Dubai Museum

This museum uses life-size dioramas to depict everyday Dubai life in the days before the discovery of oil. Galleries recreate scenes from the Creek, traditional Arab houses, mosques, the souk, date farms and desert and marine life.

Visit the Dubai Museum and encounter colourful dioramas and enlightening historic exhibits. Housed in the Al Fahidi Fort, this is the oldest existing building in the city and a must-visit for a taste of old Dubai. Built in 1787, this fort was once the monarch's base, a fortified residence, a weapons arsenal and prison, before later being renovated during the reign of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

In 1971 (the same year the United Arab Emirates was formed) the fort reopened as Dubai Museum. Showcasing Dubai’s history and its original heritage, you can get a glimpse of everyday life before the discovery of oil in the UAE. The galleries recreate historic Arab houses, mosques, souks, date farms, desert and marine life.

Photo by Stephanie Kabi on Unsplash

You can also explore the rich history of pearl-diving in the region, including actual weights and scales used at the time. In fact, items dating as far back as 3000 BC are on show, carefully preserved and cared for to ensure even more longevity. See the vast difference between the old and modern Dubai – which developed over just a few years. You’ll find the Dubai Museum at the southern end of the Dubai Creek.

Dubai, popularly known as the “shopper’s paradise” or “the city of gold” is also a great destination for history enthusiasts for having the most prominent museum of the Emirates, the Dubai Museum. Being a part of the legendary Al Fahidi Fort in Dubai, the museum is the earliest building of UAE and a key attraction in Dubai for culture aficionados. The stunning architectural marvel of the museum stands as a chronicle of the Arab world-its heritage and culture. The Bastakia Quarter and the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding are the two prominent heritage sites near the Dubai Museum.

The Al Fahidi Fort was built in the year 1787 by the then ruler of Dubai for political and residential purposes. Later in 1971, the battered citadel was renovated by Sheikh Rasheed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum as a museum for visitors. In 1995, another underground museum was built and added to the old fort. The museum is a treasure trove of monuments, diagrams, documents, tombs and other relics that give you a vivid picture about the earliest settlements in Dubai.

The museum has different wings that are dedicated to the different aspects of life and living in Dubai. The Al Fahidi Fort Gallery descending down a spiral staircase in the south-western tower of the citadel comprises artefacts dating back up to 1960 before oil was discovered. The full-scale wings of the museum featuring various relics of trade and commerce in ancient Dubai and video footage telecast at the background together give you a feeling of being on a real souq (market) in ancient Dubai.

Following the souq, one will find a model mosque and a desert bearing the testimony of the life and living of the Bedouins. Regardless to say, the largest wing of the museum is that of the seafarers which showcase their importance in the social structure of Dubai. Starting from the technique of making a dhow to the varied marine life underneath the Arabian Gulf, the seafarer diorama is a must-watch in the Dubai Museum.

The largest diorama of the museum is the Al Qusais Archaeological Site which reflects various stages of Dubai’s archaeological history. The relics from Jumeirah, Al Quasis and other sites date as early as back to 2000-1000 B.C. reflecting the glorious past of the Arab world. Your final stopover will be at a gift shop where you can find gift items and other souvenirs at surprisingly affordable prices.

Dubai Museum is a place where history and modern-day reality blend seamlessly making it a prominent cultural site of Dubai. The intricate architecture across the interior of the museum, local antiques and artefacts traded from the Asian and African countries down the centuries add to the rich collection of the museum. Thousands of people from all walks of life visit the museum to explore and gain knowledge about the social, cultural and political history of the people of the Emirates. In a nutshell, a visit to the Dubai Museum is an escape into the royal past and an experience worth making.

1. Explore The Courtyard

The Fahidi Fort’s courtyard to the Dubai Museum houses ancient dhows used for pearling. Additionally, you can also view the well and a Barasti House that has been recreated. The courtyard truly recreates the historical Dubai.

2. Experience The Al Kalmah And Arish Houses

Situated in the courtyards are Al Kalmah houses- the primitive homes for the inhabitants of the Gulf Coast made out of the palm tree branches. It’s light building allows cool air to breeze through in the summers. Moreover, you can also witness the Al Arish summer houses to see where the Arabs escaped to during summers.

3. Window Shop In The Ancient Souks’ Dioramas

From the Carpenters at work to Spice shops from the historical era, the Dubai Museum recreates the souks with its life-size dioramas. Also, look out for Arab dioramas leisure out with sheeshas in the souk too!

4. Escape To The Oasis

The Oasis area recreates the deserts giving out information of the camels and falconry- the vital friends of the desert inhabitants. But what catches our eye is the date palm trees recreated realistically. We know you are going to love this one!

5. See The Bedouin Craft

Get greeted by life-size decked up Beduin models when you walk in. Also, read up on the readouts giving an insight into the Bedouin lifestyle with their handicrafts on display too!

6. Explore The Marine Life Of Dubai

You can get to know the marine life of Dubai’s coastal lines here. Also, don’t forget to check out the pearls and fishes on display to grasp what the oceans are about!

7. Discover The Archaeological Artefacts

Take a walk around the archaeological finds ranging from knives to pots. You can also witness and read about Al Qusais Tombs and Umm Suqeim Mound here.

8. Get To Know The Islamic Era Closer

The final hall is a massive collection of all the finds from the historical era of UAE. From the excavation scene at Jumeirah’s finds to the Umayyad site’s finding. There is a lot to be discovered at the Dubai Museum.

9. Pick A Souvenir

Do not forget to pick out souvenirs from the gift shop before you head out from the Dubai Museum. Because you would definitely like to reminisce about what you have just experienced!

