The Guest Palace: A Welcome Experience

The Guest Palace is a famous historic landmark in Dubai. During the Late Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s reign as Ruler of Dubai, it was used to welcome and host his guests.

Etihad Museum - Guest Palace MajlisEtihad Museum

In order to retain its original condition, it has undergone a series of restorations, bringing it to its original condition in 1971, including the landscape surrounding it.

Etihad Museum - Guest Palace Entrance HallEtihad Museum

Guest Palace Entrance Hall

This hall served as a central reception area connecting the Majlis on the left the dining room on the right and the private office of the Late Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum at the center.

Etihad Museum - Guest Palace - The Private Office of the Late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum - DetailEtihad Museum

Private Office of the Late Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum

Etihad Museum - Guest Palace, The Private Office of the Late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al MaktoumEtihad Museum

Etihad Museum - Guest Palace, The Private Office of the Late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al MaktoumEtihad Museum

The Guest Palace structure includes the former private office of the late Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai for 32 years.

Etihad Museum - Guest Palace, The Private Office of the Late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al MaktoumEtihad Museum

Etihad Museum - Guest Palace MajlisEtihad Museum

Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s Majlis

Etihad Museum - Guest Palace MajlisEtihad Museum

It also includes the late Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s Majlis (meeting place), located within the Guest House. This was once used by the ruler himself to welcome and entertain guests during his time as ruler. ‭‬‬‬‬

The Majlis is a ‘sitting place’ where community members gather to discuss local events and issues, exchange news, receive guests, socialise and be entertained. It is also where the community gathers to resolve problems, pay condolences and hold wedding receptions.

The Majlis is an important pillar of Emirati cultural heritage, and it has been inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2015.

Etihad Museum - Guest Palace MajlisEtihad Museum

The Guest Palace serves as a testament to this, as the entire building was dedicated to welcoming and hosting the guests of the Ruler of Dubai.

Etihad Museum - Guest Palace Dining HallEtihad Museum

Dining Room

Etihad Museum - Guest Palace Dining HallEtihad Museum

This large, elegant dining room with a capacity to host 300 guests, has been witness to many memorable gatherings and momentous occasions in the history of the nation.

Etihad Museum - Guest Palace Dining HallEtihad Museum

Etihad Museum - Guest Palace Dining HallEtihad Museum

Etihad Museum - Guest Palace Dining HallEtihad Museum

A suite located outside the museum building connects the Guest Palace directly to the underground section of the Etihad Museum, and can be viewed during an official museum tour.

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