Explore the rich heritage of Dubai at the Shindagha Museum
Want to discover the story of innovation, determination and the pursuit of progress that has helped to create the Dubai of today? You should definitely visit the Al Shindagha Museum in Dubai. This fascinating museum, located in one of the emirate’s most historical districts, shines a light on the remarkable evolution of Dubai. From beautifully humble and traditional beginnings, to the bustling, technically-advanced metropolis of today.
ABOUT SHINDAGHA MUSEUM IN DUBAI
The renowned historical site, Al Shindagha Museum, is situated alongside Dubai Creek’s historic waters. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated this renovated museum.
It was his idea to turn the 310,000 sq. m. Al Shindagha area into an outdoor museum revealing the amazing tale of Dubai. It gives one of the city’s oldest areas a new lease on life while providing a unique window into Dubai’s vivacious past.
The open-air museum has 22 pavilions with 80 historic homes that represent the growth of the UAE. It features Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum’s House, the former residence of Dubai’s pioneering ruling family. Besides all that, the heritage district offers opportunities for investment and development in history and culture.
Pavilions in Shindagha Museum in Dubai
Shindagha Museum in Dubai provides a carefully-curated interactive tour to give visitors a better understanding of what it was like for Emiratis to raise a family near the waterways. You can learn more about Dubai’s vibrant history with the help of interactive videos, photographs, artefacts and touch displays.
Let’s check out the pavilions and houses in this extraordinary museum.
VISITOR CENTRE
The Welcome Centre at The Shindagha Museum in Dubai is the ideal place to begin a historical tour. Visitors can find information about upcoming and ongoing events, programmes, guided tours, and theatrical productions.
GOVERNANCE SOCIETY
- Al Maktoum Residence
- Dubai Creek- Birth of a City
- People and Faith
- Emerging City
The “Dubai Creek: Birth of a City” is a multi-media experience that takes you back to 123,000 BCE when civilisations first began appearing around the Gulf. Visit Al Maktoum Residence to learn everything there is to know about Dubai’s most innovative ruling family.
The structure, which dates back to 1896, is home to priceless items like the late H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s passport, historical collections and photographic archives.
On the other side, the People & Faith house takes you on an enlightening tour of the everyday routines and religious beliefs of the residents of Dubai. Whereas the houses in the Emerging City section explore various elements of the emirate’s development, from Dubai’s megastructures to the enduring spirit of Shindagha.
CREATIVITY AND WELL-BEING
- Traditional Craft house
- Beauty and Adornment
- Traditional Jewelry
- Perfume house
- Traditional Healthcare
The lives of talented Emirati men and women are revealed in the Traditional Crafts house. It shows how their labour was essential for providing food, medicine storage, clothing, shelter, and other daily essentials.
Beautiful samples of kandura, ghutra, shaila, jalabiya and other traditional clothing can be found in the charming Beauty and Adornments house. Here guests can also learn more about the centuries-old practice of henna art.
Visitors can then head to the Perfume house to learn about the history of Emirati perfumes. They can discover stories about the fragrances that affected trade within the Emirates.
LIVING OFF THE SEA AND LAND
- Culture of the Sea
- Life on Land
- Traditional Food
The Culture of the Sea House delves into the early 20th century when Dubai flourished as the centre of the pearl trade. It also provides insight into how families managed in the past while men were away on dhows for a long time.
Similarly, Life and Land is a thematic and immersive house that opens with a fantastic 4D theatre introduction. Visitors have the opportunity to “see” via a falcon’s eyes while soaring over deserts, mountains and coastal locations.
You can get an insight into the rituals, practices and culinary techniques that are part of Emirati cuisine in the Traditional Food section.
CHILDREN’S PAVILION
In the Children’s house, little ones can enjoy playing traditional Emirati games while discovering the wonders of nature, land and sea. This interactive pavilion promotes lifelong learning, intergenerational storytelling, improved observational skills, and a desire to try new things.
TICKET INFORMATION
Al Shindagha Museum’s tickets are available on the venue’s website, or you can visit the museum. Here are the types of tickets available for purchase:
- Adult Ticket: AED 50
- Student Ticket (5 to 24 years): AED 20
- Group Ticket (5 persons and above): AED 40
Note: It is best to make reservations in advance. For further details or queries, you can call +971-800-33222.
FAQs
WHAT ARE THE POPULAR HISTORICAL PLACES IN DUBAI?
Some of the most historical places in Dubai include Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Hatta Heritage Village and Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House.
How can I use the Metro to go to Al Shindagha Museum?
Al Ghubaiba Metro Station on the green line in Bur Dubai is the nearest to Al Shindagha Museum. It takes a few minutes to walk from the station to get to the destination.
WHAT ARE THE OPENING HOURS OF THE MUSEUM?
Al Shindagha Museum is open from 10:00 am to 05:00 pm daily.
So, that’s a wrap to our guide on Al Shindagha Museum. For more information, you can visit the museum’s website. Apart from the Shingadha Museum, the Museum of the Future, the Dubai Museum and the Women’s Museum are the popular museums in Dubai.
