These Historical Sites in Dubai Gave Us a Glimpse of the Past
We can’t lie, we love Dubai as it is – modern, glamorous and futuristic. But we also can’t deny the fact this city’s history is just as alluring as its present.
Good thing, there are historical sites in Dubai that allow us to get a glimpse of the past, so we can appreciate how far this city has come since it was first a humble fishing village.
So, if you’re a history buff like me, this is a good excuse to feed your curiosity with these beautiful sites in and around Dubai.
Dubai Museum
Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/dubai-museum
Address: Al Fahidi Fort – Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 800 332 22
Operating hours:
- 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM from Saturday to Thursday
- 2:30 PM to 8:30 PM every Friday
Price:
- AED 3 for adults
- AED 1 for children under 6 years old
When we talk about history, of course, a museum is the first thing that comes to mind. And if you ask me, the Dubai Museum is the best among the historical sites in Dubai for that.
In fact, it’s one of the city’s best museums that’s located in the oldest existing building in Dubai, the Al Fahidi Fort that was built in 1787.
The Ruler of Dubai opened the museum in 1971 to give people a glimpse of how Emiratis lived in the past, showcasing their daily routine, livelihood and culture through dioramas and exhibits.
The Dubai Museum is also interesting since it’s in one of the most important historical structures in the country, the Al Fahidi Fort that once served as one of the city’s fortresses.
Today, the building is home to different galleries celebrating Emirati history and culture. Here, you can find exhibits talking about life in Dubai as a pearl diving village before the discovery of oil.
Pro tip:
The Dubai Museum is currently going through a major renovation since 2021 and its reopening date is still yet to be announced by the government.
While you’re in the area, explore the nearby Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood and enjoy an authentic Emirati meal at the famous Arabian Tea House.
Dubai Old Town
Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/articles/discover-dubais-old-town
Address: Al Hamriya – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Operating hours:
Price:
- Free
Dubai Old Town isn’t your typical historical site in Dubai, but it’s one of the best places to visit if you want to see and experience traditional Emirati life.
Since the city grew from the banks of the Dubai Creek, Dubai Old Town shows you what was once the busiest part of town where merchants sell pearls and traders showcase their products.
What used to be fishermen’s boats are now used to transport people to and from Old Dubai, and riding in one is definitely a must-do when you’re visiting the city.
Once you’re on land, you have to visit Al Bastakiya for its local art, the Spice Souk for the spices and dates, and of course, the Gold Souk for some gold jewelry.
Pro tip:
Your historical journey in Dubai’s Old Town wouldn’t be complete without some local food and there are two places that we recommend for that: the Arabian Tea House and Al Bait Al Qadeem Restaurant.
Dubai Old Souk
Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/articles/ultimate-guide-to-dubai-souks
Address: Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Operating hours:
- 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM from Saturday to Thuresday
- 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM every Friday
Price:
- Free
You can’t talk about historical sites in Dubai without including the souks, and the Old Souk has to be the best one there is.
Stepping inside the souk instantly transports you back in time to old Dubai where you’ll find local products being sold by merchants from all around the country.
Today, the Old Souk is still a treasure trove of authentic Arabian products made by local artisans that make for the perfect souvenirs and gifts or just something to commemorate your trip to the city.
The Old Souk is especially famous for its textile section where you can find every type of textile, lace, buttons and accessories that you can think of.
And the best part is, you can take all these products to a tailor who will create a special piece of clothing for you.
Of course, the Old Souk is also home to merchants selling different types of perfumes, dried fruits, spices, shoes and souvenirs, so feel free to roam around.
Pro tip:
There are different ways to reach the Old Souk. For one, you can ride an abra for just AED 1, so you can experience this traditional boat.
You can also take the metro and stop at the Al Fahidi Metro Station or Al Ghubaiba Metro Station. From here, you can walk to the souk.
Jumeirah Mosque
Website: https://www.jumeirahmosque.ae/
Address: Jumeirah Beach Road – Jumeirah 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 353 6666
Operating hours:
- 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily
Price:
- No entry fee
- AED 25 per personf or guided tour
The Jumeirah Mosque is one of the top historical sites in Dubai and one of the best mosques to visit while you’re in the city.
This stunning structure is, in fact, one of the grandest mosques that you can find in the country, designed following the fatimid and mamluk traditional Islamic architectural styles.
The Jumeirah Mosque was commissioned in 1975 by the then Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum as a gift to his son Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The mosque’s facade has a distinct yellow and pink hue because of the type of sandstone it was made from. You’ll also see a dome and two minarets, which is a signature of Egyptian mamluk architecture.
