Dubai National Museum was established and officially inaugurated on May 12th 1971. The Museum is located in Al Fahidi Fort which is one of the most ancient historical Buildings in Dubai.

It is thought to be Dubai's oldest building. It was built as a fort for sea defense, and the importance of the Fort increased with the expansions which were built during the era of the Late Sheikh Maktoum Bin Buti 1833-l852 which added most of the architectural features which are still existing upto now.

It was renovated in 1970 for use as a museum; further restoration and the addition of galleries was completed in 1995. Colorful and evocative dioramas, complete with life-size figures and sound and lighting effects, vividly depict everyday life in pre-oil days. Galleries rescenes from the Creek, traditional Arab houses, mosques, the souk, date gardens, desert and marine life. One of the most spectacular exhibits portrays the underwater world of pearl-diving, and is accompanied by sets of pearl merchants' weights, scales and sieves.

To protect this ancient monument, it was rehabilitated during the era of Shaikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president, prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The Museum contains a collection of artifacts which depict the different aspects of Social, economic and Professional life which prevailed during the past century and the start of the present century. It also contains many." archaeological objects such as pottery, stone and metallic items, stone engravings, and skeletons, which were discovered during the archaeological explorations executed in the different areas of the Emirate of Dubai (Hatta, Al Soffoh, Al Qusais, and Al Jumeira). They date back to the third, second, and first millennium BC as well as the Islamic era (Seventh - 13th Century). Displays include everyday artifacts and archaeological finds from the area, some dating back 4000 years. Pearl merchants, fishermen, housewives and wedding finery are all presented.

Colorful and evocative dioramas, complete with life-size figures and sound and lighting effects, vividly depict everyday life in pre-oil days at the museum. Galleries show scenes from the Creek, traditional Arab houses, mosques, the souk, date gardens, desert and marine life. One of the most interesting exhibits portrays the underwater world of pearl-diving, including sets of pearl merchants' weights, scales and sieves.

The main fort is a fascinating military museum. The museum also displays a fine collection from ancient history including copper, alabaster and pottery artefacts found in graves up to 4,000 years.

The museum is open from 8:30am to 7:30pm from Saturday to thursday and Fridays from 2pm to 7:30pm.