A visit to the Dubai Museum is a must-do during your vacation in Dubai. Not only because you’ll learn about Dubai’s history, but also because of its location in the old city center. The museum is housed in the Al Fahidi Fort, situated in the Dubai district, centrally located in old Dubai next to the Dubai Creek. Dating back to 1787, Al Fahidi Fort was built for the city’s defense and also served as an ammunition depot, a prison, and a seat of government.
Behind the thick mud walls of Dubai’s oldest fortress, you’ll discover the story of old Dubai, the city’s remarkable development in recent years, and its future plans. Other themes in the museum include pearl diving, traditional weapons, and prehistoric discoveries in and around Dubai. In the fort’s courtyard, you’ll find several traditional boats and a barasti house, a typical Middle Eastern dwelling used until the mid-20th century.
The Historic Al Bastakiya District
After visiting the Dubai Museum, don’t forget to explore the historic Al Bastakiya district. Just across from the museum, toward Dubai Creek, you’ll find the Dubai Grand Mosque and Bayt Al Wakeel, Dubai’s first government building dating back to 1934. Behind the Dubai Grand Mosque, narrow alleys lead to the Bur Dubai Old Souq, Dubai’s oldest souk, fully restored in 2002 and well worth a visit.
The Bur Dubai Old Souq transitions into the textile souk, where you can find beautiful fabrics and observe many tailors at work. At the end of the Bur Dubai Old Souq, you’ll find the docks where you can cross the Dubai Creek aboard a traditional abra. Crossing to the Gold Souk on the other side of the Dubai Creek offers a completely different experience of Dubai.
Where to find the Dubai Museum
The Dubai Museum is situated on Ali Bin Abi Taleb Street, across from the Arabian Court hotel in the Burj Dubai district. This district is the oldest in Dubai and is located near the Dubai Creek. The museum is easily combined with a visit to Al Bastakiya, the Gold Souk, and the Dubai Creek.
There are several ways to reach the Dubai Museum. You can take a taxi, or use the bus (green line, Faheidi stop) or the metro (green line, Al Fahidi stop). Signs from the metro station guide you to the museum. If you have tickets for the Big Bus Tour, you can visit the Dubai Museum as a stopover.
Driving to the Dubai Museum is strongly discouraged due to the often hectic traffic around the museum and the limited parking spots. If you still choose to drive, use Al Fahidi Street in your navigation system, located directly next to the museum.
Dubai Museum ticket Prices and Opening Hours
The museum’s admission price is very affordable, just 3 dirhams for adults and 1 dirham for children, equivalent to less than 1 dollar for adults and 50 cents for children. The Dubai Museum is open daily from 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM, except on Fridays when it opens at 2:00 PM due to morning prayers.
Address and Contact Information
Al Fahidi Fort, Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Ali Bin Abi Taleb Street (use Al Fahidi Street for your navigation system)
+971 4 353 1862
