In a city known for its shimmering skyline and futuristic vision, Umm Al Sheif Majlis stands quietly yet powerfully—offering a rare glimpse into the soul of old Dubai. Built in 1955 to serve as a summer retreat for the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, may he rest in peace, this house holds far more than sun-drenched courtyards and whitewashed walls. It’s a place where ideas were born, policies discussed, and foundations of a modern city laid down.
To visit this majlis today is not to walk through a silent structure, but to step into a living memory. Chosen as part of an initiative led by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, to preserve the emirate’s modern heritage, this house captures the spirit of a time when Dubai’s future was still being sketched in sand and sea.
This wasn’t just a seasonal residence—it was a hub where tradition met transformation. Discussions within these walls touched on trade, pearl diving, and port expansion. Here, the first steps toward Dubai’s modern infrastructure were debated, long before the skyline rose.
The house itself is a tribute to that era. A central sandy courtyard anchors the structure, surrounded by white walls and shaded by a liwan—an open-air corridor that welcomes the breeze. Rooms are simple, grounded in sustainability and local resources. In one, baskets of dates and rice hang neatly, while another showcases old fishing nets, pearl diving tools, and lanterns once used to light long summer nights.
Climb the narrow wooden stairs to the upper floor, and you reach the heart of the majlis. This grand space, where the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, may he rest in peace, held council with his advisors, is rich in heritage. Handmade carpets line the floor, embroidered cushions rest along the walls, and traditional rifles and swords.
Outside, a small orchard of palm, lemon, and almond trees thrives, fed by ancient aflaj irrigation channels that still whisper the genius of old water systems. The gentle gurgle of water, rustling palms, and earthy scent of wet soil create a sensory experience that connects visitors to the rhythms of a simpler life.
When the majlis underwent restoration in 1994, the mission wasn’t just to rebuild walls, but to breathe life back into a place that once pulsed with vision. Traditional craftsmen were brought in, using the same materials that first shaped the home, ensuring authenticity and honoring its spirit.
Today, Umm Al Sheif Majlis isn’t just a preserved building—it’s an immersive cultural experience. Students come to learn the values of hospitality and community, while researchers delve into its stories to better understand Dubai before the oil era. Every scent, every sound, every rough texture of the wall tells a part of the city’s story.
