Dubai Museum gaining popularity

One of Dubai's major tourist attractions, Dubai Museum, is gradually gaining popularity among visitors and has been described by officials as a must-see facility for everyone including residents. Dubai Museum has been receiving a lot of visitors during the Dubai Shopping Festival and the number has so far exceeded 32,000 in the first three weeks.

Located at the heart of the city - on Al Fahidi Street in Bur Dubai - the Museum was established on May 12, 1971, inside Al Fahidi Fort, which served as a defence outpost and watchtower in 1887. The structure covers an area of 1570 square metres. Al Fahidi Fort was used by the Ruler as his office often and it also served as the office of the judge where disputes were resolved.

As the pace of development in Dubai gathered momentum during the mid-20th century, weapons were stored in the building. It was also used as a jail for some time before being converted into a museum. The museum, which was opened to the public as early as 1971, was renovated 24 years later in 1995, adding a large underground display area which features traditional Bedouin heritage.

The facility is being run by a team of 28 professionals. According to Ayesha Mubarak Abdullah Obaid, head of Dubai Museum, the museum houses 4,500 pieces of historic artifacts, which include ancient pottery, knives, weapons, bronzeware, skeleton, and precious stones. "Some of the exhibits that we have in the museum go back 4,000 to 5,000 years. We also have a very good collection of artifacts which are 100 years old and gives an indication of how life has been in the emirate."

Officials of Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) said the museum remains an integral part of the Department's overseas promotion. Awadh Al Seghayer, DTCM manager for heritage sites and events, said: "Dubai Museum is being promoted in various international fairs along with the emirate's other heritage sites. As a result, the venue has created a generous amount of interest among tourists.

"Due to this, Dubai Museum has become a part of the itinerary of most tourists. City tour operators now make it a point to bring tourists to the facility." In 1998, 184,439 people visited the museum. The number rose to 219,835 the following year. Al Seghayer said: "In 2000, a total of 291,037 people visited the museum, which is much higher than previous years."

Obeid said the museum is planning to organise traditional weekend promotions for visitors. "In April, we will show henna demonstrations, which will attract more visitors to the venue." Meanwhile, Dubai Zoo will stay open today from 10am to 6pm, despite it being a national holiday.