Dubai National Museum

4.9

227 ratings

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Zubair Ahmed

Level 2 Local Expert

Very good I visit in 2019 was amazing place

Mohamed Elbersy

Level 14 Local Expert

Fantastic

EnoTT

Level 11 Local Expert

Amazing 😮

Серёга

Level 30 Local Expert

The Dubai Museum in Fort Al Fahidi is called historical and national. The fort was built at the end of the XVIII century, in 1787. It is the oldest active building in Dubai. The museum was opened by the Emir in 1971 with the aim of presenting a traditional way of life. The museum is small in size, but it accurately conveys the culture and atmosphere of Dubai before the start of oil production. The most popular times are from August to April. The museum received more than 1 million visitors in 2013. This figure is increasing every year, and a large percentage of visitors are foreign citizens who are attracted by the atmosphere and unique exhibits.

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Олег ******

Level 19 Local Expert

08/13/2025, we wanted to get to Al Fahidi Fort! But it turned out to be closed for reconstruction! Pitifully...Another time, when we are in Dubai, we should visit! 🏰 Al Fahidi Fort – the heart of Dubai 's history In the heart of old Dubai is Al Fahidi Fort, an 18th-century building that today houses the Dubai National Museum. This is one of the main places where you can touch the true history of the emirate. The fort was built in 1787 and served as a defensive structure, the residence of the rulers, and also protected the bay from attacks. Thick clay walls and watchtowers remind of the military past of the city. Today, there is a museum inside the fortress, where traditional architecture is combined with modern multimedia exhibitions. Here you can see:✨ ancient artifacts found during excavations;✨ models of old Dubai before the discovery of oil;✨ Scenes from the daily life of Bedouins, fishermen and traders;✨ immersion in the history of pearl fishing and caravan trade. Al Fahidi Fort is not just a museum, but a living journey through time, allowing you to understand what Dubai was like before becoming an ultramodern metropolis.

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Анна Pro

Level 28 Local Expert

The whole story is in one place, we took a guided tour, the tour is short but informative, we really enjoyed it

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Наталья

Level 25 Local Expert

I really liked the place. You tell a story, you get inspired, because you realize that there used to be a desert. There is an opportunity to take a picture. We arrived in the evening, when it was dark, but still made an impression!

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Робл Окс

Level 11 Local Expert

perfectly

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Роман Файв

Level 11 Local Expert

### **Review of Dubai National Museum (Al Fahidi Fort)** **📍 Where is it located?** The heart of old Dubai and the starting point for understanding the emirate! It is located in the oldest preserved building of the city — **Fort Al Fahidi** (built in 1787), in the historic district **Al Fahidi** (Bur Dubai). It is located right on the shore of the Creek Bay, opposite the lively Deira district. This is not just a museum, but the spiritual foundation of the entire metropolis. **⚡ Concept and atmosphere:** ✔ **Format**: A historical and ethnographic museum that tells about the rapid transformation of Dubai from a modest fishing village to a global center. ✔ **Atmosphere**: contrasting, immersive. Outside there is a harsh fortress made of coral stone and clay, inside there are modern but tactful multimedia expositions. You can feel the power of history and respect for heritage. ✔ **Design**: the perfect combination of old and new. The ancient walls, the courtyard with traditional boats (dhow) and wind towers (bargil) have been preserved. The underground part is a modern space with dioramas, light and sound installations. ✔**Audience**: anyone who wants to understand the "real" Dubai before the skyscrapers. Tourists interested in history, expats, families with children. **💡 Features of the visit:** - **Time Travel**: The museum masterfully shows the "before" and "after". You go from living in the desert and pearl fishing to discovering oil. - **Stunning dioramas**: the main feature of the museum! Realistic scenes from the past: a market, a mosque, a family home, an underwater world with pearl divers. They come to life with projections and audio effects. - **Historical artifacts**: The display cases contain ancient maps, weapons, musical instruments, jewelry, and documents that tell the personal stories of the residents. - **Fortress as an exhibit**: the building itself is the main artifact. You can go into the old rooms, look at the watchtowers and feel the thickness of the walls. - **The surrounding context**: The museum is an ideal starting point for a walk through the historic quarter **Al Fahidi** with its wind towers and narrow streets. **👍 Undeniable advantages:** ✔ Provides an absolutely necessary understanding of the history and culture of the UAE, without which modern Dubai seems like just a piece of glass. The perfect balance between the traditional and interactive format. ✔ Compact and intuitive route, you can get around in 1.5-2 hours. Pleasant coolness and escape from the scorching sun. ✔ Very affordable ticket price (symbolic for Dubai). **👎 What you should pay attention to:** Don't expect the pomp and splendor of modern attractions — it's all about modesty and heritage. Some installations and videos may look a little outdated (which adds to their charm). There may be a lot of school trips. **, The result:** **Dubai National Museum** is a **cultural must-do**, a must-see before heading up to the Burj Khalifa. It is a place that gives soul and depth to a brilliant metropolis. Without him, the picture of the UAE will be incomplete. **Assessment: 10/10** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ *Tip: Take time for a leisurely stroll through the adjacent historic district of Al Fahidi after the museum. Cross the Creek Bay on a traditional boat "abra" (1 dirhams) — this is the best epilogue to an excursion into the past.* Perfect for a first day in Dubai to gain perspective, for history lovers and for those who seek authenticity behind the facade of a futuristic city.*

