This imposing building
distinguished by its four elegant wind-towers,
stands along the famous Creek of Bur
Dubai. It was built in 1896 and was
the residence of the Ruler. It takes
its name from Shaikh Saeed Al Maktoum,
who resided there until his death in
1958. Originally
strategically situated at the mouth
of Dubai's lifeline, the Creek, this
carefully restored museum now lies
close to the Bur Dubai side of the
Shindagha Tunnel and next to the Heritage
and Diving Village.
Shaikh
Saeed House is built in the traditional
manner of the Gulf Coast, from coral
covered in lime and plaster. The house
has a large courtyard in the style
of residences of the olden days. It
is partly single, and partly two-storied,
comprising a large number of rooms,
verandas and bath rooms, divided into
independent family units.
There
are two entrances to the building.
The main entrance is from the Creek
side, through a security yard, from
where is the entrance to the main
majlis and guest rooms. The yard leads
also to the main courtyard, around
which are distributed five separate
family units, each of which consists
of a veranda, majlis and rooms. The
second entrance is on the rear side
of the building, and was probably
reserved for family members.
Dubai
Municipality appointed a specialized
Consultant to carry out a thorough
survey of the building and its deterioration,
and then plan its restoration. The
work was commenced in 1984, and completed
two years later using traditional
building materials and techniques,
and where necessary, strengthening
the structure with modern materials.
Infinite
care was taken in the restoration
of the architectural elements of the
building. The restoration is remarkable
for its carved teak wood doors and
windows, architraves and wooden lattice
screens, and the balustrades of railings.
The pierced gypsum ventilating screens
have floral and geometric designs,
and are set into the thick walls.
The
House is now converted into a Museum
of Historical Photographs and Documents
of the Emirate of Dubai and illuminated
at night with flood-lights; it stands
as a reminder of Dubai's rich architectural
heritage and culture.
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