I Got Lost in Time at the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House
I don’t know about you, but old houses and buildings just have that unique charm that draws me in. And in Dubai, there’s one place that always hits the spot for me – Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House.
Yes, this is the house that the ruling family of Dubai once lived in and it has since been turned into a museum as a place for the royal family’s personal artefacts.
So, if you’re curious about how Dubai’s most powerful family lives, a visit to the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House is in order. And yes, I got you covered with this guide.
What is the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House?
The Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House is a popular historical site in Dubai that was once the official residence of Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, Dubai’s former ruler.
Located by the historic Dubai Creek, this residence was built in 1896 when the Al Maktoum family called this 3,600-square meter building their home.
The house continued to be the official residence of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum until he died in 1958.
It’s also significant to the family because it’s where all of the ruler’s sons and grandsons were born including His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The official residence of Dubai’s ruling family has since been moved and the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House has been converted into the Shindagha Museum.
This building is now home to the city’s collection of artefacts including photographs, stamps, paintings and coins that tell the story of Dubai’s past and how it progressed over the years.
Best Time to Go
The Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House is open all year round except for some special holidays. But the best time to visit is during the winter months, especially between November and February.
With the weather being pleasantly warm, you can explore the house without worrying about the heat.
Things to Know
For sure, you’re excited to explore the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House. But before you get all giddy, here are some useful tips that you should keep in mind:
The Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House is open from 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM every Saturday to Thursday and from 3:00 PM to 8:30 PM every Friday.
It’s best to call ahead to ensure that the museum is open, especially during holidays.
You’ll need to pay AED 15 for adults and AED 5 for children aged 5-24 as the entrance fee for visiting the museum. Children under 5 years old and people of determination get to enjoy free entry.
The building has four wings that accommodate nine exhibition spaces. So, if you want to see everything, it’s best to allocate at least two hours for your visit.
How to Get Around
Trains: If you’re taking the metro to the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, stop at the Al Ras Metro Station and walk to the museum for around 11 minutes.
Buses: The Ghubaiba Bus Station is the nearest stop to the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House if you’re riding the bus. From here, you can walk to the museum for around 9 minutes.
Taxis: If you want to reach your destination fast and easy, you can hail a taxi from anywhere in Dubai or book a ride through Uber or Careem.
Car service: Dubai has plenty of private car rental companies that you can rely on for private chauffeured car service or self-drive car rentals.
Where to Stay Near Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House
Arabian Boutique Hotel
Address: Creek Street Exit 3 – Al Fahidi – Al Shindagha – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 50 165 9603
Pricing: $$$
It’s named the best boutique hotel in Dubai – or at least in the Al Fahidi area. Staying at the Arabian Boutique Hotel is a great choice if you want to be near the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House.
Being the first Emirati boutique hotel and located in the former residence of Thani bin Abdullah Al-Rumaiti, this is the perfect spot to start your historical journey around Dubai.
Just imagine waking up to views of the Dubai Creek from your room or suite while you sip hot Arabic coffee to kickstart your day.
Arabian Courtyard Hotel and Spa
Address: Al Seef Area – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 351 9111
Pricing: $$$
This four-star hotel puts you right in the heart of Old Dubai where the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, the Souks and of course, the famous residence are just a few minutes walk away.
But you also get to live your Arabian dreams in one of the 172 accommodations, each decked in authentic Arabic details that will make you feel like you travelled back in time.
Ibis Styles Dubai Deira
Address: Ibis Styles Dubai – Maitha Plaza – Deira – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 492 9999
Pricing: $$$
A modern hotel right in the heart of historic Old Dubai – there are many reasons to love Ibis Styles Dubai Deira. You’re right where the action is – from the historic Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House to the Gold and Spice Souks.
We also love that Ibis Styles is just a few minutes away from the Dubai International Airport and there are metro stations nearby.
Gateway Hotel
Address: Al Nahdha Street – Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 507 9000
Pricing: $$
Gateway Hotel is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a place that you can call home while you’re in Dubai.
Each of its 188 deluxe rooms are fitted with amenities that will make you feel right at home, so you have everything you need to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
The hotel also has its own restaurant, swimming pool and other amenities for you to enjoy.
