An Al Shindagha Museum Travel Guide
Dubai is known around the world for many things: skyscrapers, record-breakers and a lifestyle that other cities can only dream of. But behind the glory of a modern metropolis is a city that worked hard to maintain its heritage and traditions.
And if there’s one place in Dubai where you can learn about these, it has to be the Al Shindagha Museum.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about one of the city’s most important historical attractions.
What is the Al Shindagha Museum?
The Al Shindagha Museum is a historical museum dedicated to tell the story of the city’s past, its culture and its traditions.
Located by the historic Dubai Creek, this museum follows the beginnings and progress of Dubai throughout the years.
What used to be a 310,000 square meter traditional fortress was renovated into an outdoor museum that was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
This massive complex is divided into 22 pavilions and features 80 homes that showcase the growth of not only Dubai but also the UAE.
Here, you’ll also see the former residence of Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum and his family.
Best Time to Go
The Al Shindagha Museum is open daily all year round. But since this is an outdoor museum, it’s best to explore it during the winter when the weather is fair and warm.
The museum can also be packed during the weekends. So, if you want to avoid the crowd, it’s best to go during the weekdays and right when the museum opens.
This gives you plenty of time to explore the museum without many people.
Things to Know
To make planning your trip easier, here are a few things that you need to know about visiting the Al Shindagha Museum:
- Opening Hours
The Al Shindagha Museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. But you have to check these timings during holidays and during the Holy month of Ramadan.
- Ticket Rates
You can purchase tickets to the museum on site or through their website with these rates:
How to Get Around
Trains: Since the Al Shindagha Museum is located in Dubai Creek, you can take the Green Line in Bur Dubai and stop at the Al Ghubaiba Metro Station where the museum is just a 4-minute walk away.
Buses: The bus is the most accessible form of public transport to the Al Shindagha Museum since there are many bus lines that pass this route. You just need to choose the right line depending on where you’re from in the city.
Taxis: If you prefer to travel by taxi, you can easily hail one anywhere in the city or book a private taxi service through Uber or Careem.
Car service: You have the option to arrange for a private car service with your hotel or a car service company to take you to and from the museum.
Where to Stay Near the Al Shindagha Museum
Royal Ascot Hotel
Address: Khalid bin Waleed Road – Bur Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 355 8500
Pricing: $$$
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One of the most beautiful hotels in Bur Dubai, the Royal Ascot Hotel is the picture of classic grandeur in the middle of the city.
From its elegantly designed rooms to its stunning restaurant, you’ll feel like you’re in Europe at the Royal Ascot Hotel.
But the moment you step out of its doors, you’ll also be transported back into the grandeur of Old Dubai where gems like the Al Shindagha Museum awaits to be explored.
Arabian Courtyard Hotel and Spa
Address: Al Seef – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 351 9111
Pricing: $$$
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If you’re looking for a hotel that will fulfill your Arabian night dreams, the four-star Arabian Courtyard Hotel and Spa will surely fit the bill.
This beautiful hotel has all the elements of a stunning Arabian escape with its beautifully designed rooms and hallways.
It also boasts of an award-winning spa where you can indulge in different treatments to pamper yourself after a busy day of exploring the city.
The George Hotel by Saffron
Address: Baniyas Road – Deira – Al Ras – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 225 1122
Pricing: $$$
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Located by the historic Dubai Creek, The George Hotel by Saffron has rooms that offer stunning views of the water and the city skyline.
Combining modern interiors with state-of-the-art amenities, this hotel is the perfect place to be if you want comfort, convenience and accessibility to the city’s top tourist spots.
XVA Hotel Dubai
Address: Al Fahidi St. – Bur Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 353 5383
Pricing: $$$
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If you’re a fan of art, you need to book a room at the XVA Hotel Dubai, one of the city’s most artistic accommodations.
Lcoated in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, you’ll be treated to the hotel’s beautiful Persian-inspired architecture.
But what really makes the XVA Hotel Dubai special is that each of its suite is carefully curated by an art specialist to make you feel like a real VIP.
Where to Eat Near the Al Shindagha Museum
Barjeel Al Arab Restaurant
Address: Al Shindagha – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 354 4424
Pricing: $$
Website
If you’re craving for a traditional Middle Eastern meal before heading out to the Al Shindagha Museum, Barjeel Al Arab Restaurant is the best spot in this area for some authentic food.
Serving dishes that let you enjoy the flavors of Arabia, the restaurant overlooks the Dubai Creek, so you can enjoy a hearty lunch or dinner with relaxing views of the water.
