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 (built: 1787). 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.

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.

In the past the fort was used to defend the town from warlike neighbouring tribes. It has also served, at various times throughout history as the seat of government, the ruler's residence, a store for ammunition, and a jail.

The walls of the fort are built from coral and shell rubble from the sea, and are cemented together with lime. Wooden poles called handel support the upper floor, and the ceiling is made of palm fronds, mud and plaster. A massive, iron-studded door stands at the entrance, and its battle-scarred walls and towers bear witness to the conflicts of the past.

When the Museum was opened by the ruler of Dubai in 1971, its main aim was to furnish a record of the Emirate's traditional life, much of which is fast disappearing. Local antiquities have been collected and stored, along with artefacts from many African and Asian countries, trading partners with the Emirate, throughout its long commercial history.

 At the Museum's entrance, the visitor can browse through a collection of old maps of the Gulf and the Emirates, together with aerial photographs showing Dubai's considerable urban expansion between 1960 and 1980.

Inside, a treasure trove awaits. A large section is devoted to musical instruments, with displays of drums, flutes, lyres, bagpipes made of goatskin and other locally-made instruments used in performances on festive occasions.

On a less peaceful note, displays of deadly weaponry are enough to curdle the blood. The curved daggers known as hanjars are much in evidence, and the display also includes swords, spears, bows and arrows, shields made of sharkskin, pistols and axes

 

 A model of a wind-tower room is an interesting feature of the architecture section, with diagrams and photographs showing different types of wind-towers from the older areas of Dubai city.

The wind-towers are essential features of Gulf architecture which ameliorate the discomforts of the hot summer months. These square masonry towers, or 'barjeels' are open on all sides and rise above the roof tops. They catch the breeze and funnel it into a room below where the increased air movement provides comfort to the occupants. The air vents of the wind-tower are open in summer and closed during the winter season. The builders of days gone by have shown ingenuity in the various designs of the wind-towers and their decoration.

This museum is well worth a visit.

Narish Khyma, situated close to the Museum, is a typical Arab summer-house, with an interesting collection of local boats. These include a replica of the famous abra -- the ferry boats used for transporting passengers across Dubai's river creek.