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The UAE has a prolific past. The Gulf state’s transformation into a major trading hub and later a global economic champion, fuelled by pearl, trade and oil, has been meticulously documented in museums located across the UAE.
Museums in the UAE address important topics from history and culture – just like in all other countries globally. But there are some museums that do not represent the past but instead offer a generous glimpse into the future.
15 best museums in UAE
1. Etihad Museum
Etihad Museum is a dynamic 21st century museum focused on inspiring its visitors using the story of the foundation of the UAE. Interestingly, this landmark is located at the same location that noted the founding of the UAE back in 1971.
Through a unique visitor experience, Etihad Museum educates people about the UAE’s constitution – in particular, the rights and responsibilities of the residents. The museum has a notable emphasis on the period from 1968 to 1974.
Opening hours: 10 am to 8 pm – Last entry at 7 pm
Daily guided tours: 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm and 5 pm
Ticket pricing:
Ticket for adults starts from Dh25
Student ticket (5 to 24 years) stars from Dh10
Group ticket (5 people and more) starts from Dh20
Contact number: 80033222
Note: Both internal and external parking are accessible.
Official link: Here
2. Dubai Coffee Museum
This Coffee Museum has been set up in one of Dubai’s heritage hubs. Explore the origin of coffee, dating back to the legend of Kaldi, a goat herder believed to have found the humble coffee bean. There is more, certainly.
The Dubai Coffee Museum highlights the celebration of coffee culture across the globe. Coffee grinders used in the past century, historical data dedicated to coffee and old pots are just a handful of the numerous artefacts on display.
Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm – closed on Fridays
Ticket pricing: Free
Contact number: +9714 – 3538777
Note: The museum shop is on the ground floor
Official link: Here
3. Pearl Museum
Before the glorious period ushered in by oil, pearls used to be the biggest cash crop in the Gulf. The region is famous for producing some of the finest pearls. Thanks to the foresight and generosity of a pearl trader, you can see many of these gems on display today.
The Emirates NBD Pearl Museum in Dubai not only celebrates pearls but also the lives of divers and sailors by displaying the instruments and tools they used to harvest and ship the precious cargo. There is an upper limit of about 20 people in a larger group.
Contact number: +971 42012713
Note: Emirates NBD Pearl Museum is temporarily closed to the public
Official link: Here
4. Emirates National Auto Museum
You cannot miss this place. The Emirates National Auto Museum in the UAE capital is easily a paradise for car enthusiasts. This pyramid-shaped museum is home to more than 200 cars. There are plenty of photo opportunities, too.
Before stepping into the museum, don’t forget to explore the retired passenger jet and the largest model jeep parked outside. Fans of the BBC programme Top Gear might notice some familiar cars, too. Children under 10 can explore the place for free.
Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm
Ticket pricing: Dh50 – children under 10 can enter for free
Contact number: +971 502792620
Official link: Here
5. Museum of the Future
It’s not the past, it’s the future being explored here. The Museum of the Future in Dubai lures thousands of people of all ages to see, touch and shape our shared future. You can go on a journey through possible futures and bring hope and insights back to the present.
There is a lot to see and do at the Museum of the Future. You can explore near-future technologies from some of the leading innovators. There are specially curated programme to keep visitors intrigued. The children’s arena is focused on future skills.
Opening hours: 9:30 am to 7 pm
Ticket pricing:
Each visitor, including the one eligible for free admission, is required to hold a ticket to enter the Museum of the Future.
Tickets offer complete access to the museum experience and amenities
Entry tickets are free of charge for children under the age of 4, people of determination and 1 caregiver.
Entry ticket (4 years old and more): From Dh159
Contact number: +971 8002071
Official link: Here
6. Museum of Illusions
Step into Museum of Illusions Dubai for a unique and exciting experience. You can find fun, interactive and educational experience that challenges perception and inspires creativity among visitors. This playful environment is for people of all ages.
Museum of Illusions in Dubai is committed to offering a safe and enjoyable experience for all. The place features a broad selection of exhibits that use optical illusions, visual tricks and hands-on interactive displays.
Opening hours:
Monday to Thursday: 10 am to 10 pm
Friday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 10 am to 11 pm
Ticket pricing:
Children aged 2 and under do not need an entry ticket
Children (3-15 years): Dh65
Adults: Dh90
Family (2 adults + 2 children): Dh250
Family and friends (5 tickets – adults or kids): Dh370
Senior (60+): Dh75
People of determination: Dh40
Birthday kid + 2 parents: Dh60, additional parents Dh75
School group: Dh60 (teachers free)
Contact number: +971 43573999
Official link: Here
7. Zayed Heritage Centre
For a fascinating look into the life of late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan, the founder of the UAE, explore the beautiful Zayed Heritage Centre in the capital Emirate. This museum is an incredible homage to the man responsible for shaping the nation.
Sheikh Zayed is also affectionately called the Father of the Nation. This museum features of photo gallery of His Highness and many regional and international royalty and dignitaries. There is also a great collection of personal memorabilia, including his hunting rifles.
Contact number: +971 26659555
Note: Zayed Heritage Centre is closed to the public at the moment.
Official link: Here
8. Zayed National Museum
Opening soon, Zayed National Museum celebrates the rich history, culture and stories of the UAE and the timeless values of the Founding Father Shiekh Zayed bin Sultan. The museum is preparing to open its doors at the heart of Saadiyat Cultural District.
