Bait Al Wakeel:
The "Agent's Home"

Built in 1935 as a Shipping Office for Gray Mackenzie and Company who were Agents for many of the Shipping Lines calling at Dubai. The lower floor served as an Office while the upper floor provided accommodation for the Manager and his Family. The Manager and his Staff had only to go through the back door to board their boat and make their way to the Ships offshore.

Bait Al Wakeel is made from local Mud and Coral and Mangrove Poles imported from East Africa to support the roof.

Bait Al Wakeel's Decline

Gray Mackenzie opened new offices in Shindaga in 1965 but continued to use Bait Al Wakeel as staff accommodation until the mid 1970s. It then became Labourers' accommodation. Neglect and time saw the building fall into disrepair until, in the 1990s, the Dubai Municipality took responsibility for the building.

Restoration

Dubai Municipality restored and remodeled Bayt Al Wakheel as an historic building. Eventually a local Businessman Mr Ahmed Al Rafi took over the building, completed the refurbishment and opened the Bait Al Wakeel as a Creek Side Restaurant. The landing stage where the Agent's boats used to leave to visit the Cargo Ships anchored offshore now provides a unique place to dine and watch the abras and dhows on the Creek.

Bait Al Wakeel Today

Today Bait Al Wakeel also houses a Fishing Museum commemorating Dubai's Maritime History in addition to The Bait Al Wakeel Heritage Restuarant.

www.Dubaiasitusedtobe.com