If you’ve ever been to the United Arab Emirates, then you’d know that the country is filled with a rich culture that dates back to hundreds of years. Although the country is more westernized compared to other Middle Eastern countries like Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and many more; it still cherishes its culture and has provided ways to tightly hold on to those historic places and memories.
History and culture are the UAE’s pride, and even after great dominance by technology, the country has made sure the country’s history has not in any way been tampered with.
The country’s rich culture can only be preserved by creating as many museums as possible in historic places all across the seven Emirates. There are different historic museums in the country, most of them having great importance because they truly represent the country’s heritage that dates back to way back, and having taking a great look at each of them, we have picked the very best.
Here are the top 10 best museums in the entire UAE.
1. Louvre Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi
The brand “Louvre” is a Parisian brand and its UAE extension is the brand’s first outside Paris. It was opened in Abu Dhabi in 2017 and has been rated so highly, perhaps as the best museum in the entire UAE. The museum was designed by award-winning architect Jean Nouvel and it features over 600 artworks and artifacts that give you glimpse of how the world was at a time and how it transited into what it is today. The exhibitions in this museum are kept in a chronological order to promote diversity in spite of their different cultural and religious contexts.
2. Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, Sharjah
Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, or as it is fondly called locally, Souk Al Majarrah is a museum dedicated to the rich Islamic history of the country. Sharjah is known for being the cultural heartland of UAE and that’s exactly what the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization represents. The museum features a large dome that’s decorated by the Zodiac signs in the night sky coupled with the first floor of the Islamic Faith Gallery which has astronomical works that help locate the direction towards the Ka’ba.
3. Etihad Museum, Dubai
The Etihad Museum is one of the most beautiful and well-structured museum not just in Dubai, but the entire UAE and it houses many exhibitions that are experience-oriented while also hosting programs that are interactive. What’s most amazing about this museum is its entrance that’s shaped like a manuscript with seven columns. The museum has large halls, an education area, and recreational spaces all coupled with eight permanent galleries.
4. Al Ain Palace Museum, Abu Dhabi
This museum used to be home to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan back in 1910 before it was converted into a museum in 1966. The museum features lots of things about the ruling family, as well as tours to what used to be their private rooms and gardens. Entry into this iconic museum is free.
5. Dubai Museum, Dubai
Dubai Museum was opened in 1971 to celebrate the traditional Bedouin life in the United Arab Emirates and it features things from way back including the past Bedouins lives on the coast, in the mountains, and in the desert. There is also a video room that shows a captivating reel of Dubai’s development so one will be of the knowledge that before Dubai became what it is today; it went through some stages of transition.
6. Sharjah Science Museum, Sharjah
Sharjah Science Museum is one of the most popular museums in Sharjah and has helped Sharjah keep its reputation for having the most educational sites in the entire UAE. The museum opened its doors to the general public in 1997 and has since carved a name for being an interactive a fun museum. Parents do not always hesitate to take their children to this museum at every single chance they get, as do not schools when they’re organizing school tours and excursions.
7. Saeed Al Maktoum House, Dubai
One of the oldest buildings in the United Arab Emirates, the Saeed Al Maktoum House was the residence of the Al Maktoum ruling family till sometimes in 1958. The house is located on unarguably the oldest area in Dubai, Dubai Creek. What’s now considered a museum now serves as a tourism attraction and it witnesses numerous visits anytime of the year.
8. Camel Museum, Dubai
You can’t talk about the UAE’s history and culture without talking about deserts or camels. The museum that was once called Beit Al Rekad has firmly established the importance of camel in the country’s history. Camel Museum is located at the Al Shindagha Area of Dubai and it showcases exhibitions of different types of camels, anatomy, and how to take care of them. Entry into this museum is absolutely free.
9. Sharjah Archaeology Museum, Sharjah
If you want to learn more about the UAE’s well-cherished records of archaeology, there’s no better place to be than the Sharjah Archaeology Museum. The museum features iconic ceramic dome, camel statue, ivory comb, and golden bridle. Kids love to also visit this museum because a section filled with games has been purposely set aside for them while the adults get to concentrate more.
10. Sharjah Heritage Museum, Sharjah
The Sharjah Heritage Museum is the ideal place to be if you want to learn all about Sharjah’s rich history and culture. The museum was first opened in 2005 and after undergoing some specific renovations was reopened in 2012. The museum features Sharjah’s heritage with the display of some deep-rooted customs and traditions of the Emirati people.
