Museums and galleries in Dubai

Museums and galleries in Dubai

1. SeeBur Dubai

   Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

   Bastakiya District

   One of the last remaining pockets of Old Dubai, home to many reconstructed buildings in the traditional style. While information on the structures is slim here (see the museum in preference), the atmosphere is very evocative and there are plenty of delightful art galleries and cafes to explore.

   Free of charge

2. SeeBur Dubai

   Crossroad of Civilization Museum

   Museum includes a lot of artefacts and old books, including a Gutenberg Bible and a curtain of the door of Kaaba from 1543 AD.

   Sun-Thu 9AM–5PM, closed on Fri·30 dirham for 3 museums

3. SeeBur Dubai

   Dubai Frame

   Two towers of 150 m height connected by a 100-m² bridge, the Dubai Frame has a museum and gallery where you can see the growth of Dubai from a simple fishing village to the ultra-modern city it is today with the use of photos and advanced technology. After visiting the museum, you take the elevator to the bridge to get a view of the city.

   Daily 09:00-21:00·Adult 49 AED, child (3-12) 39 AED

4. SeeBur Dubai

   Dubai Museum

   A must-see for anyone interested in the social history of the Emirate (and indeed the country). Located in and under al-Fahidi fort. The fort itself has a few examples of the traditional reed houses and other artifacts, but isn't much to look at. The more interesting parts are the modern galleries beneath the fort, showcasing Dubai's history using the latest technology and culminating in a reconstructed souq from the pearling days, complete with authentic sights and sounds. It is quite fascinating to see the speed at which the transition from poor pearling village to modern metropolis occurred.

   Sat-Thu 8:30AM–8:30PM, Fri 2PM–8:30PM·Admission 3 dirham

5. SeeJumeirah

   Etihad Museum

   Union House

   Museum about the construction of the Union of the Emirates, after the withdrawal of British forces. Open in 2017, it features exhibits about the seven fathers, and the constitution. The Union House, where the treaty was signed, can be visited as well as the Guest Palace. It also hosts temporary exhibitions (e.g., philatelic in May 2017).

   10:00–20:00 daily·25 dirham per adult

6. BuyJumeirah

   Ibn Battuta Mall

   The pavilions are themed according to the voyages of the great voyager Ibn Battuta. Areas themed around six countries (China, India, Persia, Egypt, Tunisia and the Andalusia). Wide range of shops, although fewer high class brands. Has various restaurants and cafes (including three Starbucks), and a multiplex cinema including an Imax. No restaurants serve alcohol. Also has extensive, permanent exhibition of Islamic science, invention and astronomy. Attached (access via outside) is one of Dubai's few second-hand bookshops, House of Prose. Has a Carrefour hypermarket attached.

   Open now · closes midnight tomorrow

7. BuySuburbs and Hatta

   Mall of Arabia

   Mall of Arabia is a shopping mall built as part of the City of Arabia in the Dubailand theme park premises in Dubai. The 10-million square-foot mall contains more than 1,000 retail outlets, a rooftop hotel, waterfront dining and entertainment, a theme park, an earth science museum, and a planetarium. It also contains its own monorail system linked with the Dubai Metro along with a 2-story underground parking garage capable of holding 10,400 vehicles.

8. SeeJumeirah

   Museum of the Future

   Branded as a "technology museum" many visitors consider it more of an expensive art exhibition. The building is outstanding though and looks particularly impressive in the dark.

   Daily 10:00-18:00·145 dirham

9. SeeBur Dubai

   Old Weapons Museum

   Large collection of swords, daggers, riffles, from several centuries.

   30 dirahm for 3 museums

10. SeeBur Dubai

    Saeed Al Maktoum House

    Another very historic building built in 1894 now converted into a museum and contains artefacts and images of the old town of Dubai. It was the residence of the Saeed bin Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum, the former ruler of Dubai.

    Sat-Thu: 8:00-20:30; Fr: 15:30-21:30; Ramadan Sat-Thu: 09:00-17:00 Fr: 14:00-17:00

11. SeeBur Dubai

    Sheikh Obaid bin Thani House

    a historic building home to royal family members built in 1916 and now converted into a museum. It provides good glimpse to old infrastructure of Dubai.

12. BuyJumeirah

    Town Centre Jumeirah

    With a bright, open and spacious atmosphere, it is a place to shop, relax and casually dine at a wide selection of eateries like Sumo Sushi, Cafe Ceramique, La Cafette by Carpe Diem and Simply Healthy. It also houses an extensive range of ladies' beauty outlets like the Nail Station, Paris Gallery, Kaya Skin Care Clinic, Wax Lounge and SOS Salon.

    Sat-Thu 10:00-22:00; Fri 13:30-22:00

13. SeeDeira

    Women's Museum

    Highlight the contribution of women to UAE's economy, culture and politic for the independence in the 1960s and since. Life of great women and daily life of Emirati people. An exhibit is also dedicated to the famous Emirati female poet Ousha bint Khalifa Suwidi.

    Sat–Thu 10AM–7PM·20 dirhams/person

14. SeeDeira

    Dubai Municipality Museum

    Old Baladiya St crossing Al Souk Al Kabeer St, Al Buteen community

    Sun–Thu 9AM–3PM, closed and Fri and Sat

15. SeeDeira

    Naif Police Museum

    106 Naif Rd crossing 9A St, Naif community

    Sun–Thu 8AM–2PM, closed on Fri and Saturday.·free of charge

16. SeeBur Dubai Not mapped

    Manuscript, Old Book and Print Museum

    30 dirham for 3 museums

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Dubai (CC BY-SA 4.0).