Local Guides World
Best Museums in United Arab Emirates
Top Rated Museums
Top Reviewed Museums
Dubai Municipality Museum
Sharjah Art Museum
Marjan Islamic Gallery
Bastakiya
Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
Sadaf Roundabout
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Natural History Museum Exhibition Abu Dhabi
Mangrove Bridge site
Farasha Gallery
Traditional Emirati House
House of Pearls
Reviews
I took my parents to the museum. It was interesting Islamic history and culture. The walls and interior were beautiful. It’s not suitable with little kids under 3 but great with adults.
A must-see! This museum serves as a beautiful introduction to Islam with a variety of valuable artifacts. I especially enjoyed seeing the kiswah (the cloth that covers the Kaaba).
Visited during public holiday. It was open and information staff were available. The museum has 4 halls for different historic representations or about different fields. I liked it. On second floor there is a celestial dome and nice seating area. The whole visit time took around and hour. Recommended.
In fact, if you want to enjoy what Dubai used to be like, you must go to Al Bastakiya in Bur Dubai. Located right in the middle of this vibrant metropolis, the Bastakiya neighborhood is often considered the soul of Dubai!
Explore the natural wonders of Kalbas mangroves at the Khor Kalba Mangrove center.
Such a great activity to do in the UAE. It was free as we went during Ramadan. Even worth giving money to do this museum!
The science gallery was my favourite ❤️
The science gallery was my favourite ❤️
From contemporary masterpieces to traditional artifacts, every corner sparks inspiration and appreciation for the arts. The museum's serene ambiance and knowledgeable staff enhance the experience, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and curious minds alike. Don't miss the opportunity to explore this gem in the heart of Sharjah. It has free entry!
Quiet place if there is no tour group.
Can experience real natural beauty
This museum is a collection of the influence of the Middle East and later Islam on the advancement and history of the world. I found it to be extremely informative and a unique collection of artifacts and depictions of technological advances of way back.
amazing varied art and well displayed with space . not crowded . I am blown away by the beauty and variety . different styles thankYoU
They said the stones do not get cold but that is not how stones work. Most of the items look like glitter especially the red sandstone. It’s impossible for that to be natural forming and they said they don’t use machines to cut the stones? Stones don’t even come that size and definitely not that shiny uncut.
Price of a single thread of gold is 1k how can a whole carpet be worth 500-5k $. A ring in solid gold is already like 10k $. The threads weren’t even cold to touch even tho the whole place is in ac.
I was watching my tour guide was miserable just sitting with us while I watch someone from my group get scammed
Watch out when traveling abroad, but I guess people have to make a living somehow
Price of a single thread of gold is 1k how can a whole carpet be worth 500-5k $. A ring in solid gold is already like 10k $. The threads weren’t even cold to touch even tho the whole place is in ac.
I was watching my tour guide was miserable just sitting with us while I watch someone from my group get scammed
Watch out when traveling abroad, but I guess people have to make a living somehow
It's a nice contemporary art museum, not too big, included another documentary exhibition. Entrance is free of charge.
Loved the site. It's beautiful to see how much things get changed slowly if left untouched by humans and how mangroves can quietly play a very efficient role in our habitat. It's an educational site even for kids to understand the importance of mangroves. Place is very nicely built with bridge passing on the water where you get to see beautiful fishes doing their dance if you are lucky which we were. And then the bridge takes you to bird watching site through the mangroves. While there, you can see beautiful sunset in between the mountains. We and kids enjoyed visiting the place. Fish aquariums are very beautiful and educational too. Staff is also friendly.
Very good collection of artifacts and information. Its not just about religion but also about science, astronomy, artistry, architecture, craftsmanship and valour. Well setup and managed. Excellent staff at the information desk. Must do for those interested in islamic history and culture. Ample parking. Post museum visit you can go across the road and have a snack or drink at cafeteria or go on a bot ride or just walk and take in the views.
What I like about going to museums is on how people from the past creates something with all their heart and soul in it. You can see the beauty of their art and culture in their pieces and they're making sure those are durable (so durable it can even last a lifetime).
Entrance here is just AED10 and yet you can see more than what you paid for. This is great for people who are into art, history and culture.
Entrance here is just AED10 and yet you can see more than what you paid for. This is great for people who are into art, history and culture.
First time visit this Sharjah Museum. There are a few thousands of replicas displayed and the most interesting part is the dome. It is beautiful. We went with a tour guide on a weekday and no line up.
