Al Fahidi Fort - the Great Repository of Dubai History

Al Fahidi Fort - the Great Repository of Dubai History

Amidst the soaring skyscrapers, the contemporary Dubai City snuggles some of the fascinating historical attractions that sightseers in Dubai must not miss. During your tour in Dubai you will come across famous ancient forts, diving villages, old residences with wind towers and more surprises.

The best place to learn about the history of a city or country is to visit their main museum. Dubai too has its main museum nestled in Bur Dubai, a historical district in Dubai. This museum is housed within one of the most famous forts in Dubai, the Al Fahidi Fort. In 1970 this fort underwent a complete restoration and since then stands tall as the Dubai Museum.

Al Fahidi Fort is said to be the oldest construction in Dubai, built during the late 18th century, to prevent the seaward attacks. Today it has become a fine repository that treasures the history of Dubai along with old traditions, heritage and lifestyle. At the premises of the Al Fahidi Fort you can spot several dhows and boats amidst dazzling cannons. Dhows are traditional Arabian sailing vessels of varied sizes that can carry about 12 to 30 crewmen.

Al Fahidi Fort's Dubai Museum has a remarkable collection of exhibits. There are lifelike mannequins dressed in traditional attires playing various roles within life-size dioramas. They seem to breathe life into the traditional lifestyles of a bygone era. These vivid sceneries will take you back in time to visit an old traditional classroom or a grocery packed with delectable sweets.

The museum also takes pride in its fine collection contributed from the ancient graves of Al Qusais that dates back to over three millenniums. These include fine pottery, copper artefacts and alabaster, translucent gypsum that is usually used for carving. In addition you can browse various equipments and diving suits used for pearl diving in the olden times.

From military artefacts to a glimpse of traditional Arabian life, there is so much to see and admire at the Dubai Museum housed within the stalwart walls of Al Fahidi Fort. You can visit this famous historical attraction in Dubai conveniently from a cosy Dubai hotel. If you are seeking indulgence in modern comforts complemented with elegance, reserve a room or suite at a Dubai luxury hotel like the Shangri-La Hotel Dubai. Set on the Sheikh Zayed Road, guests of this exclusive hotel can easily access Dubai's top shopping malls within minutes. This elegant hotel is also ideal for business travellers as it sits quite close to the Dubai Convention Centre and the World Trade Centre.