Location: Al Fahidi
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The 10 Best Museums in Al Fahidi, Emirate of Dubai
Dubai is a destination that mixes modern culture with history, adventure with world-class shopping and entertainment. Catch a show at the Dubai Opera, see downtown from atop the Burj Khalifa and spend an afternoon along Dubai Creek exploring the gold, textile and spice souks. If you’re looking for thrills, you can float above the desert dunes in a hot air balloon, climb aboard a high-speed ride at IMG Worlds of Adventure or skydive over the Palm Jumeirah.
Restaurants in Dubai
1. Al Shindagha Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 56 reviews
The iconic Dubai Creek area is the home to our museum, where visitors can experience the vibrant history of Dubai. It was developed as part of an initiative to transform the creek into a regional culture and traditional centre. Shindagha Museum tells the universal tale of human innovation, resilience, and the desire for progress which shaped the Dubai of nowadays.
Reviewed By kaibee
We visited both the Creek House and the nearby Perfume House and I have to say both were fantastic, the perfume house unexpectedly so! As part of Art Dubai we had a private tour of both and loved it. I did not expect much from the perfume house but as it was included in the tour, went in. Our guide was fantastic, so knowledgable and bubbling with enthusiasm, that the story of perfumery really came alive. It was fascinating to learn about the different types of fragrances used and how they are still made today with natural ingredients. I would definitely recommend this unexpected gem. Creek house unfolds the history of the growth of Dubai through the development of the creek and highlights the amazing foresight of the rulers at the time. It is also highly recommended for everyone. The short film is not to be missed as it evokes the life of the pearl divers and that whole era gone by so effectively. Do not miss the interactive videos of those who lived through the early times of Dubai.
2. XVA Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Established in 2003, XVA is one of the leading galleries in the Middle East that specializes in contemporary art from the Arab world and Iran. Its rigorous exhibition program includes works by emerging, mid-career and established artists who are responding to their local environments in thoughtful and provocative ways. XVA conceived of and organized the fair as part of its commitment to raising the profile of contemporary art practice in Dubai. The gallery is also committed to raising this profile internationally, participating in art fairs in Istanbul and Hong Kong.
3. Crossroad of Civilizations Museum (CCM)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Crossroad of Civilizations Museums CCMs, through its three historical museums, say everything about the legacy of Dubai and the UAE. As a crossroad of global trade routes between Europe, Africa and Asia, Dubai has witnessed a magnificent interplay of almost all the world’s civilizations. The dynamic interaction of these civilizations leads to a flourishing culture of humanity; Museums through art, literature and cultural dimensions, reflect the historical beauties of civilizations. Therefore, the Crossroad of Civilizations Museum highlights the beauty of the variety of these human cultures that contributed to the progress of humanity throughout ages. CCM emphasizes on the positive historical relationships between these civilizations and art, it provides an opportunity for future generations to reflect on the beauty of the difference and to see the positive side of the other, hoping to bring all together.
4. Alserkal Cultural Foundation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Alserkal Cultural Foundation is a non-profit organization, housed in one of the oldest heritage sites in Dubai, the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. We are focused in promoting and supporting new generation of art talents and creative minds based in the UAE and GCC.
Reviewed By Shwetsh - Mumbai, India
Housed in the cultural art district in old Dubai , the contrast of old Arab settlements and new sensibility in art and expression really dazzles. All art is created by local artists of UAE. The influence of arabic script , culture and traditions applied to european inspirations of color , technique and pop-craft. Sit in the patio and enjoy Goat milk desserts or laze in the majlis with traditionally embroidered cushions sipping Arabic coffee. Definite must visit for Offbeat Dubai !
5. Dubai Museum & Al Fahidi Fort
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 6,995 reviews
This museum uses life-size dioramas to depict everyday Dubai life in the days before the discovery of oil. Galleries recreate scenes from the Creek, traditional Arab houses, mosques, the souk, date farms and desert and marine life.
Reviewed By catherinebL677HS - Brighton, United Kingdom
Did a City tour that included Dubai Museum, very interesting and well displayed. It was not too crowded and it is definitely a place to see if you only have a few days in Dubai.
6. Majils Gallery
7. Sheikh Saeed al-Maktoum's House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 199 reviews
This home-turned-museum's courtyard, wind tower and other characteristics exemplify regional architecture.
Reviewed By Q7840EUdanl - Bunbury, Australia
We took a short taxi ride from the Dubai Museum to here as it was not on our bus route. We last visited in 2013 and were no less fascinated on this occasion. The house dates to 1896 and was the official residence of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum – the ruler of Dubai from 1912 to 1958, and grandfather of the present Sheikh. It is now incorporated into the Shindagha museum, a window into Dubai's past with its lovely architecture and large wind towers. It covers a large area and comprises many wings where the visitor can marvel at the collections of various artefacts including, coins, stamps, jewelry, lithographs, old documents and maps, plus many other items dating to previous centuries. I think we paid AED3 entrance fee but its free if you have the Dubai Pass
8. Coffee museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 125 reviews
Reviewed By AMAMTravels - London, United Kingdom
Dubai is a very commercial city and this little area gives you some real insight into the history and heritage of Dubai. Coffee Museum is conveniently located in the Heritage village - which as some has previously mentioned the taxi drivers will not have a clue about so best to get a taxi to Dubai museum and walk down. We spent a lovely hour wandering around reading about and looking at the different coffee contraptions. We then settled and had a coffee, watching the barista work his magic, he was very skilled and precise in his making of our coffee's. As coffee lovers we both thoroughly enjoyed this.
9. The Dubai Heritage Village
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 419 reviews
Located in the Shindagha near the creek’s mouth, the Dubai Heritage Village (Hatta Village) provides a glimpse into Dubai’s traditional culture and lifestyle, including Emirate’s maritime history, pearl diving traditions and architecture. Displays include a tented Bedouin village, ancient armory, wooden chests and cooking utensils.
Reviewed By gilbertpjames - Sydney, Australia
Great place to visit, if you can avoid the busy times. Lots of tour coaches visit here, especially when tour ships are in town, which is quite often. Parking is a nightmare, so the best way to visit is to hire a limo and get your driver to drop you off and then pick you up an hour later. A three hour tour of Old Dubai in a clean air conditioned Lexus cost us 240 Dirhams and was money well spent. Great when the call to prayer is being played from the adjacent mosque. Very touristy, but olde world and very pretty. Even the camel had an anti spit mask on. Worth a trip.
