Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum's House

Description:

• The home of Dubai's former ruler, this is a good example of the 19th-century architectural style of the Gulf coast characterized by vaulted high-beam ceilings, arched doorways, and sculpted window overhangs. You can visit the downstairs majlis (meeting room), living room, kitchen, and courtyard, as well as the upstairs bedrooms and balconies. The house exhibits rare photographs of Dubai in its pre-oil days, as well as paintings, lithographs, and art objects that capture the emirate's development. There is also a collection of rare coins, stamps, and historical documents. A national monument, Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum's House was once the center of local government.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010