17 Museums in Dubai: Technological and Historical Treasures
Dubai, a city known for its towering skyscrapers and extravagant lifestyle, holds within its boundaries a treasure trove of museums that not only exhibit its rich history but also showcase the cutting-edge technology that defines its modern identity. From ancient artifacts to futuristic innovations, these museums in Dubai offer visitors a captivating journey through time, culture, and technological advancement. Let's delve into the depths of 17 incredible museums that highlight the fascinating blend of tradition and innovation in this dynamic city.
Top 17 Museums in Dubai
Explore Dubai's top 17 museums, spanning from traditional heritage sites like Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Fort to modern wonders like the Museum of the Future and the Etihad Museum. Immerse yourself in culture, art, and history in this dynamic city.
1. Dubai Museum
Dubai Museum, established within the historic Al Fahidi Fort, showcases the region's rich cultural heritage. Established to introduce the local community's lifestyle and traditions to tourists, it is one of the earliest museums in the United Arab Emirates. Dubai's museum landscape has expanded, with Sharjah being a leading emirate in terms of museums and cultural projects. The first purpose-built museums in Dubai, the Women's Museum, opened in 2012, and the city's museums are now recognized for their potential to influence and encourage sustainable practices
Address: Al Fahidi Fort, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Bur Dubai
Timings: Saturday to Thursday: 8:30 AM - 8:30 PM, Friday: 2:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Entry Fee: AED 3 for adults, AED 1 for children under 6 years old
2. Etihad Museum
The Etihad Museum is a history museums in Dubai that focuses on the formation of the UAE and the unification of the seven emirates into one union. The museum offers interactive pavilions where visitors can explore the UAE's history, including the period between 1968 and 1974. The museum's exhibits include materials and documents related to the events of the founding of the UAE, and it aims to educate visitors about the country's constitution, especially the rights and privileges it grants to UAE nationals, and the responsibilities that they entail.
Address: Jumeirah 1, Jumeira Road, Dubai
Timings: Saturday to Thursday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Friday: 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: AED 25 for adults, AED 10 for children between 6 to 15 years old, free for children under 5 years old
3. Dubai Frame
The Dubai Frame is an iconic landmark in Zabeel Park, Dubai, offering a unique perspective on the city's past, present, and future. It is a 150-meter-high, golden frame-shaped tower that connects the city's past in Old Dubai with its modern present in New Dubai. The structure includes an observatory, museum, and monument, with an observation deck at the top providing a 360-degree view of the city. The lower span contains a museum showcasing the history of the city, including interactive exhibits and visual presentations.
Address: Zabeel Park, Dubai
Timings: Daily from 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: AED 50 for adults, AED 20 for children between 3 to 12 years old, free for children under 3 years old
4. Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House
Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, located in the Al Shindagha area, Bur Dubai, is a historic building and former residential quarters of Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, the former ruler of Dubai. It was established around 1896 and has been converted into a museum that showcases artifacts and images of old Dubai.
Address: Al Shindagha Area, Bur Dubai
Timings: Saturday to Thursday: 8:00 AM - 8:30 PM, Friday: 3:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Entry Fee: AED 3 for adults, free for children under 6 years old
5. Al Shindagha Museum
Al Shindagha Museum is a world-class heritage museum located in the Al Shindagha historical neighborhood, which has witnessed the stages of Dubai's inception and development. The museum connects Emiratis, residents, and visitors with the rich heritage of the emirate, revealing the strong relationship between the past and the future and reflecting important elements of a contemporary Emirati identity.
Address: Al Shindagha Historic District, Dubai
Timings: Saturday to Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Friday: 2:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: AED 15 for adults, AED 10 for children between 5 to 17 years old, free for children under 5 years old
6. Dubai Police Museum
The Dubai Police Museum, established in 1987, offers a comprehensive insight into the history and development of Dubai's police force. The museum features a wide range of exhibits, including old photographs, weapons, equipment, and documents, showcasing the evolution and achievements of the city's police force. It provides an educational experience, documenting all aspects of the force's history and its role in maintaining law and order in Dubai.