Wonderful place , love this side of Dubai
I don't realize the distance and time passby after walking from one end to another. Sales man keep saying ' ni hao' hello and 'woo Ai ni' I love you. Don't forgot to negotiate the price if you are willing to add some home displays : D
Pretty NICE walk at night. FYI. 1 dirham boat need to pay cash but 2 dirham boat you can usr the tram sliver or gold card tap in tap out.
Pretty NICE walk at night. FYI. 1 dirham boat need to pay cash but 2 dirham boat you can usr the tram sliver or gold card tap in tap out.
Nice art museum displaying artwork, it’s within walkable distance from art foundation. Attended a art book fair hosted there, pretty great experience meeting artists around the world.
Attractive and beautiful place for evening walks. Full of greenery, high recommended one time visits.
The preserved historical quarter of Dubai is a must see. Discovering narrow alleyways and quaint restaurants and galleries provides an entirely unique perspective of Dubai.
I LOVE THIS PLACE!!
It is very lucky to visit this museum with my family last weekend
The museum remodeled a traditional Arab based palace. It's another interesting thing to see its architecture and design.
When I visited, there was an exhibition of SAMIA HALABY, a famous artist from Jerusalem
I was able to enjoy such wonderful works calmly. It's free, too!
She was very impressed by her work, and she understood the Palestinian conflict
It is a good opportunity to see other Middle Eastern artists' paintings.
There were many works that I liked. This place is much better than the other fancy art museums.
Absolutely recommend!!
It is very lucky to visit this museum with my family last weekend
The museum remodeled a traditional Arab based palace. It's another interesting thing to see its architecture and design.
When I visited, there was an exhibition of SAMIA HALABY, a famous artist from Jerusalem
I was able to enjoy such wonderful works calmly. It's free, too!
She was very impressed by her work, and she understood the Palestinian conflict
It is a good opportunity to see other Middle Eastern artists' paintings.
There were many works that I liked. This place is much better than the other fancy art museums.
Absolutely recommend!!
Very nice
Very good
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is a historic district in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The construction of Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood dates back to the 1890s. In its prime, the locality was capable of 60 housing units, most of which were separated by narrow, winding lanes. The town of Al Bastakiya was primarily built by the affluent Persian Merchants drawn to Dubai by the rich trade opportunities and incentives offered by the Emirati government, the district was named after the southern Iranian town of Bastak.
In the 1980s half of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood village was destroyed to make way for the development of a new office complex. The remaining houses were mostly used as warehouses or accommodation for foreign laborers. In 1989, the Dubai Municipality directed that the remaining parts of Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood were to be demolished. Rayner Otter, a British architect, came to the area and made extensive renovation in the house where he was staying. Rayner started a campaign to preserve the area and wrote a letter to Prince Charles, who was scheduled to visit Dubai that year. On his arrival, Prince Charles asked to visit Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood and explored the whole area with Rayner Otter. During his visit the Prince suggested that Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood should be preserved and the demolition was canceled.
In 2005, a project was initiated by the Dubai Municipality to restore the localities of old buildings and lanes.
Places in Al Bastakiya
Al Bastakiya consist of several places which includes:
Mawaheb Gallery
Mawaheb meaning in Arabic is an art studio.
Arabian Tea House Café
The café is designed keeping in view the old heritage of Dubai people. It present the traditional Arabic food.
XVA Gallery
Established in 2003, XVA Gallery is one of the leading galleries in the Middle East that specialise in contemporary art from the Arab world, Iran and the Subcontinent. Our exhibitions focus on works by the region's foremost artists as well as those emerging onto the scene.
Sheikh Muhammad Center for Cultural Understanding
It is a non-profit organization. The purpose of creating this organization was to establish a relationship of culture between the people of Dubai.
Coffee Museum
Main article: Dubai Coffee Museum
The Museum consist of two floors. On ground floor different roasting and brewing style are demonstrated live. On the second floor there are history books area relates to coffee.
Make Art Café
This art café is opened in November 2015, the MAKE Art Café runs its operations from the courtyard of a charming heritage villa in one of the most attractive heritage areas in the UAE.
The construction of Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood dates back to the 1890s. In its prime, the locality was capable of 60 housing units, most of which were separated by narrow, winding lanes. The town of Al Bastakiya was primarily built by the affluent Persian Merchants drawn to Dubai by the rich trade opportunities and incentives offered by the Emirati government, the district was named after the southern Iranian town of Bastak.