Once you step inside the mosque, you’ll be mesmerized by the beautiful central dome that’s surrounded by columns in a hypostyle design, still following the mamluk style.
The Jumeirah Mosque can accommodate up to 1,200 worshippers and is one of the only few mosques that allows access to non-Muslim visitors through a tour.
The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) organizes these tours where you don’t only get a glimpse of the mosque but also learn about Islam.
Pro tip:
Since the Jumeirah Mosque is a place of worship, you must dress modestly when visiting.
Both men and women are asked to wear clothes that cover the knees and shoulders and men should wear headscarves while inside the mosque.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood
Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/al-fahidi-historical-neighbourhood
Address: Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 800 33222
Operating hours:
- 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily
Price:
- Free
If you were to visit only one historical site in Dubai, make it the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood where you get to experience the city’s culture and heritage – and good food – all in one place.
The moment we entered this historical district in Bur Dubai, we immediately felt like we were in the old days – beautiful houses with traditional wind towers, small alleyways and winding streets.
Al Fahidi is truly a gem being one of the oldest heritage sites in Dubai where it used to be a flourishing village and former trading hub for merchants passing by the city.
Here, you’ll find over 50 perfectly preserved houses made from sandstone, palm wood and teak, which gives them that unique charm.
Today, Al Fahidi is a top tourist attraction where you can find the Dubai Museum, Coins Museum and Coffee Museum.
This is also the headquarters of the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding and the home of the famous Textile Souk.
You can also learn Arabic calligraphy at the Calligraphy House or enjoy some demonstrations by local artisans at the Symposium House and Events House.
Pro tip:
Al Fahidi hosts different events throughout the year including the famous Sikka Art Fair and Heritage Week. So, always check the Dubai Calendar to not miss out on any of these events.
To reach Al Fahidi, you can take the metro and stop at the Sharaf DG Metro Station to walk to the neighborhood. You can also ride the bus and stop at the Bastakia, Heritage Village or Fahidi stations.
Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House
Website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saeed_Al_Maktoum_House
Address: Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 800 33222
Operating hours:
- 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily
Price:
- AED 50 for adults
- AED 20 for children
One of the most significant historical sites in Dubai has to be the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House where the ruler of Dubai and the royal family once resided.
It’s also one of Dubai’s oldest buildings dating back to 1896 when the structure was built to be the official residence of the ruler of the city.
Since then, the house has undergone several renovations and has now been converted into the Shindagha Museum where it houses exhibits telling the story of the Maktoum family over the years.
The Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum house is home to different photographs, paintings, stamps, houseware and personal items owned by the royal family.
These exhibits will give you a glimpse of how the ruling family lived, who they met throughout their reign and how they enjoyed their personal time.
Pro tip:
To reach the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum house, you can ride bus routes X13, C9, 93 or E100 and stop at the nearest bus station.
But if you choose to take the train, you can stop at the Al Ghubaiba Metro Station and walk to the museum or ride a taxi if the weather is too hot.
Hatta Heritage Village
Website: https://hattaheritagevillage.com/
Address: Hatta – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 800 33222
Operating hours:
- 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily
Price:
- Free
An hour drive away from the city center will take you to Hatta Heritage Village, one of the most important historical sites in Dubai known for its traditional houses, mosques and forts believed to be 3,000 years old.
This stunning village nestled on the Hajar Mountains has been preserved and restored to give people a glimpse of traditional life in Dubai, especially those who live in this part of the emirate.
Since 2001, Hatta Heritage Village has helped tourists learn about village life and what people used in the early days.
Here, you can learn about how locals made jewelry, pottery, utensils and weapons as well as different customs such as Emirati folklore, wedding rituals and traditional songs.
For sure, you’ll have a great time exploring more than 30 structures inside the village including the famous Bait Al Wali, one of its largest houses and the residence of Hatta’s rulers in the past.
Here, you’ll see a massive courtyard outside and the house has several rooms and communal spaces that you can explore.
Hatta Heritage Village also has two watchtowers and a mosque. If you’re up for the challenge, you can climb these towers using a rope.
But once you reach the top, you get to enjoy panoramic views of the entire village, which will surely make the climb worthwhile.
Pro tip:
After exploring Hatta Heritage Village, you can stop by at the Al Sharia Site, a palm tree farm where you can see the traditional falaj irrigation system that provides water supply to these farms.
Make sure to bring your passport and ID in case authorities need to check them during your trip.