Zayed National Museum can take you through the history of the UAE, back to the 300,000-year-old stone tool discovered at Jebel Hafit. The objects in galleries at the museum are meant to connect the ancient past to people’s living traditions.
Contact number: +971 24440444
Note: Zayed National Museum is a planned museum. You can find more details on the entity after its opening in the near future.
Official link: Here
9. Etihad Modern Art Gallery
Etihad Modern Art Gallery in the UAE capital is a vibrant oasis of contemporary art. Its gallery represents the rich tapestry of artistic expression, bringing together local and international talent to meticulously demonstrate the strength of visual storytelling.
Being one of the first private art galleries in the UAE, Etihad Modern Art Gallery seeks to optimally connect creative expression and gallery visitors. It has been offering a space for art enthusiasts and collectors to connect.
Opening hours: Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday – 11 am to 6 pm
Ticket pricing: Free
Contact number: +971 26210145
Note: The gallery is located in a villa, ensuring a cosy space for all.
Official link: Here
10. Sharjah Science Museum
Sharjah Science Museum first opened its doors in 1996. This place ensures a safe and educational atmosphere, turning the art of exploring science into a fun experience. You can engage in exciting scientific experiments, too.
The engaging atmosphere at Sharjah Science Museum keeps visitors of all ages amused throughout their visit. There are more than 50 interactive exhibits, attractive programmes and interesting events for all.
Opening hours:
Saturday to Thursday: 8 am to 8 pm
Friday: 4 pm to 8 pm
Ticket pricing:
Children under 2 years: Free
Children (2-12 years): Dh5
For adults (13+): Dh10
School trips: Dh5
Uni trips: Dh5
Senior (60+) + one companion: Free
Contact number: +971 65668777
Note: The museum entry is also free during International Museum Day on May 18, Martyr’s Day on December 1 and UAE National Day on December 2.
Official link: Here
11. Louvre Abu Dhabi
Louvre Abu Dhabi focuses on cross-cultural interactions. The museum’s collection of treasures includes important artefacts spanning the entirety of human history across the globe. It is the best place to explore the stories of human creativity.
Collections at Louvre Abu Dhabi encompass all categories of art, bringing together different types of material artistic expression from the past to the present, featuring ancient archaeological gems from all around the globe.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am to 6:30 pm
Open on all days in December
Ticket pricing:
For adults: Dh65
For children under 18: Free
Free for journalist, people of determination and one companion, resident senior citizen (60+) and ICOM/ICOMOS Member.
For UAE military, teachers: Dh35
Note: Children under 13 are required to be accompanied by an adult at all times. Ticket once purchased cannot be refunded or amended.
Official link: Here
12. Sharjah Natural History and Botanical Museum
The Sharjah Natural History and Botanical Museum offers a really comprehensive information on species and ecosystems in the Arabian Peninsula. You can find displays of fossils, meteorites, taxidermic displays of rare animals and desert ecosystems.
The museum and adjoining garden are part of the Sharjah Desert Park, located 30 km east of the city. The botanical garden also has dozens of different species of native plants, making it one of the most florally diverse parks in the entirety of Sharjah.
Opening hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 9 am to 5:30 pm
Friday: 2 pm to 5:30 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 11 am to 5:30 pm
Closed on Tuesdays
Contact number: +971 65311501
Official link: Here
13. Dubai Police Museum
Opened in 1987, Dubai Police Museum is the perfect place for those interested in the city’s police force. The museum aims to improve the relationship the police and the public share. There are three halls, featuring old photographs, exhibits and equipment.
Some of the arms and ammunition at the museum date back to 1956, the original year of the formation of Dubai’s police force. You can find handmade items by prisoners on display. There are also some large computers earlier imported into Dubai for use by the police.
Opening hours: 8 am to 2 pm
Ticket pricing: Free
Official link: Here
14. Sharjah Maritime Museum
The Sharjah Maritime Museum opened for the first time in 2003. You can explore some of the Emirate’s interesting maritime history and heritage here. Learn about the customs of Sharjah’s residents as their lives used to be strongly influenced by the sea.
Sharjah Maritime Museum is the perfect place to explore the history of traditional fishing methods, sea songs, pearl diving and trade trips in the UAE. The museum also offers adequate indoor and outdoor spaces, perfect for hosting private events.
Opening hours:
Saturday to Thursday: 8 am to 8 pm
Friday: 4 pm to 8 pm
Ticket pricing:
Children under 2 years: Free
Children (2-12 years): Dh5
For adults (13+): Dh10
Uni trips: Free
Senior (60+) and one companion: Free
People ith disabilities: Free
Contact number: +971 65222002
Note: You can also find joint entry tickets for Sharjah Aquarium and Sharjah Maritime Museum.
Official link: Here
15. National Museum of Ras al Khaimah
Ras al Khaimah is one of only a handful of places globally that have continuously been inhabited throughout its history, making it one of the longest-settled places on the planet. The National Museum of Ras al Khaimah optimally demonstrates this fact.
It is documented that an early fort in the heart of Ras al Khaimah formed the principal residence of the ruling family. The fort later became the Emirates police headquarters and prison. It finally turned into a museum in 1987.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday to Sunday: 8 am to 6 pm
Friday: 2 pm to 8 pm
Closed on Mondays
Official link: Here
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