- Address: Al Fahidi St., Bur Dubai, Opposite Grand Mosque - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
- Phone: +971 4 353 1862
- Year of foundation: 1878
- Opening hours: 08: 30-20: 30
One of the oldest architectural buildings in Dubai , preserved to this day, is the fortress of al-Fahidi (al-Fahidi-Fort). It is located in the city center near the coast of the Persian Gulf and is a historical museum.
general information
The fort was erected in 1878 from clay, shell rock and coral. The materials were fixed together with lime. The fortress of al-Fahidi had a large courtyard and was made in the form of a square. Its main goal was to protect the city from the attacks of enemies. Over time, the residence of the rulers and the state prison were equipped here. They brought prisoners who were sent to exile in Said and Buti, and political criminals (for example, the sons of Emir Rashid ibn Maktoum). After the death of their father, they tried to overthrow their uncle, named Maktum ibn Hasher, from the throne.
After the city was liberated from the colonial power (1971), the fortress of al-Fahidi was greatly destroyed by time and even there was a threat of its collapse. Shaykh Rashid ibn Saeed al-Maktoum (ruling emir) conducted repair works here and ordered to open a museum in the underground premises of the citadel. In 1987, the official opening of the institution.
Description of sight
Before the entrance guests are greeted by tall and thick walls of the fort, as well as a gate with spikes. There are 2 towers in the diagonal direction with respect to each other. One of them has a higher and round shape than the other.
In the museum itself visitors will get acquainted with the daily life of the natives. His collection represents such expositions:
- Arab houses (Barasti), erected from palm branches, and tents of Bedouins.
- Colorful Arab markets . The streets are covered with wicker canopies, which protect buyers from the sun. In the shops there are various goods (fabrics, dates, spices, etc.).
- Extraction of pearls - here are presented sieves, scales and other handicraft tools, as well as a diver with a sink in his hands.
- Artifacts obtained from archaeological excavations in Asia and Africa. They date from 3000 BC.
- Oriental musical instruments (for example, rababa - a mixture of mandolin and double bass) and weapons. Here there is a screen where you can see the traditional dance of the elders, performed for local songs.
- Ancient boats and copper cannons , located in the courtyard of the fortress al-Fahid.
- Ancient maps , which show how the Arabian Peninsula looked in the 16th-19th centuries.
- A modern ship unloaded by workers. They carry sacks from the deck and load them on donkeys. From the speakers there is a sound of the sea and a cry of seagulls.
- Madrasah is a local school where children are taught grammar.
- Oasis with stocky palm trees on which date hangs, and workers on plantations. There is also a desert, where bushes and trees grow. Among them are various animals, birds and reptiles.
Features of visit
During the tour, visitors will hear real sounds, inhaling the light aroma of the East. All mannequins are full-scale and very much like real people.
The cost of the ticket is about $ 1, children under 6 years old admission is free. The fortress of al-Fahidi is open every day from 08:30 until 20:30.
How to get there?
The fort is located in the Bar Dubai area . It is more convenient to get here on the green metro line. The station is called Al Fahidi Station. From the city center to the fortress there are buses №№61, 66, 67, Х13 and С07.