museums in the uae

museums in the uae
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Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House
Sheikh Saeed Al maktoum House 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.
On August 7th 1998, a sand sculpting competition was held at Dubai’s
Mamzar Park under the patronage of Dubai Municipality and the Dubai
Summer Surprises Committee. Participants flew in from all over the
world. The photograph (left) shows the sand sculpture of the old palace
of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum.
This sculpture was created by The Sandemons, of Canada. It measured 22 ft x 22 ft and was over 7 ft high