Must-visit Dubai Museums on Your Dubai Holidays

Top Museums to Visit in Dubai

1. Dubai Museum

A trip to the Dubai Museum is better than referring to any website, a history book or a tour guide. It narrates you the dream tale of Dubai’s transformation from a quaint fishing village to a sought after global city through a wide spectrum of enlightening exhibits. This encompasses life-size dioramas (depicting the region’s ancient lifestyle) plus a variety of art and artifacts dating back to 3000 BC. One of the most interesting facts about Dubai Museum is that it’s placed inside the city’s oldest fort, the 18th-century Al Fahidi Fort.

2. Etihad Museum

This may be one of Dubai’s newest museums, but it’s located at the site where the UAE was unified or formed in 1971. So come here prepared to explore an exciting collection of objects which shed light on Dubai’s economic conditions before and after the unification of the country. There are eight pavilions that collectively display an array of old photographs, ancient weapons, and other art and relics from the past rulers’ personal collections. What’s more amazing about this massive, 25,000-square-meter facility is its awe-inspiring architecture which resembles the design of the constitution.

3. Salsali Private Museum

This is not only one of the best museums in Dubai, but also the city’s first private facility to showcase both historical and modern Arabian art. Opened less than a decade before, its founder is Ramin Salsali – an Iranian art collector. Besides its vast permanent collection which has on view everything from photos and historical paintings to pottery, carvings and textiles, the museum’s core mission is to serve as a platform for collectors to mingle, learn, inspire and nurture their passion for art.

4. Museum of the Future

Your list of Dubai tourist places is incomplete without it. This uber-stylish, new kid in the block is fascinating in many ways. Museum of the Future is a complete contrast to the majority of museums mentioned in the list. With your Museum of the Future ticket, be ready to transport yourself to the future and enjoy the chance to explore the most avant-garde innovations and inventions that place emphasis on artificial intelligence. Another striking element is its stunning architectural design which takes after a massive oval silver ring complemented by an open center. Add to this stunning Arabic calligraphy depicting the inspiring poems by Dubai’s ruler, HH Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. We would recommend exploring more through the Museum of the Future guide to uncover jaw-dropping secrets and plan your trip wisely.

5. Al Shindagha Museum

Get a wealth of information about the authentic Emirati past, culture and heritage on your visit to this museum. It is like an open-air museum with a collection of 21 heritage houses or pavilions along the banks of the historic Dubai Creek. This includes the fragrance packed Perfume House, Culture of the Sea, Traditional Food House, and Traditional Healthcare. One of the must-visit among them is Al Maktoum House – an imposingly preserved 19th century structure that gives you a slice of Dubai’s royal past.

From 1912 to 1958, it remained the residence of Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum, who is the grandfather of the current Dubai ruler. You’ll get to discover see here several remarkable stuffs which take you back to the historic era. See photographs depicting the past ruler’s lifestyle, apart from items such as coins, stamps and jewelry that were used during the ruler’s regime.

Duration

Read More

Reviews

From

Book Now

6. Museum of Illusions

True to its name, this museum will travel you through the enthralling world of illusions, thanks to its more than 80 mind-bending and interactive displays. This ranges from the photo and optical illusions to exciting rooms including Ames Room and Antigravity room to installations such as the Mirage and Head on the Platter. That’s not all; it’s also the world’s largest Museum of Illusions.

7. Madame Tussauds Museum

As the legendary Madame Tussauds Museum is making its way to Dubai’s waterfront destination (Bluewaters Island), it is the first of its kind in the Middle East. You’ll find here a vast repertoire of life-size wax figures of your favorite personalities from art, history, sports, movies, television and more. Each of these exhibits is painstakingly created and more fascinatingly, using a 200-year-old technique. And of course, don’t miss to strike a pose with your most adored celebrity.

