After years of renovations, Dubai’s oldest fort is getting ready to welcome visitors again
Al Fahidi Fort, better known to many as the Dubai Museum, closed its doors in 2021 to undergo a major transformation. Located in Bur Dubai, the museum sits within one of the emirate’s oldest surviving buildings, dating back to 1787 (making a long overdue upgrade inevitable).
The rehabilitation project was announced in January 2021 by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.
Since then, the site has remained hidden behind hoardings as work continued quietly behind the scenes. Now, however, there’s finally an update, and it hints that the much-loved museum could be gearing up for a long-awaited reopening very soon.
Here’s what we know
A video shared by Dubai Culture shows the fort rising from the golden sands and standing tall as the city developed around it. It shows the growth of Dubai before showcasing a render of the Dubai Museum’s new look.
Al-Fahidi-Fort/ Dubai Museum
Al-Fahidi-Fort/ Dubai Museum
Al-Fahidi-Fort/ Dubai Museum
Al-Fahidi-Fort/ Dubai Museum
The caption read, ‘Al Fahidi Fort was built in 1787, the oldest standing building in Dubai. Originally constructed as a defensive fort, it later became the city’s first museum, sharing stories of Dubai’s history across time. Following a comprehensive restoration project, the fort continues to stand proudly at the heart of the historic neighbourhood, bearing witness to Dubai’s transformation over the years.’
It ends with ‘Stay tuned for more details about the opening’ – which means we could be hearing of an opening date very (very) soon.
A little history lesson
Al Fahidi Fort is located at the southern end of the Dubai Creek and was built in 1787. It served as the headquarters for the ruler of the emirate.
It was restored during the reign of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and then in 1971, the year when the UAE was founded, Al Fahidi Fort was officially inaugurated as the Dubai Museum and began showcasing the history and heritage of the emirate of Dubai.
Since then, the development and expansion of the Fort continued, and in 1995, the second section of the museum located under the fort was opened, which contains exhibits and collections from the period before the discovery of oil as well as antiquities that were found in Dubai’s archaeological sites.
More about the restoration project
The project is being carried out as part of the vision of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum to promote the fort as a cultural landmark and preserve the emirate’s civilisational and cultural heritage. It is also in line with the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to preserve historical buildings in the city.
When the project was announced, the Crown Prince stated that Al Fahidi Fort has a special significance in Dubai’s history, as it has witnessed key phases of Dubai’s transformation over the past 200 years. He stated, ‘Our historical assets are our treasures, and we must continue to protect and preserve them for future generations.’
H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, said the historical landmark holds a prominent place on the cultural tourism map, both locally and internationally, serving as a destination for visitors and tourists from abroad.
She stated that the project upon completion will provide visitors with a deeper understanding of Emirati history and culture.
We can’t wait to visit!
Images: Getty Images and supplied
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