The building is located along the Dubai Creek in the locality of Al Shindagha area. It was established around 1896 as the seat of the Al Maktoum family. The building is now a museum that contains artifacts and images of the old town of Dubai. The displays are distributed onto 9 wings, as follows: The History of Saeed Al Maktoum House, Al Maktoum Family, Old Dubai, Marine Life, Views from Dubai, Social Life in Dubai, Coins and Stamps, Historic Documents and Maps. The total area of building is 3,600 square meters.
The building remain the residency of Sheikh Saeed Al Makhtoum since his death in 1958. The site is also birthplace of his sons and grandsons.