In the 1980s half of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood village was destroyed to make way for the development of a new office complex. The remaining houses were mostly used as warehouses or accommodation for foreign laborers. In 1989, the Dubai Municipality directed that the remaining parts of Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood were to be demolished. Rayner Otter, a British architect, came to the area and made extensive renovation in the house where he was staying. Rayner started a campaign to preserve the area and wrote a letter to Prince Charles, who was scheduled to visit Dubai that year. On his arrival, Prince Charles asked to visit Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood and explored the whole area with Rayner Otter. During his visit the Prince suggested that Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood should be preserved and the demolition was canceled.
In 2005, a project was initiated by the Dubai Municipality to restore the localities of old buildings and lanes.
Places in Al Bastakiya
Al Bastakiya consist of several places which includes:
Mawaheb Gallery
Mawaheb meaning in Arabic is an art studio.
Arabian Tea House Café
The café is designed keeping in view the old heritage of Dubai people. It present the traditional Arabic food.
XVA Gallery
Established in 2003, XVA Gallery is one of the leading galleries in the Middle East that specialise in contemporary art from the Arab world, Iran and the Subcontinent. Our exhibitions focus on works by the region's foremost artists as well as those emerging onto the scene.
Sheikh Muhammad Center for Cultural Understanding
It is a non-profit organization. The purpose of creating this organization was to establish a relationship of culture between the people of Dubai.
Coffee Museum
Main article: Dubai Coffee Museum
The Museum consist of two floors. On ground floor different roasting and brewing style are demonstrated live. On the second floor there are history books area relates to coffee.
Make Art Café
This art café is opened in November 2015, the MAKE Art Café runs its operations from the courtyard of a charming heritage villa in one of the most attractive heritage areas in the UAE.
This is a very nice spot to visit either alone or when you have visitors, you can always enjoy the old style of how the houses were built in Dubai. The access to the water, give it additional depth of dimension of how to enjoy the place tons of places like the textile, soak the herbs and spices you can enjoy yourself and have a good shopping there. Many places to dine in as well there mini coffee shops, and the walks are very nice overall as usual in Dubai, the place is extremely safe, clean and top.
I recently visited the Sharjah Art Museum and while the experience was okay, it wasn't anything out of the ordinary. Unfortunately, when I visited, only one section of the museum was open and I was only able to spend about 15 minutes there. Perhaps for that reason, there was no charge to enter.
If you're not particularly interested in art, I wouldn't recommend making a special trip to visit this museum. However, if you're fascinated by different forms of art, this could be a worthwhile stop for you.
If you're not particularly interested in art, I wouldn't recommend making a special trip to visit this museum. However, if you're fascinated by different forms of art, this could be a worthwhile stop for you.
Family friendly place. Better to visit on winter times..
Very nice exhibitions during the Sharjah Biennial. The different installations are all over Sharjah but many of them in the old district around the Sharjah Art Museum. The staff really care about the collections. I walked around for about 6 hours and it was worth it
Nice place to see the history of real Dubai...
Feel free to talk with the ancient Arabic...
You can, with privilege...
Always welcome...
Feel free to talk with the ancient Arabic...
You can, with privilege...
Always welcome...
The location in the middle of a bazzare and next to the creek exotic
It's a nice gallery of really good piece of art. However quite expensive. A painting of gold with 2lkah INR worth of gold being sold for 8lakh INR, huge labour cost.
Coffee packets being sold were 2 years old with expiry coming in just a month. Really?
Coffee packets being sold were 2 years old with expiry coming in just a month. Really?
A very nice green area in the locality … it does not feel like a part of UAE… its well maintained
Great place for family and friends surrounded by nature and learning in the process. Entrance fee is AED15 excluding VAT and it takes about an hour to complete the tour. There's a picnic area as well.
Although aspects of old Emirati architecture are evident in every corner of Al Fahidi historical area of Dubai but traditional Emirati house is a special place. Looks like a real house with real human residents. A must visit place.
I was there on 7th December 2 o’clock afternoon, I enjoyed watching the traditional house, the green plants and tree on the yard entered rooms and see the rooms where people before was living and the responsible man there explained to me how they accustomed to hot weather of summer by muddy homes and opening big four holes on roof, he also explained about the ( al kotab ) or the simple education system on the neighborhood and how the lady or the man was teaching kids simple things and narrating to them Quran and simple math.
Get astonished 😯 of how the doors was small and lower, he told that it’s for respect and to keep eye from seeing women inside house.
