All you need to know about the Dubai Museum
If you really want to explore the history and culture of Dubai, a visit to the Dubai Museum should be on the top of your list. The museum has historic exhibits portraying traditional life of the tribesmen in Dubai. Here you get an opportunity to be acquainted with the rich cultural history of Dubai, which is contrary to the modern city we see today. A visit to the museum gives the impression that societal development and economic growth is a continuous journey. Read on to find out more about the Dubai Museum timings and ticket prices, along with the several displays and dioramas.
A Guide to Dubai Museum
Located in the bustling area of Bur Dubai, the Dubai Museum is one of the most popular attractions in the city. It provides a unique glimpse into the bygone era of the emirate and the different phases of Dubai’s transformation followed by the oil boom in the 1960s. The museum has a number of elaborate dioramas depicting the everyday lives of people in Dubai during that time. The affordable Dubai Museum tickets make this museum a must-visit for every tourist.
Brief History of the Dubai Museum
Dubai Museum is set inside the Al Fahidi Fort which was was home to a powerful monarch up until 1896. It was not only a place used for defence but it also served as a prison, garrison and weapons depot. The Fort was a stronghold of the monarchy who ruled these lands back then. The late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum renovated the Al Fahidi Fort during his reign in 1971 to serve as an iconic museum forever preserving the ancient Arab history.
Why Visit The Dubai Museum?
A visit to the museum reveals different phases of life in Dubai, before and after the oil boom. The exhibits in the Dubai Museum elaborate on how the city progressed over the years based on a deeply rooted civilisation. The museum houses original antiques such as pottery, weapons and tombs. You also get to explore different wings reflecting the atmosphere of the markets and traditional homes from the past.
Highlights and Exhibits at Dubai Museum
The Al Fahidi fort that is home to Dubai Museum is an artefact in its own right as it hasn’t lost its prestige over the years. You will find an array of exhibits and dioramas on display inside the museum such as pottery, animal figures, the ancient practice of pearl diving, shops from the early 1950s, some artefacts dating back 3000 BC and much more. Here is a list of popular displays and dioramas at the museum.
The Monuments Wing
The monuments wing has different displays housing ancient weapons, tombs, urban communities and pottery. You will learn here how people in Dubai lived, fought and went through their everyday life in the desert in the past. The pottery collection includes different hand-made utensils for cooking, items used for food preservation and water storage. You can even see the items that were used for the transportation of goods and food items.
The Wing of Dubai
The Wing of Dubai has several exhibits displaying the everyday life of Dubai in ancient times. The displays and artefacts in this section are perfect for witnessing the heritage of Dubai, along with all the hard work it took to be one of the most modern cities in the world.
Markets from 1950
There is no denying that the shopping malls in Dubai are some of the best in the world but have you considered how shopping was like in the early 1950s? The Dubai Museum has an entire market wing with life-size displays of stores and tradesmen in an old market in Bur Dubai. A single step onto this gallery will take you back in the 1950s where you can see the vendors at different stores buying and selling merchandise.
Traditional Home and Masjid
There’s so much to love about the Dubai Museum and its exhibits with traditional homes and masjids. This gallery has old homes and wind towers exhibiting how the buildings and structures have evolved over the years in Dubai.
Oasis Wing, Desert at Night and the Sea Exhibit
The Sea exhibit at the Dubai Museum shows how the sea and its natural resources have helped Dubai’s economy flourish. Pearl diving and fishing industry have made a massive contribution in shaping up the modern Dubai. The ancient port of Dubai served as an important trade route that’s elaborated artistically in different exhibits. The Sea Wing shows shipbuilding methods used by local fishermen and tradesmen.
The Oasis Wing and the Desert At Night, both of which have displays depicting desert life. Here you will also see a glimpse of the wildlife of Dubai.
Folklore wing
Next exhibit on our Dubai Museum review is The Folkore Wing. This section offers a view of old artefacts related to ancient folklore and other culturally significant items.
Old Dubai fortification wing
The old Dubai fortification wing has a wide array of primaeval weaponry on display including curved daggers, swords, spears, bows and arrows, shields made of sharkskin, pistols and axes used to protect the city and the trades’ caravans from robbers.
Other Wings and Exhibits
Rare authentic memorials, original illustrations, drawings and audio and visual presentations are spread across the wings of the museum. Other than weapons, a large section is devoted to musical instruments, with displays of drums, flutes, lyres, bagpipes made of goatskin and other locally made instruments. There is also the main yard of the Dubai Museum which has a traditional Dhow, bamboo houses with furniture from times gone by.
Things to know before you Visit the Dubai Museum
Dubai Museum Ticket Price
The Dubai Museum entry fee costs are AED 3 for Adults and AED 1 for children under the age of 6.
Charges for Tourism Guidance at the Museum
Tourism guidance at the Dubai Museum is available free of charge.
What is the Dubai Museum Timings?
The Dubai Museum opening hours are Saturday to Thursday from 08:30 am to 08:30 pm. The Dubai Museum Friday timings are from 02:30 pm to 08:30 pm.
How to Get to Dubai Museum?
The Dubai Museum is accessible from different locations through the Fahidi and Ghubaiba bus station. Similarly, you can easily reach the museum through the Al Fahidi and Al Ghubaiba Metro Stations nearby. If you are driving a car, be aware. there is limited parking space near the museum so your best bet would be to take a cab.
What is the Dubai Museum Dress Code?
There is no official dress code for the Dubai Museum but it’s important to dress modesty.
Dubai Museum Contact Information
For any inquiries, please contact the museum administration at +971-4-353-1862 or +971-4-515-5000
Dubai Museum Location
The Dubai Museum is located, opposite the Grand Mosque in Al Fahidi Street, Dubai.
That concludes our guide to the historical Dubai Museum. If you are interested to know more about the rich Arabic culture you should also check our blog, top museums in Dubai, each of which offers a unique experience.
The Museum of Illusions in Dubai is another fun family-friendly destination that promises to amaze you with its one-of-a-kind exhibits. It is located in the Al Seef area along the Dubai Creek,
If you are in Abu Dhabi, we recommend you to check out the museums in Abu Dhabi that also features artworks of creative geniuses including Picasso.
