MUSEUMS, FORTS AND HERITAGE CENTRES IN UAE

MUSEUMS, FORTS AND HERITAGE CENTRES
The UAE has undergone an extraordinary metamorphosis in the few short years since the state was established. Today Emiratis of all ages have access to all the benefits of a modern, developed society. But there is also an awareness that the history, culture, values and traditions of past generations are the foundations on which the modern state is built. Both government and people are determined that their heritage will be preserved, in line with the late Sheikh Zayed's belief that 'a people that knows not its past can have neither a present nor a future'. Local museums and traditional heritage centers throughout the emirates help to introduce this heritage to younger generations and to visitors to the country. At the same time, the UAE, capitalizing on its strategic geographical position between East and West and its open, tolerant perspective, is establishing a wide range of new museums and creative centers, many of which are universal in nature. In addition to encouraging creativity in the community, these new museums help to bridge cultures and advance dialogue between civilizations.
 

ABU DHABI

Heritage Village Situated on a 1600-square-metre site on the Breakwater, near Marina Mall and overlooking the Cornice, this heritage village is run by Emirates Heritage Club. Here you can journey to the past and experience traditional life in Abu Dhabi before oil revenues altered the landscape, economically and socially. Bedouin tents, palm-frond houses ('Arish), stone houses from the mountains, old fishing villages and traditional souks help to recreate life as it was. Given its location along the seafront, maritime traditions are a special feature. A shop sells local crafts. Qasr al-Hosn Qasr al-Hosn, the White Fort or Old Fort, is the oldest building in Abu Dhabi. The original structure was constructed in 1793 as the official residence of Abu Dhabi’s rulers from the Bani Yas tribe, the Al Nahyan family. Today, two sections are clearly distinguishable – the ancient fort, dating back to the time of Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon who ruled from 1845–1855, and a new section added in 1936 by Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan, brother of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Major renovations took place in 1983 and the whole historic Qasr Al Hosn Cultural Quarter is currently undergoing redevelopment. A permanent exhibition at the Qasr al Hosn Centre tells the story of Abu Dhabi and its people through its most iconic building. Each year a very well-attended festival in the grounds of the fort vividly brings to life the customs, traditions, food, poetry, music and practices of the past. Women's Handicraft Centre The Centre is run by Abu Dhabi Women's Association as a forum for local women to display their wares from perfumed oils to local clothing, woven mats and household goods, as well as pottery. Some of the items are for sale. A kitchen area serves typical Gulf cuisine.
 Manarat Al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi is in the process of building a series of world-class museums on Saadiyat Island, about 10 minutes from the Centre of the city. The Louvre Abu Dhabi, which is scheduled to open in late 2015, will be a universal fine arts museum, exhibiting artworks and objects of historical, cultural and sociological significance – from prehistory to the contemporary. The Zayed National Museum: http://www.zayednationalmuseum.ae/ , scheduled for completion in 2016, will bring to life the UAE's rich history and will also serve as a memorial to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first President of the United Arab Emirates. When it opens in 2017, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will feature contemporary art from across the globe. In the meantime, a temporary exhibition space on Saadiyat Island, Manarat Al Saadiyat ('a place of enlightenment' in Arabic) hosts an imaginative series of cultural programs dedicated to developing art appreciation and awareness, at the same time revealing loans and acquisitions that will eventually form the core of the new museums. Through a variety of talks, performances and workshops, the collections are having their stories told in a vibrant and interactive way. Al Ain, the UAE's 'Garden City', home to shade-dappled oases with irrigation systems that stretch back into the far distant past, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is not surprising then that it is well-equipped with museums and forts, a visit to which will excite and inspire. Al Ain National Museum This museum on the edge of Al Ain oasis is a repository of the area's unique history and heritage. Housed in the same compound as the Sultan bin Zayed Fort, also known as the Eastern Fort, it has an extensive archaeological and ethnographical collection, including many artefacts from archaeological digs in the area. Reconstructions of a majilis (traditional reception area) and traditional life in general are particularly compelling.