It’s best to visit Hatta Heritage during winter time, so you won’t have any problems staying outdoors for a long time since the weather is warm.
Al Ahmadiya School
Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/al-ahmadiya-school-and-heritage-house
Address: Deira – Al Ras – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 800 33222
Operating hours:
- 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM from Monday to Thursday
- 7:30 AM to 11:30 PM every Friday
Price:
- Free
The Al Ahmadiya School is one of the most significant historical sites in Dubai because it was the city’s first semi-structured school symbolizing its progress in education.
The school was commissioned by the late Sheikh Ahmed bin Dalmouk in 1912. He was one of the top pearl merchants in the Arabian Gulf at the time.
Since it was the first educational institution in the city, Al Ahmadiya attracted some of Dubai’s best scholars and jurists, creating an impressive faculty that produced some of the city’s most brilliant students.
Some of Al Ahmadiya’s most notable alumni include Majid AlFuttaim, an Emirati billionaire, Qasim Sultan al Banna, a famous Emirati politician and Mohammed Al Gaz, a prominent financier and banker.
After the founder’s death, his son Sheikh Mohammed bin Ahmed bin Dalmouk completed the school and named it after his father.
In 1994, the Dubai government started the restoration of the original Al Ahmadiya School building and it was convered into a museum that opened in 2000.
Today, Al Ahmadiya will take you through the history of education in Dubai with different exhibits showcasing the subjects taught at the time, the writing materials and learning tools used, and how classrooms looked like.
Pro tip:
While you’re in the area, make sure to stop by the Heritage House built by Matar Saeed bin Mazina just located next door.
This tourist attraction gives you a glimpse of what a house looked like before the seven emirates and includes exhibits like toys, household items and furniture.
Jumeirah Archaeological Site
Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/jumeirah-archaeological-site
Address: Al Wasl Street – Jumeirah 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 349 6874
Operating hours:
- 24 hours daily
Price:
- Free
The Jumeirah Archaeological Site is one of the top historical sites in Dubai that was first excavated in 1969.
Here, you can find the remains of what was once a vast residential area, a mosque and a caravenserai or roadside in where merchants and travellers came to rest for the night before continuing on their journey.
Archaeologists have unearthed artefacts dating to the Abbasid area including pottery, utensils, plates, decorative items and coins that have been used by Emiratis in the early days.
Because of this discovery, the Jumeirah Archaeological Site attracted attention from international researchers and historians who excavated and studied the site over the years.
All the artefacts found at the Jumeirah Archaeological Site are displayed at the Dubai Museum.
Pro tip:
While entry to the Jumeirah Archaeological Site is free, you need special permission to gain entry to the site, which is managed by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.
Saruq Al Hadid Archaeology Museum
Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/saruq-al-hadid-museum
Address: Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 359 5612
Operating hours:
- 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM from Monday to Thursday
- 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every Friday and Sunday
Price:
- AED 20 for adults
- AED 10 for children aged 7 to 12
- Free for senior citizens over 60 and children under 6 years old
The Saruq Al Hadid Archaeology Museum is undoubtedly one of the most interesting historical sites in Dubai not only because of its exhibits but also about how they were discovered.
On a typical helicopter ride over the Rub Al-Khali desert, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum saw something interesting from up top.
He noticed that a significant part of the desert had a different color, which prompted him to send a team to find out what it was. It turned out that the discoloration was a byproduct of smelting iron.
This led to the discovery of one of Dubai’s most significant archeological sites where historians and archeologists have unearthed a treasure trove of fossils, iron tools, bronze pots and other artefacts.
For many years, an archeological team led by the department of antiquites in Jordan discovered a vast collection of artefacts from the Iron Age.
This attracted an international team of archaeologists from Australia, the United States and Europe who unearthed more artefacts within and around the site in the middle of the desert.
What baffled experts on the location of the site is that it didn’t have any of the elements needed to smelt metal – ore, fuel and water – so they believed that this site was chosen due to religious beliefs.
To house all of these finds, the Saruq Al Hadid Archaeology Museum was created in the house that was once the residence of Sheikh Juma bin Maktoum Al Maktoum.
Although additions and improvements were made to the building, the team was careful to preserve the original integrity of the house as it holds significance in Dubai’s history.
Today, the museum holds hundreds of artefacts including metal works, weapons, tools, precious stones and jewelry pieces.
Pro tip:
To reach the museum, you can take the Dubai Metro and stop at the Al Ghubaiba Metro station.
You can also take the bus and stop at the Al Ghubaiba Bus Station or ride the abra if you want a more traditional experience.