Majlis Ghorfat Umm-Al Sheif is a historic house museum on Al Mehemal Street in Jumeirah 3, Dubai. Built in 1955 as Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s summer retreat, it gives a sense of how a traditional majlis was used for receiving and resting. Look for the old irrigation channels and date palms in the garden, then take in the building’s rooms and heritage details. A café and other food options make it possible to pause here over coffee or a snack.
A summer house from 1955
Majlis Ghorfat Umm-Al Sheif was commissioned in 1955 as a summer retreat for Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the former ruler of Dubai. The house is on Al Mehemal Street in Jumeirah 3, close to Jumeirah Beach. Its use as a family retreat gives the site a different focus from a formal palace: the rooms and surrounding garden offer a glimpse of a place intended for rest and receiving guests.
The building is a traditional house made from gypsum and coral. Its simple exterior sits among villas, date palms and garden paths. Look closely at the embellished doors and teak window shutters, details that give the house character without obscuring its modest scale.
Rooms and traditional features
Inside, carpets, pottery and lanterns help convey the style of the period. The majlis is the traditional guest space, furnished with rugs and cushions. It offers a practical way to understand the role of this room in Emirati homes, where the majlis remains an important part of domestic life.
The house also has a natural ventilation system. Its roof was designed for drying dates and for sleeping outdoors, a reminder of how the building’s layout served everyday needs as well as seasonal use. The museum’s collection includes coins, photographs, jewellery and stamps connected with Sheikh Rashid’s era.
The garden and a pause for coffee
The garden brings together date palms and old irrigation channels. These channels are part of the site’s traditional water system, often referred to as a falaj. Take time to look at them as you move around the grounds, then return to the house for the rooms and architectural details.
A café and other food options are on site, with coffee and snacks available. The rooftop is also noted for its view, particularly around sunset. A small boutique selling local wear is located behind the majlis. Booking tickets in advance is recommended; check the official Dubai Culture website for current visit information before setting out.
FAQ
Where is Majlis Ghorfat Umm-Al Sheif?
It is on Al Mehemal Street in Jumeirah 3, Dubai, near Jumeirah Beach.
What was the building used for?
Built in 1955, it served as the summer retreat of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
What can you see inside?
The rooms include traditional majlis furnishings and items such as carpets, pottery and lanterns. The collection also includes coins, photographs, jewellery and stamps from Sheikh Rashid’s era.
Is there food or coffee on site?
Yes. A café and other food options serve coffee and snacks.
