Majlis Ghorfat Umm Al Sheif

Majlis Ghorfat Umm Al Sheif is a traditional residence in Jumeira built from coral stone and mud with two floors showcasing classic Emirati architectural design. Thick walls provide natural cooling, while interior rooms contain original furnishings and household objects from several decades ago.

Built in 1955, the structure served as a summer residence where major conversations about Dubai's expansion and governance took place. It represents the era before the city's rapid urban transformation began.

The name comes from the mother of Sheikh Rashid, and visitors can see how affluent families organized their daily lives in the mid-20th century. Personal items and furnishings throughout the rooms reveal the customs and habits of that era.

The site sits within a quiet residential area surrounded by gardens that add to the experience. Visitors should wear comfortable clothing since tours involve walking through multiple rooms and outdoor spaces.

The structure remained largely unknown to the public during Dubai's rapid expansion and was only later recognized as a heritage site worth protecting. Its rediscovery revealed how quickly the city had transformed from its origins.