8 Most Fascinating Dubai Museums

Even though it’s mostly famous for its modern architecture, fantastic restaurants, and luxury stores, Dubai is also home to a range of fascinating museums. Whether you’re a history buff or a coffee lover, the city’s museums cater to various interests.

We’ve compiled a list of the best Dubai museums, including the spectacular Dubai Museum Of The Future, the largest coffee museum in the Middle East called Dubai Coffee Museum, and the mysterious Saruq Al Hadid Museum.

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8 Most Fascinating Dubai Museums: Top Museums To Visit In Dubai

Dubai Museum

The fascinating Dubai Museum is located in Al Fahidi Fort, which was built in 1787 and is famous for being the oldest existing building in Dubai.

It houses local antiques and artifacts from Asian and African countries, galleries that recreate historic Arab houses, souks, and mosques, tells the story of desert and marine life, and explores the history of pearl diving.

Please note that the museum is currently under renovation and closed until further notice. You can still admire the old fort from the outside.

Address: Opp. Grand Mosque – Al Fahidi St – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

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Dubai Coffee Museum

Situated in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Dubai Coffee Museum is the largest coffee museum in the Middle East.

The wonderful museum features a wide range of regional and international coffee antiques related to coffee history and culture. Coffee lovers can relish delicious roasted coffee and coffee drinks and take a piece of this experience home by purchasing an item at the on-site coffee gift shop.

Address: Historical Neighborhood, Bastakiya, Villa 44 – Al Hisn St – Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Etihad Museum

Ethiad Museum is also known as the Union House, the al-Diyafah Palace, and the Jumeirah Guesthouse. It resides in a stunning building designed by Moriyama & Teshima.

The ultra-modern museum features high-tech displays of the history of the United Arab Emirates and takes visitors on a unique journey.

There are several interactive pavilions with 3D documentaries, photographs, and artifacts. On top of this, the museum often houses temporary exhibitions that are well worth seeing.

Address: 1 Jumeirah St – Al Mina – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

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Al Shindagha Museum

Al Shindagha Museum is one of the best history museums in Dubai. It’s located on the banks of Dubai Creek and preserves and interprets Emirati cultural heritage. The museum consists of 80 historic houses and 22 pavilions.

Some of the highlights include The Perfume House and methods of Arabic perfume-making, The House of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum, works of the early craftsmen, the region’s aquatic ecosystem, and the cooking style of Emiratis.

Address: 288 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Saruq Al Hadid Museum

To learn about one of the most exciting archaeological sites in the Emirates, visit the Saruq Al Hadid Museum in the Shindagha Heritage District of Dubai.

Saruq Al Hadid is a remote desert site that was used for metalworking about three thousand years ago. Archaeologists believe this site reached its peak during the Iron Age, but after a ton of research, many mysteries remain.

The excavation is still taking place, but visitors can already see an array of spectacular objects on display. There’s a variety of bronze and iron tools and weapons, measuring scales, pottery, gold jewelry, and so much more.

Fun Fact: When flying above the Rub Al Khali desert, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, came across the artifacts that are now at the museum.

Address: Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

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Pearl Museum

Located in the headquarters of the Emirates NBD bank, Pearl Museum houses a magnificent collection of saltwater pearls.

This museum is dedicated to the late Chairman of the National Bank of Dubai, Sultan Ali Al-Owais, and his wish to honor the people of the UAE, and the Gulf in general, by displaying this priceless collection of pearls as a great reminder of a way of life that is now lost.

Important: Before planning a visit, check the museum’s website or contact them directly to confirm if the museum is open or not and if an appointment needs to be made ahead.

Address: 10 Baniyas Rd – Port Saeed – Riggat Al Buteen – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

The Museum Of The Future

The Museum Of The Future is an interesting museum founded by the Dubai Future Foundation. It explores how science and technology might influence society in decades to come — from AI to augmented reality.

It has seven floors and a distinct topic, such as climate change or space flight, is covered on each floor. Moreover, there are many exhibits, such as lovely Arabic Calligraphy Panels, a Wish Pool, a calming Sensory Room, a glimpse of a genetically altered digital Amazon Forest, a Space Shuttle Simulation, and special workshops and talks.

Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre, Trade Centre 2, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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Coins Museum

Coins Museum near Bur Dubai district presents over 470 rare coins from throughout the Middle East. It’s spread across two floors and is equipped with special display cabinets and magnifying screens.

The rooms take you through the Arab-Sasanian period, the Abbasid Caliphate era, and then to currency mined in Turkey, North Africa, Egypt, the Levant, Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, and Andalusia.

Address: Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

FAQ

What is the biggest heritage museum in Dubai?

The biggest heritage museum in Dubai and UAE, in general, is The Al Shindagha Museum.

What is the main museum in Dubai?

The main museum in Dubai is the Dubai Museum located in the Al Fahidi Fort, the oldest existing building in Dubai. It was renovated during the reign of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, but before that, it served as a monarch’s base, a fortified residence, and a weapons arsenal and prison.

What is inside the Dubai Museum Of The Future?

Dubai Museum of the Future is spread across seven floors. Each floor is dedicated to a specific concept like climate change or space travel.

Inside this museum, you’ll find a variety of exhibitions including beautiful Arabic Calligraphy Panels, a Wish Pool, a soothing Sensory Room, a preview of a genetically modified digital Amazon Forest, a Space Shuttle Simulation, and so much more.

What are the best museums in Dubai?

The 8 best museums in Dubai:

Dubai Museum;

Dubai Coffee Museum;

Etihad Museum;

Al Shindagha Museum;

Saruq Al Hadid Museum;

Pearl Museum;

The Museum Of The Future;

Coins Museum.

What other museums to visit in Dubai?

You can also visit these museums in Dubai:

Naif Museum (the history and development of the Dubai Police Force and the justice system);

Madame Tussauds Museum;

History of Cinema Museum;

Museum of Illusions;

OliOli® – Dubai’s First Experiential Play Museum;

Crossroad of Civilizations Museum (CCM);

Jameel Arts Centre;

Camel Museum.

What are the best museums in UAE?

The 7 top-rated museums in UAE that you need to visit:

Dubai Coffee Museum;

Museum of Illusions;

Museum of the Future;

Louvre Abu Dhabi;

Sharjah Classic Car Museum;

Zayed Heritage Centre;

Sharjah Maritime Museum.

What are the best museums in Dubai for kids?

The best kid-friendly museums in Dubai:

OliOli® – Dubai’s First Experiential Play Museum;

Museum of Illusions;

Museum of the Future;

History of Cinema Museum.

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