The United Arab Emirates is a fascinating cultural hub. Fittingly, there are dozens of amazing UAE museums, attractions and exhibitions to be explored. From art to heritage, archaeology, classic cars, coffee and more, here are nine of most interesting UAE museums to check out.
Al Ain Palace Museum
This historical venue was the royal residence of UAE founding father Sheikh Zayed until 1966. The building, constructed in 1937, has loads of fascinating things to see and offers an unrivalled insight into the childhood of the late Sheikh Zayed. The sprawling lands themselves are impressive and there are plenty of great photo opportunities, too.
Free entry. Hessa Bint Mohammed Street, Al Ain (03 711 8388).
Dubai Coffee Museum
Coffee has been a part of Middle Eastern heritage for nearly as long as it has been a drink. Located in Dubai’s Al Fahidi Historical District, this tribute to caffeine consumption is dotted with intriguing artefacts and showcases a wide selection of antique items, illustrating regional and international coffee history and culture. The UAE museum’s ground floor is divided into zones reflecting the traditions of different coffee drinking cultures, and upstairs you’ll find the literature room, which displays texts related to coffee. End your caffeine-fuelled tour with a cup of Joe at the custom-built brew bar.
Free entry. Al Fahidi Historical District, Bur Dubai, coffeemuseum.ae (04 353 8777).
Louvre Abu Dhabi
A global headline-grabber and a gallery of international importance, this outpost of the famed French cultural hub is the highlight of Abu Dhabi’s art and culture scene. As well as being able to see works from artists such as Warhol, Pollock, Matisse, Manet and Mondrian, the UAE museum has an enormous collection of historical artefacts – from an ancient Egyptian sarcophagus to the history of luxury items and fashion through the ages. There is more to see than you can savour on one visit so expect repeat visits.
Dhs60 (adults), free (18 and younger). Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, louvreabudhabi.ae (600 565 566).
Museum of Illusions
Boggle your mind with perception-distorting puzzles, optical trickery and bizarre sensory experiences at this museum in Dubai’s Al Seef. From anti-gravity rooms to an infinity tunnel and clone table, Museum of Illusions is best enjoyed with a group of mates. This is one of the UAE museums that offers guests hours worth of fun and photos (and being fooled).
Dhs65 (16 years old and above), Dhs50 (five-15 years old). Open daily 10am-10pm. Al Seef, Bur Dubai, museumofillusions.ae (04 357 3999).
Sharjah Classic Car Museum
Audacious automobiles are a hallmark of the UAE. It doesn’t matter which of the emirates you’re driving in, you’re likely to see a marvellous motor on the road beside you. If vintage vehicles are your thing, you won’t find a better collection than the one on display here, comprising more than 100 classic cars and motorcycles manufactured in the early 20th century, with the oldest dating back to 1915. The must-see attraction is a 1969 Mercedes Pullman Limousine, which was custom-made for Sharjah’s ruler and is one of just 2,000 in the world.
Dhs10 (13 years old and above), Dhs5 (two-12 years old), free (two and under). Airport Road, Sharjah, sharjahmuseums.ae (06 558 0222).
Museum of the Future
This is one of the newest UAE museums, but it has already caused quite as splash. Dubai’s Museum of the Future was already proclaimed “the most beautiful building in the world” before it opened on February 22, 2022. This isn’t the average museum. The equally striking indoor space features three floors of immersive exhibitions, which are focused on the potential futures of various things from outer space, to health and wellbeing to bioengineering. Pay a visit to get a glimpse of all of the exciting things that could soon be possible in the near future.
Dhs145. Open daily 10am-6pm. motf.ae.
Sharjah Maritime Museum
Plunge into the world of diving and fishing trades so vital to the development of the United Arab Emirates. At this UAE museum, you can discover stories of Sharjah’s heritage and the country’s key role in the development of the region’s coastal cities more than 6,000 years ago, explore traditional wooden dhows used for fishing, trading and pearling and be wowed by magnificent Arabian pearls collected from the Arabian Gulf.
Dhs25 (13 years old and above), Dhs15 (two-12 years old), free (two and under). Al Khan, Sharjah, sharjahmuseums.ae (06 522 2002).
The Selfie Kingdom
Perfect lighting? Check. Downward angle? Check. Rooms specifically designed to take the perfect selfie? Welcome to Dubai’s dedicated selfie museum for creatives and selfie enthusiasts of all ages. The creative hub currently features 15 themed pop-up rooms with unique backdrops, props and peak lighting – all for that Insta-worthy snap. This is one of the UAE museums that will get you plenty of hearts on Instagram.
Dhs65 (12 and above), Dhs55 (age three to 11). Daytona House, Motor City, theselfiekingdom.com (055 526 1188).
Zayed Heritage Centre
For a fascinating look into the life of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a trip to Zayed Heritage Centre in Abu Dhabi’s Al Bateen district is a must. The UAE museum is housed in an Emirati heritage-style village and is an incredible homage to Sheikh Zayed and will give you a top history lesson.
Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi (02 665 9555).