I praise the authorities about security and freedom and allowing photographing and videotaping no any harassment people are too kind, I also liked the explanation boards and signs everywhere and information boards. Felt the peace on the place. Recommending everyone to go and enjoy.
Get astonished 😯 of how the doors was small and lower, he told that it’s for respect and to keep eye from seeing women inside house.
I praise the authorities about security and freedom and allowing photographing and videotaping no any harassment people are too kind, I also liked the explanation boards and signs everywhere and information boards. Felt the peace on the place. Recommending everyone to go and enjoy.
It is a historical place. The old dubai, it is near creek area which crosses towards old souq. The boats charge 2 AED per person.
free, great example of what houses used to look like
Good for visit for adults.
You have to reach before 3pm to enjoy the place
You have to reach before 3pm to enjoy the place
Speaks a lot about the ancient culture and habitat of people of UAE and its history of Pearl Diving
The way they explain the value of these carpets are very interesting and mind blowing. You should have one. ❣️
Amazing place, you can understand how was the old Dubai, how Emirates formed in a new way, there living style, old culture, old houses material , boats etc
UAE
Old Dubai
Historical place
UAE
Old Dubai
Historical place
Art Gallery for Luxury Stuff
The R?A is not so important but there is on the right corner when you are coming from the bridge a very important Service point: Samsung Service Center with experienced people - they are really "Servicemen"!
Horrible. Don’t buy anything. It’s a scam. Things are purchased off noon and resold at ridiculous price. They say their items are hand made and that is a lie.
Dubai Museum is really astounding. It is located near the Dubai Creek and surround by ancient type of houses. Dubai truly preserve and respect their culture and history. Dubai Museum reflects the life, tradition and beliefs of ancestors living in the Emirates. It is like a time travel experience looking to all the displays, wax figures and historical handicrafts featured in the Museum.
This is roundabout in rasulkhaimah, almost last round about when you are coming from dubai to rasulkhaimah on main road
A big day. I hghly recommend this visit. We enjoy with all the tour from boat visit to mangroves to all explanations at floating museum. It is so interesting tour even with children. And st the end a small shop for pearls.
Not a museum. It’s a store…
Great Hospitality & Knowledgeable Experience. A must visit destination.
Ciekawa opowieść prawdziwych pasjonatów o historii poławiania pereł w Zatoce Perskiej.
Excellent experience - only commercial pearl farm farm in the UAE.
A must do morning to learn the history and process of pearling ... most enjoyable tour to SUWAIDI PEARLS and came away with a precious pearl from the aquarium and great insights into the industry of pearl cultivation
When you enter to this place, you enter to the house of treasures.
This heritage souvenirs store occupied 3 floors of the villa and has everything to impress you to the bottom of your heart.
Amazing Arabic dresses and shawls, colourful dishes, Persian carpets, golden embroidery and... whole pictures made of gold!
Meanwhile, all the prices are acceptable and ready to be discussed by the salesmen.
Highly recommended for visiting!
This heritage souvenirs store occupied 3 floors of the villa and has everything to impress you to the bottom of your heart.
Amazing Arabic dresses and shawls, colourful dishes, Persian carpets, golden embroidery and... whole pictures made of gold!
Meanwhile, all the prices are acceptable and ready to be discussed by the salesmen.
Highly recommended for visiting!
passeio agradavel e muito interessante!
I partecipanti vengono accompagnati in barca alla Casa delle Perle. Una palafitta sul mare vicino all'allevamento. Viene illustrata tutta la storia, mostrata l'imbarcazione che usavano, tutti gli attrezzi del mestiere, sembra di essere in un piccolo museo insomma. Per ultimo poi gli acquisti. Tutti molti gentili. Interessante e carino.
Amazing place
Small but fun, and free! Would be nice if they had a few more exhibits.
Old rak city , kuwait road , museum , police station and fish market also there
nice place to stop by after all the the walking in all souks. and very informative of dubai municipality.
Opened in 2006, this free of charge museum teaches you about the stages of development of Dubai’s Civic body since the UAE became an independent nation in 1957. You can also learn about the building which houses the museum—significant as this was the Municipality’s main office in the 1950’s. The balcony inside overlooks the Creek and is the perfect spot for an overhead shot of the area.
Land mark in rak
Packs a lot of punch for its size very interesting section on Bedouin lifestyles.
Major roundabout in rak
City centre of ras al khaimah city just roundabout
Main land Mark to connecting Dubai 🚗🚗 Ras al khaima