Address: Al Mulla Plaza, Al Mamzar, Dubai
Timings: Sunday to Thursday: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free admission
7. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is a popular attraction located in The Dubai Mall. It is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world, home to over 140 species of aquatic animals, including sand tiger sharks, stingrays, and giant groupers. Visitors can enjoy a variety of experiences, such as the Shark Dives, Ray Encounter, and Otter Encounter.
Address: The Dubai Mall, Doha Street, Dubai
Timings: Sunday to Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM, Thursday to Saturday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Entry Fee: AED 100 for adults, AED 75 for children between 3 to 12 years old, free for children under 3 years old
8. Dubai Maritime Museum
The Dubai Maritime Museum, located along the historic creek shore, is a testament to the city's rich maritime heritage. The museum features an undulating green roof and a light box, with two main galleries, a cafe, souvenir shop, administrative offices, and multipurpose rooms. The lower gallery offers a subterranean experience, while the upper gallery is characterized by its poly-carbonate facade. The museum is accessible by car, metro, and boat, and its design is an analogy to the experience on a ship or vessel.
Address: Al Seef, Dubai Creek
Timings: Saturday to Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Friday: 2:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: AED 15 for adults, AED 10 for children between 5 to 17 years old, free for children under 5 years old
9. Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood in Dubai is a restored area that offers a glimpse into the city's traditional lifestyle before its modern development. The neighborhood features traditional buildings made from stone, palm wood, and other materials, reflecting the period from the mid-19th century to the 1970s. Visitors can explore the area's 50 or so buildings, which house various museums and craft shops, providing an immersive experience of old Dubai's rich heritage and values.
Address: Al Fahidi, Bur Dubai
Timings: Open 24 hours, specific museum timings vary
Entry Fee: Admission to the neighbourhood is free, individual museum fees may apply
10. The Green Planet
The Green Planet in Dubai is a unique bio-dome that recreates the enchanting world of a tropical forest, housing over 3,000 plants and animals. This immersive experience allows visitors to journey through the rainforest, from treetops to the flooded forest floor, and witness the diverse ecology of the neotropics. The biodome is designed to sustain the unique geology and ecology of the world's rainforests, providing a living classroom for nature enthusiasts and students alike.
Address: City Walk, Dubai
Timings: Sunday to Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Thursday to Saturday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: AED 120 for adults, AED 99 for children between 3 to 12 years old, free for children under 3 years old
11. Alserkal Avenue
Alserkal Avenue, established in 2008, is a vibrant creative hub in Dubai's Al Quoz industrial area, spanning 500,000 square feet. The community is home to over 70 contemporary art galleries, visual and performing arts organizations, designers, and entrepreneur-led businesses. Alserkal Avenue supports cultural production and cultivates a diverse and dynamic arts scene, featuring a variety of exhibitions, events, and festivals. The area is a popular destination for art enthusiasts and those interested in the region's creative culture.
Address: Al Quoz Industrial Area 1, Dubai
Timings: Timings vary for different galleries, usually from 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Entry Fee: Admission to galleries is free, some exhibitions may have ticketed entry
12. Dubai Garden Glow
Dubai Garden Glow is a unique theme park that features the world's largest glow-in-the-dark garden, with over 10 million LED lights. The park consists of five distinct zones: Glow Park, Art Park, Dinosaur Park, Magic Park, and Ice Park (still under construction). Visitors can explore various art installations, animatronic dinosaurs, and interactive exhibits, making it a popular destination for families and tourists.
