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.
|
