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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