Al Ain Palace Museum Built in 1910 for the Al Nahyan family, the rooms of this beautifully restored fort take the visitor back to an era shaped by nature and tribe. Sheikh Zayed resided here as the very able Ruler’s Representative for the area before his accession as Ruler of Abu Dhabi in 1966 and the museum houses a large collection of memorabilia centered on his family, life and times. Jamila Fort Dating from 1891, this very distinctive restored fort, which is situated close to the public gardens, is one of the UAE's most historic buildings. The fort houses a collection of the works of British explorer Sir Wilfred Thesiger (affectionately known as 'Mubarak bin London') and his 1940s crossing of the vast expanses of desert, the Rub' al Khali or Empty Quarter. Qattara Oasis Qattara oasis, which has a large fort in the Centre and a working falaj, is the site of an important archaeological find, the Qattara tomb. This is a long, narrow second millennium BC grave in which many of the rich artefacts displayed in Al Ain Museum were found. Among the most notable finds is a gold ornament in the shape of a double-headed, goat-like animal. Similar finds are known from the sites of Dhayah in northern Ra’s al-Khaimah and Bidiya in northern Fujairah. These were probably worn as large medallions on necklaces. The redeveloped fort is now home to an arts Centre and gallery, cleverly blending traditional architecture and state-of the art facilities. Hili Archaeological Park The modern suburb of Al Ain known as Hili (about 10 kilometers from the city on the road to Dubai) is famous among local residents for its beautiful gardens, lush vegetation and children’s play area. The gardens and immediate hinterland are also the location of a large number of Bronze Age and Iron Age sites, dating between c.2500 and 300 BC. Of these, Hili 8 is perhaps the best investigated. This is a square mud brick tower with rounded corners and associated outbuildings. Such towers are typical of the late third millennium BC in both Oman and the UAE. The Hili 8 tower is likely either to have been the Centre of governance of the settlement, or perhaps a defensive structure to be used as a place of refuge. The centerpiece of the Hili Gardens is a tomb dating to the end of the third millennium BC that was excavated in the early 1960s and subsequently reconstructed by an Iraqi team for the Al Ain Department of Antiquities and Tourism. Built with massive cut-stone blocks, this is a circular structure with four symmetrical chambers in which human remains, pottery and other items were found. The tomb also features two famous 5000-year-old petroglyphs – one of two people and an Oryx, another of two cheetahs catching a gazelle. Hili Fort a round fort with a round central tower and ornate entrance, the reconstructed Hili Fort is located at the edge of the date palm plantation. Views from the building towards the Hili oasis and surrounding areas are impressive. Al Rumeilah Fort Located in a residential area in the northern suburbs.

Al Rumeilah Fort is a small walled structure with interesting architectural features. Nearby an Iron Age settlement (c.1000 to 300 BC) comprises a series of mud brick buildings, some of which are so well preserved that their roofs are still intact. These had been literally buried by sand and contained large quantities of pottery, grinding stones and metal tools, as well as stamp seals, beads and several pieces of bronze weaponry.

Murabba Fort Located in the Centre of the town’s business district, Murabba Fort is a small structure surrounded by an ornate wall; it used to be the police headquarters and old prison. Mujairib Fort The main fort, a smaller fort and a watchtower are surrounded by a formal park and children's playground. Located on Al Jimi St, several kilometers north-west of the city Centre, the main fort is open to visitors. Al Muwaiji Fort: The three-towered Al Muwaiji Fort and a mosque with a free standing minaret are located within the date plantation. Mazyad Fort: The beautifully restored Mazyad Fort lies at the foot of Jebel Hafit and is well worth a visit. Mud brick walls with battlements and watchtowers surround a courtyard and flourishing date palm grove.

 DUBAI
 Dubai Museum: The Al Fahidi fort, built in 1799 and located in Bur Dubai behind Al Fahidi St, houses Dubai Museum. The old fort building contains regular exhibits of weapons, traditional costumes and musical instruments and the courtyard has good examples of ‘Arish huts and wooden boats. The underground section houses wonderfully lifelike exhibits of an ancient souk, a Qur'an school, typical Arabic households and an oasis. There is also a display on the desert by night with interesting local wildlife. A separate room is dedicated to lively modern exhibits of pearl diving and fishing. Archaeological finds are displayed near the shop. Al Fahidi Historical Area

One of the original trading districts in old Dubai, this delightful area by the Creek is now famous for its unique collection of traditional houses with wind towers – rectangular structures that catch the wind and circulate it around the building. The area is a maze of atmospheric narrow alleyways and many of the houses have been converted into art galleries, cultural centers, shops and cafés. Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House On the southern bank at the entrance to the Creek, this old house was built in 1896 as a residence for the ruling family. The traditional coral-block structure has four elegant wind towers and a large central courtyard. Carved teak wood doors, wooden lattice screens and balustrades have all been restored to former glory. Delightful photographs of old Dubai adorn the walls.

