We had a good view of Dubai through Wonder Bus Tour and also saw lot of sea gulls in the creek. I tried to capture them in my camera as the bus was moving through the Creek but couldnot get the perfect picture.
At around 3.45 we returned to Burjuman Mall from the Wonder Bus tour. We walked down to our hotel as it was nearby. It took us around 20minutes. MEHR was very tired and slept. We took rest in our room for some time and around 6.30pm we were out again. We walked to the Creek side area as we had plans to visit the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, Heritage Village and Diving Village. We had never been to this side of the Creek. You will feel as if you are in India. As we walked towards Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, we found lot of middle class/ working class bachelors sitting, relaxing and talking to each other. Also lot of Indian shops, mainly textile shops are there in this area. We first visited Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House.
Sheikh Saeed’s House overlooking the mouth of the Creek at Shindagha is a listed national monument that showcases the history and development of Dubai. Dating back to 1896, this imposing building was once the seat of local government, the nucleus for political and social organizations of the day and the official residence of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum, the father of late Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the architect of modern Dubai, and the grandfather of the present Ruler, Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It is one of the oldest building in Dubai, as well as one of the best examples of traditional architecture. It is situated next to the Heritage and Diving Village.
The restoration of this house to a museum did not destroy the traditional architectural designs as the wooden lattice screens, carved teak doors and windows, and the balustrade railings are still preserved. The ventilation screens that are set into the walls are designed with floral and geometric designs. It is built in the traditional manner, from coral covered in lime and plaster, all built with very thick walls to provide maximum coolness. The house also boasts of 30 rooms which are built around the central courtyard. The main entrance is from the Creek side, the second entrance is on the rear side of the building, and was probably reserved for family members.
Old Dubai in Pictures: An exhibition of rare photographs, taken in Dubai between 1948 and 1953, provides a fascinating glimpse of the city before the discovery of ol. Gracing both the walls of the appropriately named Al Maktoum Wing, the exhibition leads the viewer through the development and growth of Dubai, under the wise leadership of the late Sheikh Rashid. There are nostalgic photographs of Al Fahidi Fort, erected around 1787 to defend the city against foreign invasion, Al Ahmadiya School, which pioneered education in the emirate, and Al Maktoum Hospital, which brought modern medical care tpo the people of Dubai. Other exhibits depict ships moored on the shore, the beach tents of fishermen and old neighborhoods with their wind towers and winding alleys.
Marine Life: Dubai’s enduring relationship with the sea is dramatically brought to life in the Marine Wing of Sheikh Saeed’s House, where an exhibition of photographs, sculptures and ephemera chronicle the birth of the city’s fishing industry , as well as the development of boat building, net making and pearl-diving. Also on display are scale models of various types of boats used during the period, including fishing boats, pearlers, abras(water taxi) and dhows called Al Sambouk and Al Jalboot. An exhibit of traditional pearling implements, including weighing scales, weights and pearl grading tools, pays tribute to Dubai’s once unrivalled position as a pearling centre.
Social Life in Dubai : The social life is the mirror reflection of the different styles of lives for people and nations through their customs, traditions, habits and occasions ,and it explains the strong human relation within the old society. In a separate wing of the building , a series of photographs and paintings vividly captures the social, cultural , educational and religious life in Dubai during the 1950’s. Scale models and pictures of typical windtower houses highlight the prevailing architecture of the era, while other exhibits focus on traditional art and dance forms that eloquently express the lifestyle of the people. Visitiors can also get the glimpse of the harsh realities of nomadic life in the desert, through a photo essay that pictures proud Bedouin engaged in their daily chores- digging wells, transporting dates on camelback and carrying wood to market- as well as in popular sports such as camel racing and falcony.
Coins, Stamps and Historic Documents: Some of the earliest coinage, stamps and postal stationery used in Dubai are on display at the House. Exhibits include rare coins dating back to 1791, as well as Dubai’s first postage stamp, and currency notes issued during the reign of the late Sheikh Rashid. Invaluable documents- letters, treaties, agreements, decrees and maps – and manuscripts that have literally shaped the history of modern Dubai are also available for viewing. We went to the roof from where you can have a breathtaking view of the Creek. The house also has a library and gift / souvenir shop.
No comments:
Post a Comment