Al Fahidi Fort Dubai is one of the oldest and most famous museums in Dubai, as this 4,000 square meter museum sheds light on the history of the old city of Dubai in all its details. It was used as an impregnable fortress to protect the region and its ruling family.
A visit to the Dubai Museum Al Fahidi Fort gives you a unique opportunity to see the history of Dubai, which will make you realize that what Dubai has reached now in terms of development and modernity is nothing but an extension of an honorable march of civilization and authentic culture, and what helps you in that is the availability of a free tour guide to the museum.
When you visit this museum, you will be able to see the history of the Emirate of Dubai and its ancient lifestyle embodied in the designs of houses, markets, and mosques at that time.
The construction of the fort dates back to the year 1787, that is, more than 200 years ago, when it was at its inception the seat of the ruler of the emirate and his family, then it was used as a defensive center due to its distinctive location on the borders of the Dubai metropolitan area at the time.
Al Fahidi Fort became after that to be used as a warehouse for ammunition and weapons, and then as a prison for outlaws! The fort witnessed restoration operations during the reign of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, “may God rest his soul,” and then announced its opening in 1971 as an official museum to display the history and authentic heritage of Dubai, and in 1995 another new underground museum was established as an addition to the old fort.

Al Fahidi Fort Tour
Things To Do
You can see the entrance to the museum, which is located inside the ancient Dubai Citadel, which was restored in the 1970s to become an incubator for the museum and a visitor’s portal to the country’s history.
Inside the museum, you will see a journey through the times when Dubai was, including a port and a crossing for ships between continents, and the local economy of Dubai, which was based on fishing and pearling.
You can also see the special construction that relies on wind towers as a very unique method of cooling for residential buildings.
You can also see old maps and documents and many wax figures of humans and animals
Al Fahidi Fort Museum facilities
In the following, we will answer a question that has long been haunted by many history lovers, which is what is there in Al Fahidi Fort in Dubai?
Fort Al Fahidi Fort includes many facilities that include artifacts and original exhibits that have been present in the area for hundreds of years, including rare artifacts, original samples, paintings, and illustrations, not to mention sound and light materials, and the following are the most prominent facilities in the museum:
Archeology Pavilion

The Antiquities Wing includes ancient archaeological finds, pottery, weapons, cemeteries, and many other artifacts and models of old buildings and residential complexes.
Market Pavilion in the 1950s

The Market Pavilion displays a set of detailed samples of the market environment, vendors, shops, and merchandise traded in that era of the last century.
Sea wing

If you want to explore the marine professions that were the source of the livelihood of Dubai residents in the past, we recommend that you visit the Sea Pavilion, which will take you on an enjoyable tour to learn about shipbuilding and fishing tools, in addition to the profession of diving to search for pearls, marine life in the bottom of the Arabian Gulf and others.
The museum houses another set of facilities, including:
- Dubai Pavilion past and present
- Traditional house wing and mosque
- Oasis, desert, water, and desert story suites
- Wing of arms
- Folklore Pavilion
Tickets Price
– Adults: 3 AED
– Children under 6 years old: 1 AED
Timing
– Saturday – Thursday: 08:30 AM – 08:30 PM
– Friday: 02:30 pm – 08:30 pm
Location
The museum is located in the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood on the southern side of Dubai Creek, specifically in the Al-Souq Al-Kabeer area! The site can be reached via the nearby Al Ghubaiba and Al Fahidi bus stations, as well as the Al Ghubaiba and Al Fahidi metro stations.
Hotels Nearby
Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa

A 4-star rating with a very good rating among the best hotels in Dubai, as it is just a few steps away from the museum.
The hotel got very good reviews on the site, the staff, and some visitors complained about the hotel’s maintenance. Read more.
Melia Hotel

A 5-star hotel in Dubai with a very good rating among the best hotels in Dubai, as it is less than 10 minutes away from the museum by car.
Overall, the hotel gets good reviews. Read more.
Contact Details
Contact: 043531862 & 600560000
People Also Ask
How do I get to Al Fahidi Metro station?
The closest stations to Al Fahidi are:
– Al Fahidi Metro Station is 23 meters away, 1 min walk.
– Al Fahidie Metro Bus Stop B – 01 is 123 meters away, 2 min walk.
– Al Fahidie Metro Bus Stop A – 01 is 183 meters away, 3 min walk.
– Al Fahidie Metro Bus Stop A – 02 is 195 meters away, 3 min walk.
Who has used Al Fahidi fort?
It was built back in 1787, about 200 years ago, as the premises of the monarch and a fort of defense, since it sat on the border of the urban Dubai at the time. Later on, this fort turned into an arsenal for artillery and weapons. It was also used as a prison for the outlaws
Why is Al Fahidi Fort special?
Al Fahidi Fort was built in several phases. The oldest tower was built around 1787 and is believed to be the oldest building in Dubai that still exists today. The fort was used to guard the landward approaches to the town from the raids of neither ruler’s palace, a garrison, and a prison.
Why is Al Fahidi Fort famous?
Al Fahidi Fort – Dubai’s Oldest Building And Most Famous Museum. Al Fahidi Fort is not only Dubai’s oldest building, but it’s also home to the region’s most famous museum, attracting around 2,000 visitors per day.
What is there in Al Fahidi Fort in Dubai?
– Dubai Pavilion past and present
– Traditional house wing and mosque
– Oasis, desert, water, and desert story suites
– Wing of arms
– Folklore Pavilion
What Places to visit near Al Fahidi Fort
– Shiva Temple: Busy complex built-in 1958 with 2 temples devoted to the Hindu gods Shiva & Krishna.
– Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding: A non-profit organization promoting Emirati culture, customs, traditions & religious awareness.
What Restaurant to visit near Al Fahidi Fort
– Arabian Tea House Restaurant & Cafe – Al Fahidi: A gem of a restaurant with a lively atmosphere, attentive and friendly staff situated on the edge of Al Bastakiya. The menu is traditional Emirate food and worth experiencing for a flavor of the region.
– Madhura Restaurant: This is the best restaurant in terms of food quality and at the same time pricing. one can satisfy his meal, Best staff members. Always welcoming. Great service. Their chutneys and sambar are very tasty. Day to day special is awesome.