Heritage and Diving Village

Next to Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoums’s House, the Heritage and Diving Village celebrates Dubai’s maritime past. Displays include a tented Bedouin village with traditional weapons, chests and household utensils. Shops sell handicrafts and camel and donkey rides are sometimes available. Folk dance and music performances are staged here on occasion. Majlis Umm Al Sheif (Al Ghoreifat) Situated in Jumeirah near the sea, this preserved house was originally built around 1955 as a summer retreat for Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum the late Ruler of Dubai. The simple two-story stone building is constructed with traditional materials. The ground floor comprises an open lawn (terrace) and also a small storeroom, while on the second floor the majlis (reception room) is decorated in traditional style with carpets, cushions and Arabic coffee pots. The traditional garden features a falaj irrigation system. Hatta Located about 150 kilometers from Dubai at the foothills of the mountains, Hatta’s fort and two round watchtowers were built in the late 1800s. The views from the watchtowers, including a perspective on the backstreets of the traditional town, are worth the climb to the top. Hatta Heritage Village: This is an extensive heritage area in the Centre of Hatta town. It has a wide range of buildings and exhibits illustrating the traditional lifestyles of this inland area. A shop sells an eclectic mix of antiques and handicrafts.

 SHARJAH

 Sharjah boasts a wide array of museums, art galleries, heritage centers and wildlife venues. Sharjah Arts Area Close to the Cornice on the north side of Burj Avenue (Bank Road), Sharjah Arts Area encompasses five architecturally acclaimed heritage buildings and a mosque dating back to the end of the eighteenth century. These include Sharjah Art Museum, Sharjah Art Centre, Sharjah Art Galleries, Emirates Fine Arts Society and the Very Special Art Centre. Sharjah Art Centre Sharjah Art Centre is housed in the beautifully renovated three-storey Bait Al Sarkal that used to be the house of the British Commissioner for the coast of Oman and was later turned into the missionary hospital, where many prominent Sharjah residents were born. Next door is the Art Café. At the far end of the area, Art Studios are housed in Obaid Al Shamsi house. Close by, the house of Abdulla Al Sari has been transformed into an area where people with special needs can realize their artistic ambitions. Sharjah Art Museum & Contemporary Arab Art On the opposite side of the square Sharjah Art Museum, which was opened in 1997, has a total of 32 exhibition halls, of which eight are dedicated to the private collection of the Ruler, Sheikh Sultan, who has donated them to the museum. This collection consists of eighteenth and nineteenth century oil paintings, watercolors and lithographs as well as modern paintings of local scenes. The museum has a very active programs of rotating exhibitions, covering every field of art, both local and international. The architecture of the new museum blends very well with old buildings in the square and the whole area with its narrow alleyways and traditional lighting has a very special atmosphere. Sharjah Heritage Area On the opposite side of Burj Avenue, Sharjah Heritage area is devoted to local markets, including the delightful Souk al-Arsah, meeting places and small museums. This beautifully renovated district is a shining example of Sharjah’s commitment to heritage and culture that was instrumental in earning it the UNESCO title of Cultural Capital of the Arab World as well as Islamic Culture Capital. Bait Al Naboodah The former residence of the pearl-trading Al Shamsi family, this architecturally interesting two-story house, built around a shaded courtyard, is dedicated to a reconstruction of traditional family life. The various rooms have displays of furniture and household items as well as children’s games, jewelry and costumes. Majlis of Ibrahim Mohammed Al Midfa: The Majlis, situated in a beautiful building between Souk al-Arsah and the Cornice, has some delightful architectural features. It contains many interesting pieces that originally belonged to the owner, who was secretary for four rulers of Sharjah before his death in 1983. Bait Al Gharbi Bait Al Gharbi in Al Qasaba Square, a unique restored house belonging to Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, has three different types of cooling wind towers. Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization Sharjah Islamic Museum is at the historical heart of Sharjah on the Majarrah waterfront. The building first opened in 1987 as the Souk al-Majarrah and quickly became a popular landmark. It was subsequently renovated and reopened in 2008 as the Museum of Islamic Civilization. The museum houses more than 5,000 exquisite Islamic artefacts from all over the Islamic World arranged thematically over seven spacious galleries and display areas. The collection includes rare Islamic manuscripts as well as items of Arabic art, including ninth century Iranian bowls, twelfth century daggers from Morocco and jewelry from Afghanistan.
Al Hisn (Sharjah Fort) Built by Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi in 1820, this carefully restored fort in the middle of Burj Avenue was the residence of the ruling family for 200 years. In 1969 it was torn down, but the present Ruler restored it with the help of old photographs and documents, his own notes and the assistance of elderly residents. It now houses a museum with exhibits on pearl fishing, education and trade, as well jewelry, weapons and old photographs.

