At the Dubai Creek, there are several historical settlements where the daily life of the original inhabitants of Dubai is showcased. In the Heritage Village and Diving Village, you can witness how the Arabs in this area lived towards the end of the 19th century. In this museum, you’ll find authentic potters, weavers, and other artists focusing on Dubai’s maritime past.
There are also traders selling their goods. Diving Village hosts various exhibitions on ship models that were once built in the Persian Gulf, and during the winter months, there are entertainment programs highlighting Dubai’s traditions.
Beside Diving Village is Heritage Village, where information about nearly all aspects of life in Dubai at the beginning of this century can be found. Here, you’ll also find several shops selling artisanal crafts, and there’s a separate space dedicated to the importance and use of perfume on the Arabian Peninsula.
Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House
Nearby lies Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, the former residence of Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum, the grandfather of Dubai’s current ruler. The palace was built in 1896 and was inhabited by the ruling Al Maktoum family until 1958.
Both Heritage Village and Diving Village are free to visit. Heritage Village is open from Saturday to Thursday from 08:00 to 19:30, and on Friday from 14:30 to 19:30. Diving Village is open from Sunday to Thursday from 08:00 to 22:00, and on Friday and Saturday, Diving Village opens at 15:00 and closes at 22:00.