Address: Zabeel Park, Dubai
Timings: Daily from 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Entry Fee: AED 65 per person
13. Dubai Miracle Garden
Dubai Miracle Garden, spanning 18 acres, is a floral paradise boasting over 50 million flowers, making it the world's largest natural flower garden. The garden features hundreds of flower-formed displays, creating a vibrant extravaganza of color and scent. This unique attraction has been a centerpiece of Dubai's tourism, offering a picturesque and sweet-scented destination for visitors to enjoy the beauty of millions of blooming flowers.
Address: Al Barsha South 3, Barsha, Dubailand Area
Timings: Sunday to Thursday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Entry Fee: AED 55 for adults, AED 40 for children between 3 to 12 years old, free for children under 3 years old
14. Museum of Illusions
The Museum of Illusions in Dubai is a unique attraction that offers an immersive experience of visual and sensory magic. The museum features over 60 interactive exhibits, including optical illusions, holograms, stereograms, and a playroom with puzzles, designed to challenge visitors' minds and senses. The museum is located at Al Seef along Dubai Creek and is the largest edition of the international museum chain to date.
Address: Al Seef, Dubai Creek
Timings: Daily from 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Entry Fee: AED 80 for adults, AED 60 for children between 5 to 15 years old, free for children under 5 years old
15. Women’s Museum Bait Al Banat
The Women's Museum at Bait Al Banat, located in Dubai's Deira district, occupies a restored 1950s house and is dedicated to preserving the history of women in the UAE. The museum, established by Emirati woman Professor Rafia Ghubash, aims to break down stereotypes and reveal the extraordinary role that UAE women have played in defining their culture and shaping their society.
Address: Deira, Dubai
Timings: Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Friday: 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Entry Fee: AED 15 for adults, AED 10 for children between 5 to 12 years old, free for children under 5 years old
16. Museum of the Future
The Museum of the Future, located in Dubai's Sheikh Zayed Road, is a landmark dedicated to innovative and futuristic ideologies. The museum, designed by an algorithm, features expansive, interactive movie sets that bring expert storytelling, technologists, and visionary artists together. The Museum of the Future is a symbol of Dubai's commitment to knowledge and innovation, and it aims to provide a glimpse into life in the year 2071.
Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Timings: To be announced (expected to open in 2024)
Entry Fee: To be announced
17. The Dubai Mall
Explore the vibrant cultural scene in Dubai with its captivating museums. The Dubai Mall, a renowned shopping destination, also houses impressive museums that showcase the city's rich history and art. From the Dubai Museum, offering a glimpse into the past, to the Etihad Museum, commemorating the nation's formation, these cultural hubs within the mall provide an enriching experience. Immerse yourself in the diverse museums in Dubai, blending modernity with tradition in this dynamic city.
Address: Downtown Dubai
Timings: Sunday to Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM, Thursday to Saturday: 10:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Entry Fee: Free admission, some attractions within the mall may have separate charges
Conclusion
In conclusion,Museums in Dubai offer a multifaceted exploration of the city's past, present, and future. From traditional heritage sites to state-of-the-art facilities, these museums showcase the diverse facets of Dubai's cultural, technological, and historical landscape, making them essential destinations for both locals and tourists alike.
Here are the top 5 FAQs about museums in Dubai:
Q1. What are the best museums to visit in Dubai?
Dubai has many museums to choose from, including the Dubai Museum, Museum of the Future, Etihad Museum, Dubai Pearl Museum, and Al-Shindagha Museum.
Q2. What are the opening hours of the Dubai Museum?
The Dubai Museum is open from Saturday to Thursday from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm, and on Fridays from 2:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
Q3. What is the entrance fee for the Dubai Museum?
The entrance fee for the Dubai Museum is AED 3 for adults and AED 1 for children under the age of 6.
Q4. How can I get to the Dubai Museum?
The Dubai Museum is located at Al Fahidi Fort, Al Fahidi, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Limited parking space is available near the museum, so it is advisable to take a cab.
Q5. Are there guided tours available at the Dubai Museum?
Tourism guidance at the Dubai Museum is available free of charge. However, guided tours are not mentioned in the search results.
