A look at some of Dubai's fascinating museums.
Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Fort
Built in 1787 the Al Fahidi Fort is the oldest existing building in the city. The museum tells of Dubai’s history and heritage, with displays that recreate everyday life before the discovery of oil.
Open: Saturday - Thursday from 8.30am to 8.30pm, Friday from 2.30pm to 8.30pm.
Location: Al Fahidi St, Bur Dubai.
Web: https://dubaiculture.gov.ae/en/Live-Our-Heritage/Pages/Dubai-Museum-and-Al-Fahidi-Fort.aspx
Etihad Museum
Opened in January 2017 and tells the story of the founding of the UAE and the chronology of events that led to the unification of the Emirates in 1971.
Open: Daily from 10:00 am to 08:00 pm.
Location: Jumeirah Beach Rd, St. 2nd of December, Jumeirah 1. Web: https://etihadmuseum.dubaiculture.gov.ae
Crossroads of Civilizations Museum
Opened in 2014, the museum illustrates the historic role of Dubai as a cultural crossroads of global trade routes between Europe, Africa and Asia. Two associated museums are located nearby in a heritage house: The Rare Books, Manuscripts & Prints Museum, and The Armoury Museum.
Open: Saturday - Thursday from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm.
Location: Al Khaleej Road, Sheikh Hasher Al Maktoum House.
Web: http://themuseum.ae/
History of Cinema Museum
A private collection of objects relating to the development of visual entertainment dating from the 1730s to the the birth of modern-day cinema.
Open: Daily except Fridays from 9.00am to 6.00pm.
Location: MCN Hive Building, 1st Floor, TECOM C, Dubai (Near Ramee Rose Hotel).
Web: https://www.hocmuseum.com/
Dubai Coffee Museum
Opened in 2014 and housed in a typical domestic villa in the village of Al Fahidi, the museum tells the story of the history of coffee.
Open: Daily except Fridays from 9.00am to 5.00pm.
Location: Dubai Coffee Museum, Villa 44, Al Fahidi Heritage Museum, Bur Dubai.
Web: http://www.coffeemuseum.ae/
Coins Museum
Opened in 2004, this small museum inside a traditional 19th century Emirati house houses a collection of some 470 rare coins, some dating back to the 7th century.
Open: Daily except Fridays from 8.00am to 2.00pm.
Location: Dubai Heritage Village, Bur Dubai.
Museum of the Poet Al Oqaili
Besides its collections of manuscripts and artefacts, the museum offers visitors the chance to experience the atmosphere of one of the most beautiful heritage houses in Dubai.
Open: Sunday - Thursday from 8:00am until 2:00pm.
Location: Deira Souk Al Buteen St, Sikka 15b, Al Ras, Deira.
Web: https://dubaiculture.gov.ae/en/Live-Our-Heritage/Pages/Museum-of-the-Poet-Al-Oqaili.aspx
Naif Museum
Naif Fort was Dubais’s first police station. The museum displays tell the story of the history and development of Dubai’s Police Force and the city’s justice system.
Open: Sunday - Thursday from 8:00am to 2.00pm.
Location: Al Corniche, Deira District (near the Hyatt Regency Hotel).
Web: https://dubaiculture.gov.ae/en/Live-Our-Heritage/Pages/Naif-Museum.aspx
Emirates NBD Pearl Museum
Thousands of pearls on display here, as well as the real instruments and tools required for extracting and sorting the pearls. You need to book in advance by visiting www.emiratesnbd.com/pearlmuseum or telephoning +971 4 201 2713.
Opening: By appointment.
Location: Emirates NBD bank, 10 Beniyas Rd, Deira.
Web: http://www.pearlmuseum.ae/pm-en/
The Women’s Museum
This is a contemporary cultural centre that explores the activities of Emirati women in the arts, academia, business, culture, politics and society in general.
Open: Saturday - Thursday from 10.00am to 7.00pm.
Location: Al Sabkha, Gold Souq, Near Al Khor St, Deira.
Web: http://womenmuseumuae.com/eng/