Introduction
Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum House is one of the most visiting places by tourists. It is a palace of the former ruler of Dubai, Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum. The first memories about this historic landmark were dated by 1894. It was the place of living for the Al Maktoum family. The structure of the building has been shaped by the climatic peculiarities, national traditions, the local constructions, available materials, cultural heritage, and socio-economic aspects of people. Currently, Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum House is a museum that contains the images and artifacts of the old town of Dubai. Thus, Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum House is the reflection of the history of the Al Maktoum family, an architectural landmark that reveals the marine and social life of Dubai, and unforgettable experience for visitors.
The History of the Al Maktoum Family
The Al Maktoum family is one of the ruling families in the United Arab Emirates. One should mention that they belong to the branch of the Bani Yas clan that was the dominant power in the UAE. The Al Maktoum family is a royal family that is influential in Dubai. Emir Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the ruler of Dubai, Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE. Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is another prominent personality from this family. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum is Emirates airline chairman. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum is UAE Minister of Finance. Not without a reason, Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum House is extended and covers 660 square meters as the Al Maktoum family is numerous. It is evident that the Al Maktoum family is exemplary, and their history is the reflection of the UAE traditions and customs.
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The History of Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum House
Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum House is located in Shindagha. The geographic peculiarities of this location are that it belongs to the trade routes. Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum House is decorated with four wind towers. The building consists of several of large Majlis, storerooms, living rooms, kitchens, and two smaller courtyards. One should say that the size of the house was influenced by the extended family living under the same roof. The decoration of the palace is plain. The combination of geometric and floral patterns, parapets, handrails, and carved wooden lattice screens creates the unique atmosphere of the UAE architecture. The building is cooling with wind tower. Wind towers are known as Al Barajeel and are used to reduce the intense summers heat.
Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum House is divided into public and private areas that are separated from each other. Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum House has three courtyards that vary in size and have the different appointment. The palace consists also of winter rooms that are on the ground floor. As to summer rooms, they are on the upper level. Light and ventilation are the important aspects of palace construction that were made according to the climatic peculiarities. The decoration of Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum House is based on such materials as coral, and wood, gypsum. The columns of this palace are made of the carved wood. Wind towers, handrails, and parapets are embellished with floral and geometric patterns. Interior decoration is based on gypsum. Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum House impresses visitors with its construction and cooling wind towers that are typical only for the palaces in the countries with the hot climate. Traditional Islamic patterns are used for the decoration of heavy and sold wooden doors.
The Marine Life in Dubai and Pearl Diving
The marine life in Dubai and pearl diving has also influenced the architecture of Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum House. First, coral from reefs was used to build the house. This material was simple to cut and lightweight. Moreover, coral from reefs was a good insulator. It is evident that diving was the way of getting coral. The coral stone and gypsum were applied for making walls and foundation the ground. Currently, this building as a museum contains the pictures of Dubais ties with the profitable and dangerous practice of pearl diving and surrounding marine life. These photos prove that pearl diving and marine life are still alive in Dubai despite the pearling culture was popular in the 1960s. One should say that the exhibition of the marine life is not only the presentation of pictures and documents. It is the reflection of the significance of the marine life for the development and growth of Dubai.
Social Life of Dubai
Not without a reason, Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum House is a museum of the social life of the UAE. It presents the souks of Dubai that are the traditional Arabian markets. The old souks did not differ from the modern ones as they sold treasures, jewellery, traditional oud fragrances, and hand-woven fabrics. The exhibitions of things sold in souks give a bright picture of peoples socio-economic life. It means that they paid much attention to manufacturing and selling jewellery that was particular for the UAE. Moreover, the museum of social life in Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum House is full of souvenirs, sculptures, art, and fashion that reflect peoples way of living, dressing, and culture. One should say that this museum reflects the traditions and peculiarities of the Arabian market that are unknown to the tourists.
Old Dubai Coins
Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum House also contains the exhibition of old Dubai coins. It is interesting because it provides the museum visitors with the opportunity to see coins belonging to different historical eras of the UAE and get acquainted with the story that stands behind the smallest coin. It is evident that this exhibition is adapted to the history of Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum House. It is equipped with the screens for each coin that contains the information related to the shapes and images it has and words written on the coin, date and method of mining, metal, size, and shape. One should say that every coin is proud of Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum House as it reveals the facts of history and socio-economic life of people of the UAE.
Personal Experience
For me, the trip to Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum House has become not only the unforgettable experience of travelling and unforgettable memories and impression. It was the way of understanding that Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum House was the reflection of the history of the Al Maktoum family that had brought many benefits to people of the UAE. I realized that they were not only prominent personalities but those who served for their country and its nation. Moreover, I saw Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum House as one of the best samples of architecture that charmed, astonished, and impressed. Its design and history coincide and create a magnificent atmosphere of the Arabian culture and ancient traditions. The exhibitions of marine and social life of Dubai made me absorb in the peculiarities of peoples life and reveal much on their values and customs.
I was impressed with the Al Maktoum family and their contribution to the UAE. Consequently, I wanted to know more about them. Moreover, I must admit that Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum House is the reflection of their values, commitment to family life, and respect for their relatives. Living under the same roof is the evidence of their unity, friendship, and desire to put everything the best in their home, country, and culture.
I understood that Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum House is more than the landmark. It is a sophisticated taste, commitment to the national traditions and values, preference of aesthetics, and desire to leave the unforgettable memories to the future generation. If you want to reveal more about the history of the UAE, you should not wander around Dubai. The first step you should do is to visit Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum House as it serves as a museum of photographs and historical documents. Moreover, every detail of architecture is a window in the history of the UAE. This palace is worth of seeing, exploring, and admiring.
Conclusion
In conclusion, one should say that Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum House is one of the pages of the UAE history that reflects peoples marine and socio-economic aspects of life. Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum House is the reflection of the history of the Al Maktoum family that contributed to the UAE. It is an architectural landmark that reveals the marine and social life of Dubai, and unforgettable experience for visitors. Consequently, it is recommended to visit Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum House to get acquainted with Dubai, its culture, history, traditions, and customs. From the first sight, Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum House looks like a traditional building. However, if you begin to absorb in its details, everything impresses and astonishes. Its decoration reveals the peculiarities of architecture in Dubai and proves the sophisticated taste of the Arabian people. Moreover, the construction of Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum House is adapted to the climatic peculiarities of the UAE. It proves the practicality of the founders of the palace.
