Bur Dubai - Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House

Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum was the Ruler of Dubai from 1921 to 1958 and is the grandfather to the current ruler. Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum's House is a national monument that has been restored as a museum.

The original house was built in 1896 by Sheikh Saeed's father so he could observe shipping activity from the balconies. The original home was demolished and the current home rebuilt next to the original site. The restoration of the architectural elements of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum's House includes the carved teak doors and windows, wooden lattice screens, and the balustrades of railings. The gypsum ventilating screens have floral and geometric designs, and are set into the thick walls. This 30 room house consists of wind towers and rooms built around a central courtyard. The two entrances into the building include the Creek side and the rear of the building, which was probably reserved for family members.

The house is now home to the Museum of Historical Photographs and Documents of the Emirate of Dubai with many historical photographs of Dubai from the period 1948 to 1953. The Marine Wing has photos of fishing, pearling and boat building.

Documents such as letters, maps, treaties, coins and stamps provide a glimpse in to the development of the emirate through the years.