My Travels,My Experiences: Dubai Museum In Al Fahidi Fort

As I hurt my leg at Hotel Atlantis, (there was pain and inflammation), we decided to stay in our hotel room and take rest. Every 2-3hrs, I used to put “Hot Wheels” medicine, which Jeet purchased at the pharmacy of Dubai Mall. In the evening as I felt better,we decided to visit Dubai Museum. At around 4pm, all 3of us walked to Dubai Museum, which is in Al Fahidi Fort on the Bur Dubai side of Dubai Creek. It is about half kilometer from our hotel. It’s the city’s oldest building and was the residence of Dubai’s rulers and the seat of government, until it was made a museum.

The entry is very cheap, 3AED/ person. It is definitely worth a visit, if you want to know the history of Dubai. Infact, a visit to the Dubai Museum should be a “must” on every DUBAI itinerary.

Located in the heart of the Dubai city, Al Fahidi Fort is one of the most important historical monuments in Dubai. Built in the year 1799, this magnificent Fort is believed to be the oldest architectural masterpiece in Dubai. Al Fahidi Fort was built with an aim to defend Dubai in case of attacks from the sea. Major expansion work was carried in 1830s – 1850s under the rule of Late Sheikh Maktoum Bin Buti. The Fort was converted into a renowned museum famously known as 'Dubai Museum' in the year 1971. The museum’s diverse collection of exhibits offers a fascinating insight into the rich history and cultural heritage of Dubai.

Several nautical items are displayed in the courtyard- various types of boats that were used in the earlier days, including a "shasha", a small fishing boat, which is still used; water tank, which is call Fintas; well and cannons of earlier times and a thatch house of ancient Arabs which had big wooden beds( which reminded me of my grand ma’s bed), tin trunks and there was no sofa’s, people used to sit on the ground. As you move inside the museum, you will find a collection of antique khanjars or daggers with curved sheaths; musical instruments, armour of soldiers, and in pictures the importance of henna in Arabic culture.

Artistically designed static displays, hands on exhibits, hologram like movies and information cases lead you gently through the lives and times of the city and its people, from the third millennium B.C to the present times. The domestic and commercial life of a bygone era is vividly presented in realistic life size manner in the museum. These provide re-creations of a labyrinthine souk and typical homes, as well as tableaux that bring to life the occupations, costumes and social customs of the day. Other exhibits focus on ancient artifacts, life in the desert and Dubai’s enduring relationship with the sea. A treasure house of artifacts which displays metallic items, stone items, pottery ware, stone inscriptions and skeletons discovered in the archaeological ruins of Dubai - mainly from Hatta, Al Soffoh, Al Qusais and Al Jumeriah. Interesting facts and information about general lifestyle of Dubai, trade and commerce and rich bridal ware and jewelery can be gained by visiting the Al Fahidi Fort. The archeology section of the museum has on its display antique alabaster and copper pots, weapons, coins and even skeletons, which have been unearthed in various expeditions. Some of these artifacts are from eras dating back to the third millennium BC.

Oasis and the desert life is very beautifully and vividly portrayed. Also animals found in the desert are also displayed. When you touch the screen to know about a particular animal, light falls on that animal and more information on that animal is available on the screen. The desert animals like Arabian wolf, ethiopion hedgehan, hare, eagle, houbara, gazelle, red fox, jirid( the desert rat) and beetle are displayed. The next room of the museum is about astronomy and natural phenomenon (information about universe, sun, moon, stars). The museum’s realistic life size static displays provide an insight into the traditional occupations of Dubai. Those have included dhow building, fishing, pearl diving and trade. Indeed, the export of fine pearls was a major factor in Dubai’s rise to prominence as a trading center. The Creek has always been the lifeline of Dubai, providing a safe harbor to mercantile and fishing vessels, as it does even today. Visitors to the museum can view a splendid diorama depicting the old charm and bustle of commercial life along the banks of this fabled waterway. Souks have been often referred to as the real heart of Arabia, and nowhere is this more true than in Dubai. The city’s famous souks have, since the late 19th century, attracted merchants and traders from far afield as India, Iran, and the eastern coast of Africa and beyond. At the museum you can experience all the atmosphere of the souk in the 1950’s , as you stroll through a labyrinth of spice stores, pottery and carpentry workshops and rows of shops, including tailors, grocers, textile merchants and date sellers.

Visitors to the museum can also get a glimpse of the social life, games and costumes of the people of Dubai. Dubai Museum features a section devoted to the Bedouin lifestyle. This offers an interesting insight into the habitat, life and customs of these desert people. Life in Dubai has been inextricably linked with the sea. The aridity of the desert compelled early settlers to seek alternative occupations and fishing rapidly developed as an important economic activity. The birth of a fishing industry, soon led to the development of boat building, net-making and pearl diving and Dubai’s enterprising traders sailed the oceans in search of markets for their products. Examples of early dhows and boats can be seen in the courtyard of Al Fahidi Fort, while inside the museum visitors will be enchanted by an impressive diorama of pearl divers at work, along with the tools of their trade.