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Даниил Исаков

Level 15 Local Expert

The Dubai Museum, located in the historic Al Fahidi district, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the United Arab Emirates. Here is my review of visiting this museum: The positive aspects: 1. Informative: The museum offers extensive information about the traditional lifestyle, culture and history of Dubai and the region. The exhibits cover various aspects of life, including fishing, trade and the way of life of local residents. 2. Atmosphere: The museum is located in the old Al-Fahidi Piano, which in itself is a historical landmark. The architecture and decoration create an atmosphere that immerses in the past. 3. Interactive exhibits: Many exhibitions are interactive, which makes visiting more fun for all ages. You can see traditional crafts, tools and even try yourself in some of them. 4. Cultural events: The museum often hosts exhibitions, workshops, and other events that provide a deeper understanding of UAE culture and traditions. 5. Accessibility: The entrance fee is low, which makes the museum accessible to a wide audience. This is a great place for family vacations or educational excursions. Disadvantages: 1. Size: The museum is not very big, and it can be visited in a short time. Some visitors can expect more extensive exhibitions. 2. Limited language options: Although information is provided in several languages, some exhibits may not be sufficiently detailed in English or other languages. 3. Lack of modern technology: Unlike some modern museums, there are not too many high-tech exhibitions, which may disappoint those who are used to interactive multimedia exhibitions. In general, the Dubai Museum is a great place for those who want to learn more about the culture and history of the region. It offers an interesting and informative experience that complements the modern atmosphere of Dubai. This is an ideal place to start exploring the history of the UAE and its transformation into a modern state.

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benuarti

Level 10 Local Expert

The Dubai Museum has left me with only positive impressions! Located in the ancient fortress of Al Fahidi, the museum offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the Emirates. The exhibitions range from traditional Arab houses and markets to interactive exhibitions that show how Dubai has transformed from a small fishing village into a modern metropolis. I especially liked how the museum combines antiquity and modernity — it really helps to understand how the country lived in the past and how it has changed in recent decades. The design and atmosphere of the museum create the feeling that you are moving through time. I was also interested in learning about the traditional culture, customs, and way of life of the locals. I recommend that anyone who wants to learn about the history of Dubai visit this museum. It is not only useful, but also very interesting!

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Вячеслав Бойко

Level 7 Local Expert

A wonderful historical museum about the development of the Emirates. There are many beautiful expositions. We were accompanied by a local guide, speaks Russian and English well, and tells us interesting things! His name is Pulat, I advise you to contact him for excursions. Guide's number +971 56 674 2135

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Washington

Level 14 Local Expert

The Dubai Museum left me with extremely positive impressions. This is an interactive museum where history is presented in the form of sound and light installations, which allows you to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the past. I especially remember the imitation of the oriental bazaar. I recommend visiting this museum to anyone interested in the history of the UAE.

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Даниэль Гилимханов

Level 11 Local Expert

The best museum in the world the impression is top notch the staff is great the location is great I would at least live there the best place

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Аня

Level 12 Local Expert

The Dubai Museum is currently undergoing restoration. It is located in Al Fahidi. An interesting authentic area. It allows you to plunge into the atmosphere of primitive Dubai. Interesting architecture, narrow streets, authentic market, Dubai Creek embankment. A wonderful place to walk and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of old Dubai

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Айк Бабаян

Level 25 Local Expert

A good museum with interesting architecture and not the most interesting exhibits is located in an area where ordinary residents of the city live, so you can observe the contrast with fashionable areas and taste the local cuisine.

