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The Must-Visit Museums In The UAE

Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization | © Erina Baftiroska

Established in 1971, the UAE is a relatively young country with a lot of history yet to be discovered and much more being made in our modern times. Throughout the country, the history, culture, traditions, and wildlife are preserved in some of the best and modern museums around. So brush up on your history and have a look around some of the oldest parts of Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi!

Dubai Museum

Al Fahidi Fort, today known as the Dubai Museum, is located in old town Bur Dubai amongst some of Dubai’s well-known heritage centers. The museum is home to Dubai’s history of its culture and traditions. The museum tells a story of the past and how today’s development and vision and leadership has derived from it.

Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House

Located in the old part of Dubai – the Al Shindaga area – the former residence, until 1958, of the Al Maktoum monarch family is now a must-visit heritage site with several museums. Its strategic location gave the ruling family the perfect viewpoint to overlook the Deira and Bur Dubai areas which were then the trading centers of the Emirate. Visitors have a chance to explore the premises, the traditional architecture, and the historical documents, along with collections of photographs, jewelry, coins, stamps, and family history.

Sharjah Natural History Museum

Sharjah is the UAE’s hub for art and culture, and a natural history museum has never been as fun as this one. Once inside, you go through interactive stages from space to land to sea. Children love the learning part of the museum and even more so when they reach the wildlife sanctuary. Located outside of Sharjah, the museum introduced an Arabian Wildlife Center where visitors can get a glimpse of wildlife in their natural habitat, a Petting Zoo, and Botanical Gardens.

Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization

Ancient Timepiece, Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization

Located in the heart of Sharjah, the Museum of Islamic Civilization is home to ancient artifacts, creations, and documents of the innovations throughout the years of the Islamic civilization. The modern mosque-like architecture holds the museum tall by Sharjah’s cornice. Visitors are greeted by a guide and are welcome to visit the library while getting the chance to stroll through the museum’s extensive art collection and gallery of science and technology.

Al Ain Palace Museum

Qasr al-Ain, better known as the Al Ain Palace, is an hour’s drive from the capital, but it is one of the biggest and most preserved cultural places in the Emirate. A former residence of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, prior to 1966, the palace is kept alive and furnished true to its original condition. It is a great place to see the true impression of the everyday life in the ruler’s fort.

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