Why Should You Visit the Dubai Museum?
Dubai is a city known for its modern-day skyscrapers, high-end shopping, and incredible attractions, but there is a strong connection to the historically rich cultural heritage. This historical past is most notably represented in the Dubai Museum. If you want to learn about Dubai’s rich past, the museum is a great place to visit. The museum is located in the Al Fahidi Fort, which is the Al Fahidi historic district of Dubai, and it showcases the evolution of Dubai from an old fishing village to a worldwide metropolis.
Therefore, if you are planning to visit Dubai, here’s how the Dubai Museum fits into your itinerary:
A Journey Through Time
The Dubai Museum sits in the Al Fahidi Fort, which is the oldest building in Dubai and the oldest museum in all of the Emirates. The fort was built in 1787, and has served in different ways, as a fortified palace, royal residence, and prison. Now, preserved perfectly, the Dubai Museum offers visitors a chance to explore the history of Dubai through a wide range of exhibits.
What to Expect Inside
Here are just some examples of what you can expect:
1. Life in Dubai
The museum contains life-size dioramas of traditional Emirati life, providing visitors with the opportunity to view a vibrant world to connect it to the experiences of Dubai’s early people – from souks, to small Bedouin desert camps, to fishing villages, and date farms.
2. Pearl Diving and Trade
Let us start by highlighting the significance of pearl diving and pearl trade to Dubai and its economy prior to the discovery of oil. The museum holds artifacts and treasures such as pearl diving tools, wooden dhows, and trade maps which illustrate the resourcefulness of people.
3. Excavation Artifacts
The museum features artifacts recovered from local excavations and archaeological sites; for some of these artifacts were dated back to over 3000 years. Cities, drawings, pottery, weapons and coins are some fascinating reminders of the early civilizations who occupied the region.
4. Technology
The museum incorporates technology, interactive displays and multimedia presentations to tell a compelling story about the past and engage with its audiences – the museum is a very fun and engaging experience suitable for many visitors.
Architectural Marvel
The Al Fahidi Fort is an excellent example of traditional Arabian architecture. The fort itself constructed from coral stone and gypsum, stands in stark contrast to the modern skyline of Dubai. By putting the fort into perspective, when you walk through the fort and explore the exhibitions, you will not only appreciate the exhibits themselves, but the fort itself as an exhibit, the craftsmanship, and the history.
Why Dubai Museum is a Must-Visit
1. Travel Back in Time
While most attractions in Dubai focus on what’s contemporary, the museum is a place to connect to the depth of its origins. From a different vantage point, it is interesting to see how the city was and understand it culturally.
2. Great for Everyone
Whether you are a history book connoisseur, a family traveling with children, or a traveler who is curious, the Dubai Museum provides editorials for every grouping and demographic.
3. Inexpensive and Accessible
The museum is easy to access by foot in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. It is inexpensive, and this addition can be incorporated into your budgeted trip to Dubai.
Pair Your Visit with a Tour
If you are a traveler that may not have the most time, the 3 Days Dubai Vacation Tour Package is a wonderful option for seeing the city. Almost all of these packages have itineraries that include Dubai Museum, Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall, Al Seef, Al Fahidi, and similar recreational activities.
Tips for Visiting
- Make an Early Day of it: Go in the morning to beat the crowds and to have a more pleasant outing to the site.
- Combine it With Souks: After you have exhausted sites and museums at the museum, check out the Gold and Spice Souks very close by to see some of the trading history of Dubai.
- Take it Slow: Plan to spend at least an hour at the heritage site, not only to see the exhibits, but also to admire the architecture of the fort.
Final Thoughts
Dubai Museum is more than an object collection; it connects you to the city’s incredible journey from its past to its present. Once you visit this cultural gem, you can help but gain a better sense of Dubai’s evolution and connection to the traditions/stories that came before it.
