Exploring the cultural heritage of the country of the nouveau riche

As one of the wealthiest countries in the world, the UAE has many world-famous architectural landmarks and luxurious tourist destinations. But beyond the glittering modern landscapes, there are also hidden cultural treasures that hold precious and ancient heritage, harboring unknown historical legacies. Let's explore and discover the history and cultural background of these museums together~

Dubai Museum

Dubai Museum was built in 1787 and is located in the Al Fahidi Fort in the Al Bastakiya district of Dubai's old town. The museum was once a defensive fortress, protecting the town residents from invading enemies. Today, it has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dubai, showcasing the rich history of the city. The museum also features an inspiring art gallery that displays Dubai's art and culture. Dubai Museum is an authentic historical site that is sure to give you a deeper understanding of the city's past and present.

Emadiah School

The building can be traced back to the 1890s when it was the residence of a wealthy pearl merchant, with exquisite design. Over time, the house was donated and transformed into a school. In 1912, Al Ahmadiya School was established here, becoming Dubai's first formal school open to the public. Prior to this, locals commonly used home education to teach their children, and the cost of education was not affordable for the middle and lower classes. The founding of Al Ahmadiya School had a revolutionary significance, and had a profound impact on the history of Dubai and the entire United Arab Emirates.

Jemaa el-Fna Mosque

The Jumeirah Mosque is one of Dubai's largest and most famous mosques, located in the Jumeirah area. It was first built in 1976 and then expanded in 2014, now accommodating over 1200 worshipers. The mosque features traditional Middle Eastern architectural style, with elegant exterior and interior decoration including magnificent designs such as marble columns, decorative glass, and piano woodcutting. Visitors should pay attention to dress code and behavioral norms when visiting the mosque, with women required to wear long-sleeved clothing and headscarves. Tourists are not allowed inside the mosque during prayer times, but can visit during non-prayer hours.

Chief's former residence

The Sheikh's Residence is located northwest of the Dubai Museum, about a 20-minute walk away. This was once the office and resting place of the old sheikh during his reign and has now been converted into a small historical and cultural museum, showcasing Islamic architectural culture and Dubai's history to visitors. If you come here during the day, you may be exposed to the sun and it is recommended to visit at night. At night, you can taste many local snacks starting at prices of 5 dirhams, and there are a variety of options. After visiting the cultural museum, you can also walk to the seaside and enjoy the sea breeze and the charming night sea view.

Dubai Heritage Village Museum

Walking in the Dubai Folk Village is like traveling back in time to Dubai's early days. Pearl farming was prevalent in Dubai in the past, and the village is home to a large collection of valuable photos and videos that vividly document the daily lives of Dubai people, including their traditional clothing, way of life, rich customs, and delicious cuisine. Although the folk village is not very large, you can still find several old buildings and a row of stalls selling various souvenirs and handicrafts. The small handicrafts here are exquisitely beautiful, so if you are interested, you should take the time to appreciate them.