Dubai, the most populous city of the United Arab Emirates, is one of the most developed and exciting cities in the Middle East. Fueled by a booming business and financial sector, Dubai is known for its imposing skyline, wide range of cultural and leisure attractions, and thriving hospitality industry. Therefore, this city is a great destination for family vacations, excursions with friends, or corporate retreats. One of the most recommendable 5 star resorts Dubai is the Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa.

Among the many modern structures of Dubai, a landmark that magnificently symbolizes the traditional Middle Eastern architecture and design is Sheik Saeed Al-Maktoum’s House. This stunning courtyard house was the personal residence of Sheik Saeed Al-Maktoum, who was the ruler of Dubai till 1958, and grandfather of Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid, the current ruler of Dubai. Known for its breath-taking architecture, beautiful interior design, and housing an assortment of historic and cultural artifacts, Sheik Saeed Al-Maktoum’s House is a must visit landmark.

Built in 1894, Sheik Saeed Al-Maktoum’s House is located in the Shindagha Historic District and is open to the public on all days of the week except on Sundays. The structure is known for its brilliant depiction of traditional Arabian architecture, and has a number of elegantly designed wind-towers as well. The interior of the building boast intricate wall carvings, magnificently decorated woodwork, and many other amazing features. Upon the death of Sheik Saeed Al-Maktoum, the house was converted into a museum or sorts, as the many rooms of the house contain antique furniture, a rare collections of photos of Dubai before its rapid and industrial development, coins and historic documents dating back to the 1700’s, and a comprehensive display of the historic pearl diving industry. Thus, a visit to this beautiful landmark is assured to be a historic, cultural and architectural treat to all its visitors.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+