Acclaimed to be the oldest building in Dubai, the Dubai Museum is housed in the Al Fahidi Fort, which was built in 1787. The Fort is close to the Royal Creek and was built for defence as it is situated on the border of urban Dubai. The Fort was later turned into an arsenal of weapons and as a prison; it was later renovated into a museum which displays the history and tradition of Dubai. The growth of Dubai from a village to the multicultural and techno city it is today is depicted in the form of archaeological artefacts and exhibits. The fort stands out amidst the fast paced city of Dubai.
This 4000 sq. ft. museum in Dubai is open from Saturday to Thursday. The Dubai Museum timing are 8:30 a.m. to p.m. and Fridays from 2:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. It is easily located as there are many buses that go to and from from there, and there are also metro stations nearby. The Dubai Museum entrance ticket prices are AED 3 for adults and AED 1 for children.
The museum not only depicts the change in Dubai but also its deep connections it still has to its roots. Dubai is known for its progress and fast-paced development but doesn’t forget its history.
Attractions
History buffs, especially, will love the museum; it portrays the social, political, cultural aspects of Dubai. It has some very rare artefacts; there are paintings of traditional Arab households, there are also tributes to the local pearl diving industry and the date farmers who irrigated the lands. Depictions of a busy mosque and Old Dubai stand out, before the coming of oil. There are also pottery and weapons displayed in the monument wing of the museum. The campus also depicts the markets in the past, filled with vendors and ethnic items. A major attraction of the museum is the informational tour on shipbuilding and manufacturing equipment.
Other Museums in Dubai
The Car Museum – The Emirates National Auto Museum has a wide array of cars and other vehicles. Some are customised, and some are in their original states. It is the private collection of vehicles of H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 1p.m. and then from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Antiques Museum
takes one back in time to the olden Islamic life. It consists of artwork and exotic items that can be bought. You could call this a giant gift shop.
The Hatta Heritage Village
is situated in the Hatta Mountains, it is a historical sight and consists of 30 buildings, and it is said to be 2000 to 3000 years old. It is an hour away from Dubai and is an ideal picnic spot.
The Heritage House Gallery
was established in May 2008. It is a part of Alserkal Cultural Foundation presided by Mr Ahmad Bin Eisa Alserkal. The gallery, promoting art and culture, facilitates interaction of artists from Dubai and from different parts of the world.
Out of all the museum, the Dubai Museum is the most sought-after. When you’re staying at one of the DAMAC Maison hotels, we can organise tours for you around the city. The tours that include the museum are Dubai City Tour, My Dubai Tour, and the Open-Top Big Bus Dubai Tour.
The Dubai Museum address is: Al Fahidi Fort, Al Fahidi Street, Ali Bin Abi Talib Street, Bur Dubai - Dubai - United Arab Emirates. Please check with DAMAC Maison concierge desk for directions.