Another string to Dubai’s bow is the Dubai Museum located in the restored historical Al Fahidi Fort which is said to date back to 1787.

Renovated back in 1971 for use as a museum, colourful models are used to depict how Dubai operated before the discovery of oil, and a series of galleries complete with realistic sounds and videos depict scenes from the Creek, traditional Arab houses, mosques, the souk, the desert, date gardens and under the water.

The Museum is easily navigable and entrance to the galleries is located at the tower on the south west corner of the fort.

Perhaps one of the most memorable exhibits is the portrayal of the underwater world of pearl-diving, including sets of pearl merchants’ weights, scales and sieves.

Located in the main body of the fort you’ll find a fascinating military museum. Its fine collection of ancient history includes copper, alabaster and pottery artefacts found in graves that are said to date back more than 4,000 years.

In recent years, archaeologists have unearthed hundreds of additional artefacts, including pottery, weapons and coins that seem to suggest civilised settlements dating back to the third millennium B.C. These historic finds have been carefully preserved and are now permanently housed in the Archaeological section of the Museum.

According to statistics published by Wikipedia, in 2007 Dubai Museum welcomed 1,800 visitors daily, with a yearly total of 611,840. In March 2008, the Museum had 80,000 visitors. One can only imagine today’s intake is significantly higher.

The museum is open for visiting between the hours of 08:30 – 20:30 on Sunday – Thursday and on Fridays from 14:30 – 20:30.