Dubai is home to many eccentric and alluring monuments. One of Dubai’s strange monuments is an ancient pagoda house in Al Bada. They call it the ‘Chinese home’ by neighbours in the Al Sikka district. It has been a constant point of reference for many while providing directions. If you drive along Al Wasl Road you might miss this pagoda-like edifice. It’s because the house gets partially hidden by boutique homes.
Who Built This Unique Pagoda House In Al Bada, Dubai?
The home is the brainchild of Zakaria Ibrahim Khalil Doleh, curated in 1965. The inspiration comes from images and films he saw about China, Japan, and the Far East. According to the sources he bought five paise per foot for the property on which the mansion stands today.
His plans were prompt about building a bungalow hence he went on to obtain a license. His initial plan was to build a house that will yield him profit from selling in future. But something struck him and he changed his plans to create a pagoda house in Al Bada.
Also Read: Find Peace At The Global Vipassana Pagoda
What’s Inside The Pagoda House?
The pagoda house in Al Bada comes with its own set of amenities and is not just a mere bungalow standing on pillars. It comprises a huge swimming pool that can contain 86,000 gallons of water which extend to the interior of the mansion. The rich owner has Two vintage 1927 Mercs that rest in the carport.
A guest apartment with a bedroom and ensuite bath nestles on the ground level. A library, a large living room, a kitchen, and a small living room are all included.A guest apartment with a bedroom and ensuite bath nestles on the ground level. A library, a large living room, a kitchen, and a small living room are all included, with a portion of the swimming pool extending into the main home.
The first level features a large living area as well as three bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. Two bedrooms and a living room are on the second story.
The top of the pagoda has a ladder (that can be drawn down) from which one may have a much better perspective of the surroundings. The two storeys of the pagodas are now uninhabited.
“I like the fact that my house stands out. It used to be a sailors’ landmark, you know. They used my house as a landmark back in the day. Who wouldn’t like that?”
Interior & close-up exterior of the house and the view from the attic pic.twitter.com/M9ZsCRRG66— شمسة آل مكتوم (@shmsahasher) April 24, 2022