramadan.
How to get
It is necessary to come to the historical district of Al-Shindaga, which is located on the shore of the Dubai Creek sea bay. Al Ghubaiba Metro Station (Green Line) is located not far from the house, the distance is about 350 meters.
If you go by bus, routes No. 8, 95, X13, C09, X02 will do. Buses No. 9, 12, 44 pass nearby. You can get there by ferry, taxi or rented carriage. Rent a car from the age of 21 and if you have an international driver's license. Free parking is available at the Sheikh Saeed House Museum.
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