Zabeel Palace (Arabic: قصر زعبيل), sometimes referred to as Za'abeel Palace, is the official residence of the ruling Al Maktoum family in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Situated in the Zabeel district, the palace serves as both the home and administrative headquarters for the family, notably for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,[1] who is the current ruler of Dubai, and serves as the vice president and prime minister of the UAE.[2]
| Zabeel Palace | |
|---|---|
قصر زعبيل | |
 The approach to the Zabeel Palace in Dubai, United Arab Emirates | |
 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Royal residence |
| Location | Zabeel, Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| Coordinates | 25°12′41″N 55°18′07″E / 25.2113°N 55.3020°E |
| Construction started | Late 1950s — first palace 1963 — second palace |
| Completed | 1965 |
| Owner | Al Maktoum family |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | Otto Bulart |
History
editThe original Zabeel Palace was constructed in the late 1950s, comprising of three small buildings.[3]
In the early 1960s, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum commissioned a new palace to accommodate the growing needs of the ruling family. The construction, led by architect Otto Bulart of Overseas AST, began in 1963 and was completed in 1965. The design integrated the existing structures into a single complex, reflecting a blend of traditional Arabic and modern architectural styles. Sheikh Rashid resided in the palace until his death in 1990.[3]
Function and significance
edit
As the official residence of the Ruler of Dubai, Zabeel Palace holds significant importance in the governance and administration of the emirate of Dubai. It serves as the venue for official meetings, receptions, and state affairs.[4][5]
The surrounding Zabeel area also holds historical significance as it was home to Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the former ruler of Dubai, who played a pivotal role in shaping Dubai's modern development.[6]
Public access
editBeing a royal residence, Zabeel Palace itself is not opened to the public.[1] It regarded as one of the most guarded areas in Dubai with strict security measures in place to ensure the privacy and safety of the ruling family, and visitors are advised to respect these protocols during their visit, who can view its impressive facade and the surrounding gardens from a distance.[5]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b Near+Far (15 November 2024). "Zabeel Palace: A guide to visiting Dubai's official royal residence". Near+Far Magazine. Retrieved 24 December 2024.
- ^ "Dubai Rulers". Government of Dubai. Archived from the original on 19 October 2016. Retrieved 2 March 2017.
- ^ a b "Sheikh Rashid's Zabeel Palace". www.dubaiasitusedtobe.net. Retrieved 24 December 2024.
- ^ "Zabeel Dubai Area Full Guide". BlueWhale. Retrieved 24 December 2024.
- ^ a b "Zabeel Palace, Dubai - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit". Trawell.in. Retrieved 24 December 2024.
- ^ Wilson, Graeme (1999). Father of Dubai: Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. UAE: Media Prima. pp. 1–232. ISBN 9789948856450.