Exploring Dubai’s Cultural Heritage: Must-Visit Museums and Historical Sites

Are you planning your next visit to Dubai to take a break from a hectic routine? Even Though Dubai is known for its lavish lifestyle, mighty skyscrapers, and luxury residences, you can still do a lot of things without breaking the bank. But it depends on how you plan out your trip. So, if you are on a budget and want to explore the cultural heritage of Dubai, you are at the right place. There are many historical places and museums in Dubai that you must visit during your stay. In this blog, we will explore the top museums and historical sites in Dubai that cannot be missed.

Museums In Dubai

In addition to real estate, delicious cuisines, and world-class infrastructure, Dubai has no shortage of famous museums that show the history, culture, and Dubai’s visions of tomorrow. These museums are perfect entertainment places for all ages by encapsulating Dubai’s rich heritage while offering an experience that you will find nowhere else. So let's take a look at the must-visit museums in Dubai.

Dubai Museum 

In the beginning, Dubai was known as a fishing village until the discovery of oil and the city started its journey towards modern-day luxury. Dubai Museum follows the history and transformation of one of the most demanding cities in the world. The museum has ancient relics of Dubai that are 3000 years old, tell stories of the past, and show how the city came to be. Visitors can walk through the 1950s section of the museum and see the several objects of that era. The museum is located in Al Fahidi Fort, which was built in 1787 to serve as a defence post and is the oldest building in Dubai.

Etihad Museum 

Just like the Dubai Museum, the Etihad Museum has artefacts that show the founding history of the UAE. Next to the museum, there is a Union House where the documents were signed to create the UAE by the founding fathers in 1971. The museum also contains the detailed history and background of the United Arab Emirates. Also, you can see the personal artefacts of the ruling families, such as passports and jewellery. In Etihad Museum, your learning experience can be enhanced with Interactive 3D films, classrooms and photographs.

Museum Of Illusions 

Museum of Illusions is a place where your mind and eyes are tricked and give you a mind-blowing experience. The museum halls have science-based optical and sensory illusions designed to trick visitors’ minds and alter their perceptions of reality, such as the vortex tunnel, an anti-gravity room, and a three-dimensional version of the classic Rubin’s vase. In the rotated room, the visitors appear to be flipped upside down to create unique photos. The Museum of Illusions also hosts special events and performances.

Museum Of The Future 

In the Museum of the Future, visitors can be engaged in learning activities about the life of the future and technologies. The four floors in the museum are dedicated to individual themes such as the future of the world in space technologies, advanced ecosystems, bioengineering, health and spirituality. An entire floor is dedicated to those technologies that show how people eat, move and live in the coming years. Because of the exterior, it is an award-winning building that forms the shape of a giant silver torus and is decorated with Arabic poetry.

Historical Places In Dubai

The historical places in Dubai we see today were once mighty, majestic, and beautiful pieces of architecture. Even though the city has a very rich heritage and culture, you cannot ignore the history of Dubai that made it into what it is today. The historical places in Dubai can take you to the time when oil was discovered and trading with other countries started to become sturdy. So, if you are fond of history and want to know more about Arab culture, you must visit the following historical places in Dubai.

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (previously known as Al Bastakiya) was built in the mid-19th century and is a symbol of Dubai’s past and culture. It is located on the banks of Dubai Creek and was one of the first settlements of the city. When you walk into the neighbourhood, you will be greeted by the smell of spices and the sight of traditional tan wind towers. Recently, Al Fahidi also got some recognition as there are some events taking place in the area, such as unique National Day celebrations and the Sikka Art Fair.

Hatta Heritage Village

Hatta is known as the enclave of Dubai and is located about an hour from the centre of the city. The area is situated at the foot of the Hajar Mountains and is home to the centuries-old Hatta Heritage Village. This village is a treasure for those who want to explore the history of the Emirate. You can enjoy several activities in the village, such as kayaking and mountain biking. If you are fond of refreshing greenery and beautiful views of mountains, Hatta Heritage Village is a natural heaven for you. There are fields of date palms and the breathtaking Hatta Dam, built in the late 1990s. Hatta Heritage Village is one of the best historical places to visit in Dubai. 

Souq Al Kabeer 

Souq Al Kabeer is strategically located in front of Dubai Creek and between Bur Dubai and Deira. The area is divided into several small souqs, and each of them is dedicated to specific products such as grocery items, women’s accessories, home decor, fabrics, marine tools, perfume and more. It will truly be a unique experience to visit this market as it is one of the oldest markets in Dubai. The Souq is more than 150 years old and was used as a central trade hub for import and export between Africa, East Asia, and the Arabian Gulf. 

Deira Clocktower

Deira Clocktower is one of the iconic historical sites in Dubai and was built in 1963. The tower is located at the intersection of D89 and Umm Hurair Road and is commonly known as Dubai Clocktower. It is also a reminder of the first land crossing between Bur Dubai and Deira through Al Maktoum Bridge. Deira Clocktower is strategically important as it is an old connecting point from which to move in and out of the city. It was renovated in 1972.

There are several other things that contribute to the historical significance of Dubai. So, if you are fond of history, looking for unique and antique things, or want to know more about Arab culture, you must explore the cultural heritage of Dubai to immerse yourself in its charm.