Creek City Restaurant
Address: Grand Souq – Bur Dubai – Al Kabeer – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 50 360 2599
Pricing: $$
If you can’t decide what cuisine you should try, Creek City Restaurant has you covered with a variety of dishes from different parts of the world.
Located in Bur Dubai, this restaurant serves dishes from Italy, Thailand and the Middle East, so you can satisfy everyone’s cravings, especially if you’re eating with a group.
Star Grills Restaurant
Address: Al Rolla St. – Al Raffa – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 351 8855
Pricing: $$$
Do you want to indulge in authentic Indo-Chinese food after exploring the Al Shindagha Museum? Head to the Star Grills Restaurant in Al Raffa.
The restaurant is especially famous for its grilled offerings including its grilled chicken and kebabs.
What to Do in the Al Shindagha Museum
Experience “Dubai Creek” Birth of a City”
One of the highlights of the Al Shindagha Museum is the multimedia experience named “Dubai Creek: Birth of a City.”
Here, you’ll be guided through the story of how Dubai came to be, from 123 BCE with the Gulf’s first civilizations until the city developed to what it is now.
Explore the Royal Family’s House
The Al Shindagha Museum is also home to the former residence of Dubai’s Royal family.
The Al Maktoum residence holds some of the late H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s things including his photos, collections and passport.
Discover the Culture of the Sea House
Of course, you can’t visit the Al Shindagha Museum without learning about how Dubai flourished in the pearl trade in the Middle East before.
The Culture of the Sea House showcases the rich fishing village that Dubai used to be and how it became an important provider of pearls in the world during the 20th century.
You can also learn all about what the city’s land has to offer in the Life and Land exhibit as well as the different culinary methods and practices in Emirati cuisine.
Let the Kids Enjoy the Children’s House
If you’re travelling with your kids, make sure to let them stop by the beautiful Children’s Pavilion at the Al Shindagha Museum.
Here, the little ones can explore different exhibits and play traditional Emirati games that tell the story of Dubai as well as the different wonders of the land and sea.
This interactive pavilion also has different areas where children can improve their skills and enjoy good storytelling.
Where to Shop Near the Al Shindagha Museum
Perfume House
Address: Al Shindagha Museum – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 515 5336
Website
Emiratis are known for their love of good scents, so it’s no surprise that the Al Shindagha Museum has its own Perfume House.
Here, you’ll be treated to a wide variety of Emirati fragrances and oils while you learn about traditional Emirati techniques that have been practiced for centuries.
With scents being an integral part of Emirati culture, visiting the Perfume House will also give you a glimpse of life in the Emirati home.
Of course, you can’t leave without bringing home some scented oils and perfumes that will remind you of your trip to Dubai and the Al Shindagha Museum.
Dubai Spice Souk
Address: Al Ras – Deira – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 221 5555
Website
To wrap up your trip to the Al Shindagha Museum, make sure to stop by one of the best spice souks in the Middle East.
The Dubai Spice Souk is a treasure trove for anyone who loves spices since it’s where you’ll find authentic Middle Eastern spices, some of which you won’t find anywhere else.
Here, you can ask the local sellers to recommend spices that will fit your style of cooking or even have them concoct a special spice mix for you.
You can also buy products like dates and other dried fruits in the spice souk, so make sure to go around and check out what the local sellers have to offer.
What to Expect from Weather in the Al Shindagha Museum
Winter: Winter is the most ideal time to visit Dubai if you want to avoid the sweltering heat. From December to March, temperatures are at a cool 16 degrees Celsius at night and the breeze is also a lot cooler, so it’s easier to explore the city.
Summer: Summers in Dubai are known to be brutal because of the extreme heat. From June to September, tempratures can get as hot as 50 degrees Celsius and most people tend to stay indoors to escape the humidity.
Transition period: From April to May and October to November, the city undergoes a transition period between seasons where the weather and temperature can be more unpredictable. So, if you’re visiting during this time, it’s best to be prepared for the sudden heat or cold.
Apps to Download When Visiting the Al Shindagha Museum
RTA Dubai Drive: This is a useful tool to help you navigate your way around Dubai if you’re renting a self-drive car.
iOs | Android
S’hail: This tool is useful when commuting since it has all the information that you need about the public transport system of Dubai including the bus, tram, monorail, metro and water buses
iOs | Android
Uber: Booking a private car service to take you to and from the Al Shindagha Museum
iOs | Android
Careem: An alternative option for booking a private car service to take you around Dubai
iOs | Android