Sheikh Obaid bin Thani House, Dubai

The Sheikh Obaid bin Thani House, a quiet survivor from 1916, is one of the oldest homes in Al Shindagha. Thanks to a careful restoration in 1998, it still stands—proudly looking good for its age. Apart from just looking historic, though, this place hosts a permanent exhibit dedicated to Arabic calligraphy, which turns beautiful writing into a full-blown cultural experience. Think sweeping ink strokes, ancient texts, and modern forms all in one place. And yes, they even hold workshops and lectures—so you can learn a thing or two while pretending your handwriting could someday look that elegant...

The house itself is a two-story maze of 20 rooms, each one a reminder of life before skyscrapers. It’s an architectural monument built from the materials people once relied on—palm, sandalwood, and palm fronds, along with gypsum and stone. In today’s Dubai, where glass and steel rule the skyline, this place feels like a well-preserved whisper from the past.

What makes a visit even better is the mix of exhibits: history lovers, design fans, calligraphy nerds, and casual wanderers will all find something worth lingering over. In essence, this house is a layered story of Dubai’s heritage, written in wood, stone, and ink.