8. Dubai Police Museum

This relatively small yet outstanding museum is a part of the Police Academy and a must-visit if you wish to glance into the city’s super police force. Apart from mighty vehicles in its entrance, the museum houses a variety of captivating displays that portray the unparalleled progress and commendable achievements of the Dubai Police. There are old photographs, vintage equipment, and weapons, among others, on view.

9. Camel Museum

Get to know about the inimitable role and significance of camels in the age-old Arab culture and heritage. The museum is placed in the location of a former horse stable (once run by the Sheikhs). Built-in the 1940s, it was previously called Beit Al Rekab or Camel House. This is now elegantly restored and serves as an interesting, one-stop destination to know everything about camels, along with its unique characteristics, history, etc.

10. Hatta Heritage Village

The quaint, mountain hamlet of Hatta is a natural haven untouched by Dubai’s glitz and glamour. In fact, it’s a living museum that will step back to you in time. Placed in the rugged peaks of the Hajjar Mountains, this complex is the oldest of its kind in the region, where its ancient structures including forts, mosques, watchtowers and traditional huts are beautifully reinstated to its original state. This allows you to glance into how life used to be for Emiratis during the age-old era. This region holds several interesting facts about Dubai and gives you an insight into what the city looked centuries ago.

Museums in and Around Dubai

There is also a multitude of renowned museums outside of Dubai. Some of the most unmissable among them are:

• Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum

Located about 1.5 hours’ drive away from Dubai, this museum is worth visiting for its universal concept and over 600 art displays covering celebrated masterpieces from all over the world. Moreover, you’ll be in absolute awe at its stunning architecture enhanced by the Rain of Light concept, courtesy to its colossal shiny dome (with perforations) whose design is inspired by the traditional Arabic cupola. While you plan a wonderful trip to this museum, do find out amazing places to visit in Abu Dhabi.

Suggested Read: Louvre Abu Dhabi – First Universal Museum in the Arab World

Duration

Read More

Reviews

From

Book Now

• Sharjah Natural History Museum

Dubai’s immediate neighboring emirate, Sharjah, is a cultural hotspot with scores of museums and art galleries. And one of the most visited among them is the Sharjah Natural History Museum, where its amazing segments and exhibits highlight the diverse phases of the region’s history. It’s a part of the Sharjah Desert Park which is also home to the Sharjah Botanical Museum, Arabia’s Wildlife Centre and a Children’s Farm. Taking you away from the metropolis vibe, we have put together more such unique places to visit in Sharjah.

• Al-Ain Palace Museum

This palace-turned-museum in the UAE’s greenest city (Al Ain) was once the residence of the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Built-in 1937, this modest yet charming palace offers you an in-depth understanding of the culture and lifestyle of both the royal family and locals before the discovery of oil.

• National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah

Located about 115 kilometers away from Dubai, the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah is housed inside a 19th-century fort. Once the abode of the Qasimi rulers, the structure now boasts of an enormous array of artifacts that focus on the region’s captivating past. The collection includes traditional weapons, manuscripts, and archeological finds. RAK has a punch of all flavours. From the tallest mountain in the UAE Jebel Jais to Dhayah Fort, there are plenty of places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah. So, blend all the attractions and plan a fun-filled trip to this city.

Q1. Name some top museums in Dubai.

• Dubai Museum
• Etihad Museum
• Salsali Private Museum
• Museum of the Future

Q2. Which is the largest museum in Dubai?

The AI Shindagha Museum is the largest museum in Dubai.

Q3. Does Dubai Museum have an entry fee?

Tickets are priced at AED 145 for anyone aged above three.

Q4. Is there any dress code for museums in Dubai?

Visitors are requested to dress appropriately for a public setting and with respect for the local culture.

Q5. How much time is needed to explore a museum in Dubai?

About 2-3 hours

Conclusion

Whether you’re an aficionado of art, culture, science, or innovative technology, the city’s museums offer something for all preferences. So don’t miss these unique Dubai attractions; each of them makes an outstanding stop to discover the real spirit and character of this wonderful destination. We suggest you also check out the other array of things to do in Dubai that must be on your itinerary.