This 1890 courtyard house, a former home of Sheikh Ahmed Bin Dalmouk, wealthy pearl merchant and founder of the adjacent Al Ahmadiya School, Dubai's oldest learning pen, is closed for renovation until the end of 2019. Built from coral and gypsum, the house features verandas to keep direct sunlight out and lofty wind towers for cooling the air. If workers are present, you may be able to take a peek inside, if you ask politely.