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9 Best Museums In Dubai

Looking for the best museums in Dubai? We have just the perfect Dubai Museum Guide for you.

I live in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and have explored the Middle East to bits. Not surprisingly, Dubai is a favorite weekend destination.

There’s lots to do in Dubai, including visiting museums for history buffs like me.

Did you know that Dubai has over 170 museums covering almost every topic? Every time I visit, I find something new to explore.

From the futuristic Museum of Future to the charming Coffee Museum and an innovative Perfume Museum, the list of Dubai’s best museums is endless. 

Here’s a list of my top 9 picks for the best museums in Dubai that you absolutely need to check out.


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Traveling to Dubai and looking for the best museums to visit in Dubai? Check out this epic list of the 9 best Dubai museums that you totally need to check out on your Dubai trip.

Best Museums in Dubai, UAE

Saeed Al Maktoum House

Representation of Old Dubai at Sheikh Al Maktoum House Museum in Dubai

Saeed Al Maktoum House, once the residence of the former ruler of Dubai from 1912 – 1958, is a historical treasure trove.

The museum provides a unique peek into the emirate’s past, showcasing Dubai’s evolution from a fishing village to the bustling metropolis it is today. 

Many interesting artifacts depict the life and times of the Al Maktoum family. 

The best about the museum is that it is housed in a traditional Arabic mansion with wide open courtyards and rooms cooled via wind towers or barjeels. The entire setting gives you rich insights into the ingenious architecture and rich culture of the region.

Al Shindagha Perfume Museum

Al Shindagha Perfume House in Dubai

Oud and perfume have had a long history in the Middle East. 

Apparently, the very first perfume was made in ancient Mesopotamia (modern Iraq). So, it is only natural that the Middle East has a museum of perfume—the first of its kind is in Dubai.

Located in a historic mansion in Dubai’s Al Shindagha district, the Perfume House is dedicated to the history and evolution of perfume-making in the Arabian Peninsula

The most exciting part about the Dubai Perfume Museum is that it allows you to smell each fragrant ingredient, such as oud, musk, agar, and rose, instead of just seeing and reading about them. You can also buy perfumed souvenirs at their store.

The museum has a high-tech nozzle system that you can turn on and off to get a whiff of the fragrance. Separate nozzles help you identify natural from artificial fragrances. Isn’t that cool?

Apart from smelling your way around, be sure to see the perfume collection of Late Sheikha bin Saeed Al Maktoum (the museum is located in her old house) and a large piece of oud she once owned

Dubai Coffee Museum

Traditional Arabic coffee equipment at Dubai Coffee Museum

Keen to learn about the history of coffee in the Middle East? 

Visit the Dubai Coffee Museum for a deep dive into the history of coffee in the region and its intricate relationship with the local culture. 

Nestled in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, this unique museum has a wide array of exhibits, showcasing everything from ancient coffee artifacts to modern brewing devices. 

There is much to learn about traditional coffee-making techniques from various cultures, including Arabic, Ethiopian, and Egyptian styles. 

Drink some al-Qahwa (Arabian-style coffee) and learn all about the drink’s cultural significance. Always served with a piece of date, al-Qahwa is an integral part of Emirati weddings and social events. 

Coin Museum

Dubai Coin Museum
Image courtesy: Rizwan Shaikh from Getty Images via Canva Pro

The Coin Museum in Dubai is a hidden gem for history buffs and numismatists. 

Located in the historic Al Fahidi district, it offers rich insights into the Middle East’s rich past through its extensive collection of coins. 

Here, you can marvel at over 450 pieces of rare and ancient currency that span several centuries. These coins not only represent the economic history of the UAE but also offer insights into the trade routes and societal structures of the times they were minted. 

Each coin tells a story, reflecting the artistry, craftsmanship, and geopolitical influences of its era.

The museum itself is housed in a traditional Arabic house made of plaster, corals, stones, and palm leaves.

Al Fahidi Open-Air Museum

Al Fahidi neighborhood rowing boat on display
A massive rowing boat is on display at the Al Fahidi Open-Air Museum in Dubai.

The Al Fahidi Open-Air Museum is the least talked about museum in Dubai. That’s because it is not really a formal museum, even though it does a great job of telling the history of Dubai.

The Al Fahidi Open Air Museum houses a nice collection of things the Emiratis used in the olden days. 

Here, you can see tents (temporary housing for bedouins), and the living area is decorated to welcome guests. Bedouins usually built their tents using goat hair, so there’s a House of Hair, too.

There are miniature houses (with decorated balconies) and mosques. You’ll also find a traditional rowing boat that won many rowing awards in its heyday.

The best part about the Al Fahidi Open Air Museum is that it is free to visit and can be easily covered on a walking tour.

Dubai Frame

Dubai Frame

While not a traditional museum, the Dubai Frame offers panoramic views of Dubai city and houses exhibitions that display the city’s past, present, and future.

It is interesting how the museums inside Dubai Frame are structured. 

First, the section on Old Dubai takes you through Dubai’s evolution from a fishing village to a metropolis. It also displays Emirati heritage and culture, including pottery, sewing, and fishing. 

The Sky Deck represents Dubai’s present. Stunning views in the north show Old Dubai, whereas the south shows New Dubai.

After that, you’ll pass through a sci-fi tunnel that gives you a vision of Dubai’s future.

Dubai Museum

Dubai Museum is housed in an old fort
Image courtesy: Gagliardi Photography via Canva Pro

Temporarily closed for renovation. 

Housed within the historic Al Fahidi Fort, which dates back to the 18th century, the iconic Dubai Museum provides insights into the traditional Emirati lifestyle and showcases local artifacts that trace the country’s evolution.

Be sure to check out the life-size dioramas depicting life in the UAE before the discovery of oil. This includes scenes of traditional Arab houses, mosques, local markets, and marine life. Authentic tools, weapons, and musical instruments are also on display.

Etihad Museum

Etihad Museum in Dubai
Image courtesy: Collab Media’s Images via Canva Pro

The Etihad Museum is located at the very site where the UAE’s constitution was signed in 1971. 

With its treasure trove of artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits, the Etihad Museum is the best place to learn about the founding of the UAE. 

You can see a wide range of displays that vividly chronicle the country’s political, social, and cultural history that resulted in the 7 Emirates coming together in 1971. 

Inspired by the shape of a manuscript, the museum’s architecture, with seven columns symbolizing the 7 pens used to sign the original declaration, makes it a must-visit for history buffs and architecture lovers.

Museum of the Future

Dubai Museum of the Future

If you have to visit just one futuristic museum in Dubai, let that be the Museum of the Future for its striking architectural design and innovative spirit that takes visitors on a journey to the year 2071.

Before you read any further, let me tell you that tickets for Dubai’s Museum of the Future get sold out months in advance! So, buy your tickets here as soon as you start planning your Dubai trip.

The first thing you notice about Dubai’s Museum of the Future is its unique torus-shaped structure adorned with Arabic calligraphy. It is an architectural wonder.

As you enter the museum, you get a glimpse into the world of tomorrow, showcasing cutting-edge technologies that are expected to shape our future.

There are 5 floors showcasing the future of space travel, a digitally natural wonderland, a children’s play space, and a wellness center. 

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Traveling to Dubai and looking for the best museums to visit in Dubai? Check out this epic list of the 9 best Dubai museums that you totally need to check out on your Dubai trip.

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