Best places to visit near Dubai Museum:

Dubai has a lot of interesting places that allure visitors from different parts of the world throughout the year. Don’t miss out on a chance to visit these places in the neighbourhood of the celebrated Dubai Museum:

1. Dubai Creek: 

Staying at Dubai and not watching the Dubai Creek is something you will regret lifelong. Dubai Creek is a water canal which offers a private boat ride to the visitors. A one and a half-hour boat ride at night along the Dubai Creek will let you see the old and new Dubai Town at the backdrop of the bedazzling Dubai skyline. Also, you can see the spectacular Dhow Cruise which is held throughout the day as an entertainment show for the tourists. Dubai Creek is about 0.2 Km from the Dubai Museum.

2. Hindi Lane: 

The small bustling alley is located just next to the Dubai Creek which houses petite shops selling worship items for the Hindu tourists. You can visit the famous Sai Baba temple and Gurudwara in the lane where tourists pay homage to their worshipped deities.

3. Meena Bazaar: 

Dubai is the place which is known for the best shopping joints whether for branded or common items. Meena Bazaar is a great shopping destination for those who look out for buying ethnic items while visiting a place. As you ramble through the marketplace you will come across shops selling garments made by the Indian and Pakistani designers, gold jewellery, perfumes, textile, purses and other accessories. Majority of the sellers in this market speak either in Hindi or Urdu thus making the place congenial for people travelling from India and Pakistan.

4. Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding: 

For tourists keen on learning about the culture of UAE the place is a must-visit for them. The site showcases the cultural significance of the Arab world to the foreigners through various programmes hosted by the Centre of Cultural Understanding for educating the local people.

5. Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood: 

Take a break from the scorching heat outside and wander around the tranquil neighbourhood of the old town. The historical architecture of the parish will leave you mesmerised as you gape at the buildings that are starkly different from the modern city of Dubai. The old-world walkways, restaurants, shops and every single thing of the Al Fahidi Neighbourhood take on an unearthly look at dusk and is a great place to visit on your Dubai trip. It is located at 0.2 Km from the Dubai Museum.

Places to Shop Near Dubai Museum

1. Old Souk: 

Located in Bur Dubai in the southern side of Dubai Creek, Old Souk is also known as Textile Souk or Bur Dubai Souk which houses an array of stores selling fabrics, souvenirs, shoes, footwear etc. Old Souk is basically an immigrant market in the heart of old Dubai where Indian traders have settled and built a flourishing textile business; hence the name Textile Souk (market). Small retail shops with wooden doors on either side of the market with their display of colourful knickknacks are really inviting to the eyes.  Tourists willing to visit this traditional souk will have to get down at either Al Fahidi Metro station or Al Ghubaiba Metro Station. You can also take an abra (water taxi) from Deira to reach Old Souk.

2. Spice Souk: 

‘Colourful’ and ‘aromatic’ are the two adjectives that you can generously use for Spice Souk. Discover a wide variety of Arabian spices, incense, medicinal herbs, dry fruits and many more things in this traditional market of Dubai. As you walk along the alleys of Spice Souk, your senses will be intoxicated by a myriad of flavours wafting in the air from various shops. It is a must-visit place for cooking bugs.

3. Gold Souk: 

This is probably the most haunted shopping destination in Dubai which every tourist includes in their bucket list even if it is just for window shopping. The covered alleys are home to numerous jewellery shops that sell extravagant ornaments of gold, silver, diamonds and other gemstones. Make sure you bargain the price of the jewellery before purchase as there is often a reduction as high as up to 30% on making charges.

4. Perfume Souk: 

If you are looking forward to buying some exclusive knickknack from Dubai, visiting the famous Perfume Souk will be all worth it. An array of exotic aromas coming from different directions will certainly tantalise your olfactory senses and beckon you towards its various sources. You can gather fair knowledge about oud and bakhoor and other intricacies of fragrance making in the Arab world and buy personalised fragrances according to your taste and personality.

5. Al Khaleej Centre: 

The high-end shopping complex stretching for about 6000 sq. ft. has more than 300 retail units (KFC, Pierre Cardin, Galadari etc.), electronic retail outlets and modern open souks (perfumery, bags etc.). Opening hours of the shopping complex are between 10 AM- 10 PM (Saturday to Thursday) and 5 PM- 10 PM on Fridays.

6. Al-Ain Centre: 

Al Ain Centre aka Computer Plaza is an exclusive store in Dubai which sells a wide range of internationally-branded electronic goods at competitive prices. There are over 60 independent retail shops that sell top-notch hardware, software programs and computer parts all under one roof.

Information About Dubai Museum

Location: Al Fahidi Street, Ali Bin Abu Thalib Street, Bur Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Timings: Museum remains open from Saturday to Thursday between 8:30 AM-8:30 PM

Price: Entrance fees are AED 3 (INR 58) for adults (per person) and AED 1 (INR 20) for children (per person under the age of 6). Visitors can purchase Dubai Museum ticket along with tickets for Dubai Fort as the museum ticket is inclusive of the fort ticket.

Tips for Visiting Dubai Museum

• Dubai Museum is a treasure trove of valuable artefacts and relics. So, tourists are not allowed to touch or mishandle them in any way and acknowledge their antique value. Damage to museum property will be subject to stringent action with a hefty fine.

• Visitors must keep their mobile phones in silent mode. For taking cameras inside the museum premises one has to take prior permission of the museum authority.

• Visitors should be thoroughly particular about the timings of entry into the museum. No visitors will be allowed to enter before or after the scheduled timings.

• Maintaining proper dress code is highly recommended while touring around the prominent places in Dubai. Your dress code should not reflect any form of disregard towards the prevailing culture of Dubai.

• Smoking in public and consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited.