Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum's House Tours and Activities
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Overlooking the mouth of Dubai Creek, the Sheikh Saeed al Maktoum House was home to Dubai’s rulers during the early 20th century and is now a museum. Dating from 1896, the house is composed of wind towers (barjeel), courtyards, and rooms featuring exhibitions on Dubai and its ruling al-Maktoum clan from the late 1800s to the 1960s.
The Basics
Located in Al Shindagha, south of Dubai Creek, the house was home to Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum, Dubai’s ruler from 1912 to 1958, and the childhood home of his grandson, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s current ruler. Expanded several times, it offers fascinating insight into Dubai before the city’s 1960s oil boom. Highlights are the traditional courtyards, teak-doored rooms, upper receptions (majlis), and wind towers that were designed to maximize Gulf breezes. Inside, photos chart the royals’ lifestyles and Dubai’s days as a pearl-trading port, while stamp, coin, and document collections spotlight its humble beginnings.
Travelers can explore on a guided tour or independently. It’s also a stop on the city’s hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus. Many Dubai tours feature a photo stop or brief visit—entrance fees are modest—while more culturally oriented tours provide time for a longer look around.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Sheikh Saeed al Maktoum House is a must-visit for history buffs and culture vultures.
- View the house during a city tour or independently.
- Expect to spend about 30 minutes roaming the rooms and towers.
- Combine a visit with time exploring the nearby Bastakia Quarter or the creek for another insight into Old Dubai.
How to Get There
To get here, catch a cab or drive—the house is off Al Khaleej Road near Dubai’s Heritage Village. Other options include taking the metro or bus to its respective Al Ghubaiba stops and then making the 10-minute or so walk from either. Otherwise, catch one of the ferries that run from Dubai Marina to the Al Ghubaiba terminal.
When to Get There
The house is open Saturday–Thursday, 8am–8:30pm, and Fridays, 3pm–9:30pm. A good time to visit is early evening, when the house is cooler and you can enjoy sunset views over Dubai Creek from the upper rooms. Double-check opening times, as the house is often closed for maintenance.
What to See at the Sheikh Saeed al Maktoum House
The photo displays are the biggest draw, largely because they highlight the incredible contrast between mid-20th century and today’s Dubai. Sepia photos show it as a modest Arabian port of bustling dhow yards, and others chart events, such as the swarms of locusts that descended on the city in 1953.
Address: Al Shindagha, Dubai, Emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Admission: Varies
10 Tours and Activities to Experience Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum's House
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Private Ultimate Layover Tour of Dubai
65
Experience the best of Dubai with a personal guide on this private 5-hour tour. See the wind tower houses of Al Fahidi and historical collections at Sheik Saeed Al Maktoum House, and visit the Coffee Museum. Ride an ‘abra’ boat across Dubia Creek to shop at the Gold and Spice souks, and enjoy a sightseeing tour of modern Dubai, viewing Dubai Marina, the Burj Khalifa, and more. Entrance fees, snacks, and private air-conditioned transport included.
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From
$266.61
Price varies by group size
From
$266.61
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

The Origin of Dubai Private Walking Tour
57
Discover the less glitzy side of Dubai on this guided private walking tour of the city. First, wander around the Al Fahidi historical neighborhood, then head to the Coffee Museum to sample traditional Ethiopian or Turkish coffee. Following that, visit the Dubai Museum and explore the Al Shindagha neighborhood. You’ll end the tour with a ride in an abra across the Dubai Creek and a stop at the souks to shop.
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From
$92.92
Price varies by group size
From
$92.92
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

Private Dubai History and Culture Tour with Dubai Museum, Al Shindagha and Souks
Soak up the majestic Arabic culture on this guided private walking tour of Dubai. Listen to the fascinating tales about the history of United Arab Emirates while wandering around the ancient Al Fahidi neighborhood.
Follow the magnificent scent of finest Arabic coffee and visit Coffee Museum, where you will sample a cup of this precious drink along with savoring delicious dates. Get inside the house of famous Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum and scan the shelves of Dubai Gold Souk.
• Explore historical areas of Dubai including Al Fahidi and Al Shindagha
• Enjoy your guide’s stories about the fascinating past of Dubai
• Sample delicious dates and coffee
• Personalize your experience by choosing preferred time of your adventure
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From
$97.70
Price varies by group size
From
$97.70
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Private Tour: The Origins of Dubai & Old Historical District with Local Expert
Dive deep into the fascinating history of the Arabian Peninsula with this guided tour to the heritage neighborhoods of Dubai. Leave the fancy skyscrapers and vibrant plazas behind and uncover the hidden magic of Emirati history.
Visit the two most history-rich neighborhoods of Dubai, Al Fahidi and Al Shindagha. Wander the museums of these areas and enjoy your fascinating time as your guide sheds light on the rich cultural and historical heritage of Dubai.
• Uncover the less glossy but way more fascinating side of Dubai
• Learn the rich history and traditions of the Arabian Peninsula
• Visit the museums full of pre-historic artifacts, including Dubai Museum and Saruq Al Hadid Archaeology Museum
• Listen to your expert guides insights about the cultural heritage of Dubai
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From
$157.40
Price varies by group size
From
$157.40
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Historic Shindagah Walking Tour
''Al Shindagah Historic'' is a land of tradition where history is sleeping. There are lot of monuments or heritages pointed where interested people can reach easily.
Here we listed a sum of places where we can go by walk like a circuit. This is totally cost friendly and people who like to beyond the history.
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From
$60.00
From
$60.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Sail along the Dubai Creek Dhow cruise with a delectable Dinner from AED 60
3
VIP 4 * Dinner Dhow Cruise with Dinner
Boarding Time: 08:00 pm
Cruising Time: 08:45 pm to 10:30 pm (Daily)
– Upto 2 Hours Dubai Creek cruise
– Welcome drinks on arrival
– International Buffet (Continental)
– Unlimited soft drinks and mineral water
– Fully air-conditioned lower deck & open-air upper deck
– Soft music
– Turkish Tanoura, Egyptian Tanoura, Puppet Show and Horse Show.
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From
$23.89
From
$23.89
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Maximize the day off with a 2-Hour Dubai Festival City Cruise
1
Amazing View of Dubai Festival City with Live Entertainment shows
- Turkish Tanoura
- Egyptian Tanoura
- Hindi Tanoura
- Horse show
- Puppet show
- Fountain show (Dubai Festival City)
- Laser show (Dubai Festival City)
- Fire show (Dubai Festival City)
…More
From
$23.82
From
$23.82
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Best of Dubai Private Elite VIP Tour
2
Experience Dubai like royalty in your own BMW 7 series with private guide and driver. Tour historic Shindagha district, Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum’s House, and the Arabian market at Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Sample a signature cocktail at the sleek Al Samar Lounge, ride an “abra” water taxi, and opt to savor elite cuisine at One&Only The Palm. Finish with the Dubai Marina and a gold-sprinkled coffee at Burj Khalifa.
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From
$488.11
Price varies by group size
From
$488.11
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

Dubai City tour and 30 mins Quad Bike with Evening Safari Live Entertainment
2
Dubai City Tour:
Enjoy this 4-hour tour of the city of Dubai with your small-group. See locations such as the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Creek, and the Jumeirah Mosque. Visit all of the locations to grab memorable photos of the lavish exteriors, all the while attaining knowledge of the areas from your English-speaking guide.
30 mins Quad Bike Safari :
If you are an adventure enthusiast, this tour is for you. Join us for the spectacular half an hour Quad Biking and have a thrill of your life. This tour offers an action-packed day-out where you reeve off through the trackless dunes.
After being briefed on the rules of off-road driving, get on your automatic Quad Bike, wear your safety gear and off you go. Enjoy the adrenaline rush as you set off on your dune exploration that fun-filled and thrilling.
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From
$139.00
From
$139.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Dubai City Pass: Free admission to Dubai’s top attractions incl. Desert Safari
5
Maximize your time in Dubai and enjoy big savings with this great-value Dubai City Pass. Choose between a 1-, 2-, 3-, or 7-day pass including admission to top attractions like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Museum, a hop-on hop-off bus tour of the city, a traditional Dhow cruise along Dubai Creek, and a 4WD Desert Safari including a BBQ dinner.
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From
$159.84
From
$159.84
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