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Dubai Museums

Once a peculiar fishermen's town, Dubai has become a mecca of luxury and wealth. Dubai has many historical stories explaining its importance within the United Arab Emirates. Through its museums and heritage sites, the multi-cultural city of Dubai offers the perfect platform to experience the region's cultural history.

Dubai's museums are exciting places where people from all walks of life can unite to explore the region's identity and its indigenous Emirati people. By preserving Emirati history and heritage, Dubai engages its traditional past in a conversation with today's lively, global Arabian megalopolis.

Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House

Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House

Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House is a historic building and former residence of Sheikh Saeed, the former ruler of Dubai and grandfather of current ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. It is located along Dubai Creek in the restored Shindagha Historic District. The building is now a museum that contains artefacts and images of the old town of Dubai. The displays are distributed onto nine wings: The History of Saeed Al Maktoum House, Al Maktoum Family, Old Dubai, Marine Life, Views from Dubai, Social Life in Dubai, Coins and Stamps, Historic Documents and Maps.

Location: Shindagha Historic District, Dubai, UAE

Hatta Heritage Village

CultureArts/CC BY-SA 3.0

Hatta Heritage Village

The Hatta Heritage Village is in the heart of the rocky Hatta Mountains. It was first opened to the public in February 2001 to showcase the traditional mountain life, customs and heritage of the Emirate people. The displays include mosques, watchtowers and houses made from materials such as mud, reed and stone, etc. The Hatta Fort, a defensive tower from 1880, offers views of the Al-Hajar mountains. The crafts, traditional dresses, weapons, homes and hospitality give visitors a more profound experience of the cultural history of the people of the UAE.

The village consists of 30 buildings, many of which have interior furnishings typical of the UAE in the period before development in the 1960s.

Etihad Museum

Etihad Museum

The Etihad Museum, historically called the Union House and formerly known as the al-Diyafah Palace and the Jumeirah Guesthouse, is a museum in Dubai. The Etihad Museum preserves, showcases, and collects the heritage of the UAE on various topics like political, cultural, social etc. It is historically called the Union House. It has a massive collection of old passports and personal artefacts of the rulers of the United Arab Emirates. The historic signing of the Constitution of the United Arab Emirates, the raising of the first UAE flag, and the formation of the United Arab Emirates as a country on 2 December 1971 took place within the area that forms the museum today.

Location: 1 Jumeira Road, Al Mina, Dubai, UAE

Pixabay/TadM

Dubai Museum - Al Fahidi Fort

The Dubai Museum is a stunning architectural marvel that records the rise of Dubai from a humble Bedouin village to an enviable Arab capital. It is housed in the Al Fahidi Fort, an 18th-century fort and the oldest surviving structure in the emirate.

The embattled citadel served as a residence of local rulers before being converted into a prison, garrison and finally into a museum in 1971. It has been beautifully restored to highlight the traditional barasti dwellings, mud huts, small wooden fishing boats, and bronze cannons, all reminiscent of Dubai’s origin. However, the main highlights are the archaeological findings from Jumeirah, Al Qusais and other local sites dating back to 2000-1000 BC.

Location: Bur Dubai ,Opp. Grand Mosque, Near Arabian Court Hotel, Dubai, UAE

Museum of the Future
Pixabay/alexman89

Museum of the Future

The Museum of the Future opened in 2022 and is located in the Financial District of Dubai. The museum's motto is 'See the future, build the future', and it aims to promote innovation and technological development in AI and robotics field. Visitors experience a glimpse into the future of human technology and creativity through practical exhibitions and installations. The museum has three elements: green hill, building, and void. The green hill represents the earth; the building depicts the exceptional creativity of humans. The void (space) represents the future's imagination and innovations. This museum is sure to wow the guests with its displays and innovative ideas.

Dubai Coffee Museum
Clemens Schmillen/CC BY-SA 4.0

Dubai Coffee Museum

The Dubai Coffee Museum is located in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood of Dubai. The museum focuses on the history of coffee, coffee culture, and all about coffee plantation workers. It displays the coffee culture, traditional roasting and grinding methods, and the utensils used in olden times. Antique pots, kettles, roasters from various countries, and a glimpse of traditional Emirati coffee consumption are displayed on the ground floor. The first floor contains books on coffee, the history of coffee and plantation workers.

Museum of Illusions Dubai
Pixabay/GrayRaven8

Museum of Illusions Dubai

The Museum of Illusions Dubai Museum opened in 2018 in Al Seef, Dubai Creek. It is a family-friendly attraction for all ages, provided minors up to 15 years old are accompanied. It features more than 60 visual and educational exhibits containing holograms, optical illusions, and immersive rooms that will trick your eyes and fool your senses. It is worth visiting and exploring the world of illusions.

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