Housed in a historic building in the Shindagha Heritage District of Dubai, the museum tells the story of one of the most exciting and mysterious archaeological sites yet discovered in the Emirate.
The museum uses state-of-the-art technology to explore Saruq Al-Hadid – ‘the Way of Iron’ – a remote desert site that was a centre for metalworking some three thousand years ago. This is the first time the objects from Saruq Al-Hadid have been on public display in a museum, offering a fascinating insight into the skill and accomplishments of the people who worked at this Iron Age ‘factory’.
SaruqAl-Hadid Archaeology Museum is located in a building that is an important part of the history of Dubai. It was built in 1928 and was once owned by Sheikh Juma bin Maktoum Al Maktoum. The house is on two floors – with the museum on the ground floor – arranged around a spacious courtyard. It is one of the finest surviving examples of traditional architecture in Dubai and is built with local materials such as coral stone, gypsum, and chandal wood. The house is in the Shindagha Heritage District, a network of traditional buildings that was one of the oldest quarters of Dubai. This new museum combines an early Emirati building with the latest technology, and is symbolic of the regeneration of this historic district.
The museum offers a range of activities and experiences, with something for every age and level of interest. While exploring the unresolved questions of the site, the galleries will simultaneously address the science and theories behind artefact discoveries and the chronology of the site.
Beautiful and dramatic object displays show off some of the many thousands of artefacts that have been found at Saruq Al-Hadid. These objects have changed our understanding of the history of Dubai.
Children have their own gallery trail which keeps them involved and encourages them to explore each room in turn. The trail makes life easier for parents with energetic youngsters.
Entry is free for adults over 60 and children below 6 years old.
Image Credit: Saruq Al-Hadid Archaeological Museum
Opening hours
Mon–Wed 08:00–20:00, Thu–Sat 08:00–14:00, Sun 08:00–20:00.
Tickets
Individual: 20 AED (adults over 60 go for free)
Children 7 – 12 years: 10 AED (children up to 6 years for free)
Contacts
+971 4 359 6612
myali@dm.gov.ae
Links
Address
DubaiSaruq Al-Hadid Archaeological Museum
How to get there?
The museum can be reached easily by public transport. The Al Ghubaiba metro station is five minutes walk away, and the Al Ghubaiba bus station is ten minutes walk away. Abras can be taken from the souq area in Deira to the nearby Bur Dubai Abra Station.