Where to Eat Near Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House
Barjeel Al Arab Restaurant
Address: Burj Al Ghubaiba – 26th Street – Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 394 3908
Pricing: $$$
After learning about Dubai’s history by visiting the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, for sure you’d want to continue your historical journey through food.
Fortunately, Barjeel Al Arab is just nearby and this restaurant will surely take you back in time with its authentic Emirati flavors paired with the most stunning views of historic Dubai Creek.
We loved the ambiance here, especially at night when you get to watch abras float by and enjoy the city lights from your table.
We also loved that their food is delicious but budget-friendly. In fact, a three-course set menu here would cost less than AED 100 per person. Now that’s a great deal, isn’t it?
Arabian Fish House Restaurant and Cafe Dubai
Address: Creek Street Exit 3 – Al Fahidi – Al Shindagha – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 50 235 6658
Pricing: $$
If you’re craving for good seafood after going around the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, there’s only one place in Old Dubai for that – Arabian Fish House Restaurant and Cafe!
This restaurant is an institution for serving some of the best seafood that you can find in the city.
But you’re not just getting good seafood here because each dish is prepared using the freshest ingredients and the most authentic Middle Eastern flavors. Ah, prepare yourself for a feast!
Al Bait Al Qadeem Emirati Heritage Restaurant
Address: Deira – Al Ras – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 225 6111
Pricing: $$
With the name translating to “The Old House,” you can expect a traditional Emirati meal made with recipes that have been passed on from generation to generation.
Al Bait Al Qadeem offers simple comfort food that’s packed with traditional flavors that you’ll surely keep coming back to.
In fact, we always crave for tehri shawarma, which we believe is one of the best in town. Enjoy one with a cup of traditional Arabic tea and you’ve got the perfect snack to refuel after exploring the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House.
Bayt Al Wakeel Museum and Restaurant
Address: Textile Souk – Deira Old Souk – Bur Dubai – Al Souq Al Kabeer – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 353 0530
Pricing: $$$
One of the most picturesque restaurants in Old Dubai has to be Bayt Al Wakeel located right next to the Textile Souk.
In fact, it’s also a maritime museum that’s the perfect destination after you’re done going around the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House.
This beautiful restaurant doesn’t only serve delicious traditional Middle Eastern fare but it also has a stunning outdoor deck where you can enjoy your meal while admiring the dhows and abras passing through the creek.
What to Do in Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House
Admire the House’s Architecture
The Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House is the oldest residential structure in Dubai and one of the most beautiful architectural styles dating back to the 19th century.
Walking around the building, you’ll see that it has beautiful arched doorways, sculpted window frames and high beam ceilings to help maintain good air flow within the residence, especially during the summer.
You’ll also see four giant wind towers called barjeel surrounding the residence to make sure that the temperature stays low even during the hottest days in Dubai.
Learn About the Maktoum Family Through Different Exhibits
The Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House is the best place to visit if you want to learn about Dubai’s most powerful ruling family.
Inside the museum, you’ll enjoy different exhibits of photographs, jewelry pieces, paintings and gold coins that were used by the family durig their time in the residence.
You also get a glimpse of life in Dubai during the old times through photographs that show you the golden era of this once simple fishing village.
Where to Shop Near Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House
Dubai Gold Souk
Address: Deira – Al Ras – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
After exploring the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, you need to stop at the famous Dubai Gold Souk where you can shop for some of the most beautiful gold, diamond and gemstone jewelry pieces in the city.
Wander around this massive market to find intricate pieces that you can gift yourself or take home to family and friends.
Apps to Download When Visiting Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House
Visit Dubai: Dubai’s official tourism app that contains all the details of the city’s most popular tourist attractions including the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House
S’hail: A must-have if you’re commuting your way around Dubai since it has all the information you need about the metro, tram, bus and even water taxi
RTA Dubai Drive: The go-to app if you’re renting a self-drive car since it makes navigating around Dubai more convenient with its detailed maps and parking suggestions
Uber: The most popular app in Dubai for booking a ride to go around the city
Careem: Dubai’s version of Uber that you can use to book a private car service to take you to and from the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House