Sharjah Archaeology Museum Located in the heart of Sharjah near the Cultural (or Qur'an) roundabout, Sharjah Archaeological Museum is a modern lively interactive archaeological museum tracing the history of Sharjah from ancient times. A gold halter, found with a ritually slaughtered horse in a grave near Mleiha is particularly beautiful. The museum’s library houses a range of archaeological and historical books, magazines, periodicals and specialized reports. Sharjah Science Museum Situated in Halwan next to the Sharjah TV Station, the science museum has 50 excellent interactive exhibits covering physics, chemistry, biology and astronomy.

 Al Mahatah Museum 

 The museum in Al Mahatah fort at the old airport in Sharjah houses British memorabilia relating to the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, the main theme being travel and transport. Sharjah Aquarium Submerge yourself in this rich and diverse undersea world that is home to over 250 species of native marine life. There is so much to see from the smallest clown fish and delicate seahorses to moray eels, rays and reef sharks. Al Eslah School Museum Established in 1935 and the first formal educational institute to be opened in Sharjah, this school welcomed pupils from all over the Gulf region. Experience school life as it was some 70 years ago. Bait Khalid bin Ibrahim This house of an esteemed pearl merchant and his family, who made their home in the 'Heart of Sharjah' over 100 years ago features a traditional kitchen and typical living areas, rich bridal attire, ornate swords and daggers and, of course, a wooden pearl chest. Sharjah Calligraphy Museum Created by local artists and well-known international calligraphers, significant works of art from the Arab world demonstrate the complexity of this vibrant art form and its historical and Islamic foundations.

Sharjah Maritime Museum

 The Maritime Museum explores the ever-present role of the sea in Sharjah's history. Traditional wooden seafaring dhows used for fishing, trading and pearling, were each designed according to their use and pearls and pearling were particularly influential in shaping the past. Discovery Centre Located along the Sharjah – Dhaid Highway, directly after interchange 4, this was the first interactive ‘hands-on’ children’s museum in the UAE. The exhibits are grouped into themes such as roads, shops, banks, etc. In these familiar environments imagination, play and fun are part of the learning process. Sharjah Desert Park The grounds of Sharjah Desert Park, which is located 28 kilometers from the city Centre at interchange 8 on the Sharjah – Dhaid Highway, contain a Natural History Museum, the Children's Farm, the Arabian Wildlife Centre and an off-limits Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Animals. Sharjah Natural History & Botanical Museum The Natural History Museum opened in 1995 and was immediately very popular because of its state-of-the-art displays. Lively with light and sound effects as well as interactive features, the exhibits deal with local habitats, plant and animal life, geology and marine life.

Arabian Wildlife Centre Opened in September 1999, this wildlife Centre is often referred to as a zoo but it is definitely far more than a display of captive animals. The Centre is unique in that it demonstrates the diversity of the fauna found in the peninsula and creates awareness of the indigenous species that have and are becoming extinct. All the animals are housed in spacious natural surroundings. Bait Sheikh Said bin Hamad al Qasimi Situated in Sharjah's enclave on the east coast In the traditional fishing village of Kalba, Al Ghail Fort and the prominent beachside residence of H.E. Sheikh Saeed bin Hamed Al Qasimi have been restored to display items of Islamic heritage and lifestyle, archaeological finds, weapons, agricultural equipment, and a collection of musical instruments.

RAS AL KHAIMAH

National Museum of Ra’s al-Khaimah Situated behind the Police Headquarters in the old town, this is a truly fascinating fort. It was originally built in 1749 and was the residence of the ruling Al Qasimi family until the early 1960s. The museum houses an intriguing collection of archaeological artefacts from the numerous sites in the emirate, including Julfar, an ancient port.

 Dhayah Fort

Dhayah Fort about 15 kilometers from the town of Ra’s al-Khaimah is in a very scenic location with wonderful views of the mountains and sea. This is a strategic military fortification that played a major role in the history of the UAE. The fort overlooks the village of Shimal, also the location of a significant archaeological site. Nearby, remarkable gold pieces that were hung around the neck were found in long narrow tombs from about 4,000 to 3,300 years ago.