Who wouldn’t want a glimpse into the life of a Sheikh? Here at Zabeel Palace, the official residence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, we get as close as possible. It’s the administrative heart of the Dubai Royal Family, a place where tradition meets modern Dubai. Zabeel Palace isn’t just a home. It’s a symbol of power, a hub for governance, and a stage for important events. Though we can’t go inside, the palace’s exterior whispers stories of Dubai’s rich history and the Sheikh’s influence. Originally built in the late 1950s as three separate buildings, the palace we see today took shape in 1963. Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, one of the UAE’s founding fathers, envisioned a grander residence. He commissioned architect Otto Bulart, the mind behind Dubai’s Clock Tower, to unite the existing buildings. This new Zabeel Palace became Sheikh Rashid’s home in 1965, and it remained so until his passing in 1990. Notice the imposing gates, crowned with statues of bucking horses. They’re a nod to the UAE’s deep-rooted equestrian heritage and the Sheikh’s passion for horses. At night, these gates become a spectacle, illuminated against the Dubai skyline. While access to the palace grounds is restricted, we can still admire the lush greenery and the peacocks that roam freely. The long driveway, lined with palm trees and UAE flags, offers a stunning, unobstructed view of the Dubai Frame. It’s a fitting symbol of Dubai’s past and its ambitious future, much like Zabeel Palace itself.
Dubai Studio City
So, the next time you watch a film. Remember Dubai Studio City. It is where dreams take flight. It is