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Николь П.

Level 7 Local Expert

It's a very good museum about how the Emirates developed. Everyone enjoyed the tour very much, everyone is satisfied. The children also liked it, they said that they remembered this tour the most for the whole trip.

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Константин

Level 20 Local Expert

It is not a large, but very interesting museum, located in the center of the old town.

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Мария

Level 9 Local Expert

A great place for a walk, few people have seen Dubai like this)

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тигран новиков

Level 14 Local Expert

I was very impressed by the museum! A good museum with interesting architecture and exhibits is located in an area where ordinary residents of the city live, so you can observe the contrast and taste the local cuisine.

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казанцев степан

Level 12 Local Expert

A great place to learn a lot about the history of the Emirates

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GOGO66345

Level 5 Local Expert

I recently visited the Dubai National Museum and was very impressed! This is the place where the history of the Emirates comes to life – from humble beginnings to modern greatness. What I particularly liked: - Modern interactive expositions that make the tour exciting - Authentic artifacts and reconstructions of traditional Bedouin life - Beautiful lighting and multimedia installations The museum is located in the historic fort of Al-Fahidi, which adds authenticity. Inside there is a pleasant climate (important in the Dubai heat!) and clear navigation. I advise you to take an audio guide – they tell you interesting, without boredom. A separate plus is a cozy cafe with Arabic coffee in the courtyard. An ideal place to understand the soul of the UAE in 2-3 hours. Tickets are quite affordable (35 dirhams).

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Ruslan Utushev

Level 10 Local Expert

Fascinating

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Сергей Осин

Level 9 Local Expert

Everything would be fine, but only as of the beginning of June 2023, the museum was under reconstruction. There was no information about this on the Internet. Accordingly, we came and looked at probably the oldest walls in the city…

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Филипп Редников

Level 4 Local Expert

It's very cool, beautiful, and interesting. A lot of things are shown, an interesting location. I am interested in such things that were in the museum. In short: I really liked it!

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naav

Level 28 Local Expert

You can walk, but our museum is far from money. Plus, you walk in an old building.

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Mar1 Flowers

Level 24 Local Expert

I recommend visiting the museum

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Шарлотта

Level 13 Local Expert

The Dubai Museum is a very nice but expensive place, but it's worth going there.

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Наталья

Level 10 Local Expert

I didn't get in (because the museum is currently under reconstruction, keep in mind

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Бенедикт

Level 13 Local Expert

You definitely need to visit here and not only on the beaches in shopping malls and singing fountains.The East is a delicate matter and it shows here.

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Дмитрий Орлов

Level 11 Local Expert

An educational place , unusual , interesting

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Виктор Минин

Level 6 Local Expert

This is a truly beautiful place! It contains culture, historical facts, and various kinds of artwork! Dubai itself is a place to visit.😇😊

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Павел

Level 15 Local Expert

A great museum

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berdtravels

Level 20 Local Expert

A good museum of the history of the tribe that built Dubai. Purely for the sake of knowledge to look. Nothing special

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Георгий

Level 6 Local Expert

A good museum has learned a lot of useful and not useful things

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Константин М.

Level 30 Local Expert

An interesting museum of Dubai history.

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Алексей Кукушкин

Level 27 Local Expert

If you want to plunge into the past, then you are here! A lot of things have been dug up in the deserts of the Emirates, a lot is here.

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i-zyev

Level 6 Local Expert

Closed for repairs

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Андрей

Level 30 Local Expert

Interesting and beautiful

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Максим Д.

Level 12 Local Expert

A great museum, with a nice old architecture.

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Pavel Vnuchko

Level 12 Local Expert

It is worth visiting with your family

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Кирилл

Level 12 Local Expert

A beautiful place, a beauty

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Exc

Level 26 Local Expert

It is very informative and interesting

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RK800

Level 12 Local Expert

A wonderful museum

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george martin

Level 12 Local Expert

An interesting place, we did not regret that we went

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Fedor

Level 5 Local Expert

Very informative and beautiful!!!

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Ahmed Amro

Level 14 Local Expert

A beautiful museum, everything is beautiful and ancient

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Павел

Level 18 Local Expert

I was here. That's cool too. Overall, I liked it

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Veles Suvorov

Level 4 Local Expert

Cool, I really liked it, even though the museum is small!

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Юлия К.

Level 6 Local Expert

Under repair until October

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Dubai National Museum

114 reviews