Bur Dubai - Dubai Museum

The Dubai Museum in Bur Dubai is housed in the Al-Fahidi Fort, built in 1787 to defend Dubai Creek. The walls of the fort are built from coral and shell taken from the sea, and held together with lime. The upper floor is supported by wooden poles called handels and the ceiling is made of palm fronds, mud and plaster.

The fort has served as the residence of the Ruler's family, the seat of government, garrison and prison.

The Al-Fahidi Fort was renovated in 1971 and then extensively in 1995.

The entrance to the Dubai Museum has a collection of old maps of the Gulf and the Emirates as well as aerial photographs showing Dubai's expansion between 1960 and 1980. A massive, iron studded door greets visitors.

The courtyard of the Dubai Museum has several boats and a palm-leaf house with a traditional wind-tower. The hall to the right of the courtyard features daggers and other traditional weapons, while the hall to the left has a video of traditional dance and a selection of musical instruments.

Many large display halls are located underneath the fort. The various displays include a spectacular exhibit portraying the underwater world of pearl diving as well as artifacts such as copper, alabaster and pottery found in 3000 - 4000 year old graves at Al Qusais.

Dioramas with life-size figures, sound and lighting effects depict everyday life in period before the discovery of oil. Commercial and domestic life as well as life in the desert and on the sea are highlighted in the various galleries.