Women’s Museum Dubai – A tribute to the women of the UAE
Women in the UAE have achieved so much over the last 50 years. The Women’s Museum Dubai, nestled amidst the Gold Souk, celebrates Emirati women’s work in art, business, culture and academics. The national archive and documentation centre dedicated to the amazing achievements of Emirati women has just completed its ten years. Read on to learn more about this educational institution of history.
FOUNDER OF THE MUSEUM
Professor Rafia Obaid Ghubash launched this ambitious project to preserve women’s history in the UAE. The idea also debunks unfair stereotypes about female roles in culture and society.
In 1992, she received her PhD in epidemiological psychiatry from London University. She then returned to her country and served as Vice Dean and subsequently Dean of the Medical School in Al Ain. Professor Ghubash — as the President of the Arab Network for Women in Science and Technology and now as the Director of the Women’s Museum — has played a hugely significant role in the empowerment of women in UAE society.
ABOUT WOMEN’S MUSEUM DUBAI
The Women’s Museum Bait Al Banat is in an old house built in the 1950s – a must-see for history buffs.
Bait al Banat, which means “The Girls’ House” in English, was officially opened by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, at the end of 2012. The multi-faceted project features displays and galleries that honour the achievements of women across various fields.
The Women’s Museum Dubai aims to familiarise visitors with the different facets of women’s daily lives in the UAE.
EXHIBITS
BAIT AL BANAT GALLERY 1
This gallery space holds temporary exhibitions where female artists from across the country display their creations. It showcases the artwork of the maestros as well as the young and emerging artisans.
BAIT AL BANAT GALLERY 2
The second gallery is a central hub for collaborations of galleries, museums, art organisations and artists worldwide.
Opened by His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the ‘Sheikh Zayed Empowering Women’ exhibition is a permanent resident in this gallery. It celebrates the contributions of the first president of the UAE, the late His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to women’s empowerment.
Curated by Prof. Rafia Ghubash, the gallery includes these sections:
- The first section consists of artwork with quotes highlighting H.H. Sheikh Zayed’s role in empowering women.
- There is an exhibit of photographs and videos of different women’s festivals and events.
- The third section is Jamal Abdul Rahim’s artwork that combines H.H. Sheikh Zayed’s poetry with photographs creating 12 unique handcrafted prints.
DIWAN OUSHA BINT KHALIFA AL SUWIDI ROOM
The literary legacy of the famed poetess Ousha Bint Khalifa, commonly known as ‘The Girl of the Arabs,’ is showcased in this special museum hall. She was one of the most prominent Nabati practitioners in the UAE. Through sounds and graphics, this room tells the poetess’s story. The exhibition connects Ousha’s history to the accomplishments of UAE women poets today.
WOMEN’S STUDIES CENTRE
The Women’s Studies Centre, located on the museum’s second floor, is a research centre with a document archive for Women’s Studies in the UAE and the Arab world. A library and database are now being built in this section to enable access to a wide range of documentation.
FATIMA BINT AL ZEINA CHILDREN’S CORNER
Fatima Bint Al Zeina used to teach children at her home in the Gold Souq region of the territory. She was among Dubai’s final generation of female traditional Quranic school teachers. Many of her students went on to become public personalities, including Bilal Al-Bodour, the Deputy Minister of Culture and Dr Rafia Ghubash, professor of psychiatry. The children’s corner pays tribute to her extraordinary work in the education sector.
This part of the Dubai Women’s Museum intends to engage youngsters who are interested in arts and heritage.
UM AL DUWAIS PERFUME AND GIFT SHOP
Perfume has always been an essential part of Emirati culture. The perfume shop in Dubai Women’s Museum offers a high-end range of Arabian scents and oils made with traditional spices. Contemporary perfumes, locally created incense, and other gift items are available at this shop.
OTHER INFORMATION
The Women’s Museum Dubai timing and entry fee are as follows:
- Opening Hours: Saturday to Thursday, 10:00 am to 06:00 pm
- Entry Fee: AED 20 per person
For more information, you can contact the museum authorities at +971-4-234-2342.
FAQS
WHEN WAS THE WOMEN’S MUSEUM OFFICIALLY OPENED?
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum — Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai — launched the Women’s Museum on 6th December 2012. H.H Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by Dubai’s Crown Prince, H.H Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
WHERE IS THE WOMEN’S MUSEUM LOCATED?
The museum is located in old Gold Souq Deira, next to the fish market. It is about 550m away from the Al Ras Metro Station. Also, note that Gold Souk Bus Stop is a short walk from the Women’s Museum Dubai location. Those driving to the museum should know that parking is available at Deira Gold Souk as well as the Fish Market area.
HOW LONG DOES A TOUR OF THE WOMEN’S MUSEUM TAKE?
The Women’s Museum tour lasts from 60 to 90 minutes.
And that’s a wrap on our guide to the Women’s Museum Dubai. Visit this intriguing cultural endeavour to discover how Emirati women have influenced the region’s glorious past and continue to do so today. Sayings of H.H (the late) Sheikh Zayed about women also highlights their untapped potential to pursue leadership positions.
Want to explore the rich history of the city of gold? There are many museums in Dubai that guarantee a fun learning experience for the entire family. History buffs can also visit other historical areas in Dubai.
The cover image is courtesy of the Women’s Museum Bait Al Banat Facebook page.
