Fujairah Museum

In the heart of the historic district that Fujairah is so proud of, lies a unique repository of memory—the Fujairah Museum. This is the region's premier archaeological and ethnographic center, which opened its doors to the public in 1991. The museum is a compact yet incredibly artifact-rich complex that chronicles the centuries-long journey this land has taken as part of the UAE.

Fujairah Museum. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The exhibition is divided into five thematic halls, showcasing more than 2,100 rare finds. Here, you can see items dating back to the Hellenistic period and even earlier eras. The collection was gathered during large-scale excavations in the areas of Al Badiyah, Dibba, and Qidfa, making it an invaluable source of knowledge about the ancient history of the Arabian Peninsula.

The museum takes particular pride in unique artifacts such as an ostrich egg bowl that is over 3,000 years old and a reconstruction of an ancient U-shaped tomb. This site is perfect for those who want to look beyond the facade of modern skyscrapers and experience the authentic spirit of the emirate's heritage.

To plan your visit, you can use the official information below. The museum is located in the central part of the old town and is easy to find by following the signs.

Inside the museum's halls, an immersion into the atmosphere of the Old Orient awaits you. Be sure to linger in the ethnographic section, where a traditional Arabic market (souq) has been recreated, featuring stalls filled with spices, fabrics, and ceramics. Wax figures in national costumes and models of palm-leaf dwellings allow you to literally "see" the daily life of local residents from past centuries.

History buffs will enjoy exploring the rich arms collection, including antique rifles and intricately decorated khanjar daggers. Pay close attention to the archaeology hall—it is there that the famous ostrich egg, which served as a vessel 4,500 years ago, is kept, along with elegant copper and silver jewelry found in ancient burial sites.

For families, the museum has prepared visual displays: children will certainly enjoy looking at the models of fishing boats and the figure of a loaded donkey in the inner courtyard. After exploring the interior, you can climb the watchtower or walk over to the neighboring Heritage Village to complete your historical journey in the fresh air.

The museum is located in the city's historic center at 48PQ+2HC, Al Sharyah. If you are traveling by car, the most convenient route is via the E89 highway. The drive from Dubai takes approximately 1.5 hours, while the trip from Sharjah takes about an hour. Visitor parking is available right next to the museum complex.

For those preferring public transport, intercity buses run regularly from Dubai and Sharjah to the emirate. Upon arriving at the city's bus station, the easiest way to reach the museum is by taxi—the ride takes no more than 5–10 minutes. The museum is within walking distance of other iconic sites, so the famous Fujairah Fort can serve as your landmark.

Visiting the museum is easy to combine with a stroll through the old town, as the main historical locations are very close to each other. Navigator coordinates: 25.1350539, 56.338883.

The Fujairah Museum owes its existence to the initiative of Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi. It officially opened in 1991, with its first exhibition based on a collection of artifacts previously housed in the local library. Since then, the museum's holdings have grown significantly thanks to active archaeological excavations in the region.

Most of the exhibits were discovered during excavations in the areas of Bitnah, Qidfa, Al Badiyah, and Dibba. These studies, spanning over two decades, have allowed researchers to reconstruct the lives of ancient settlements that existed here thousands of years ago. The discovered items prove that the region was an important trading hub even in deep antiquity.

Among the most impressive historical finds are a unique ostrich egg, estimated to be between 2,500 and 4,500 years old, and a meticulously studied U-shaped tomb dating back to 2000 BC. The exhibits clearly demonstrate the evolution of daily life: from primitive stone tools to exquisite jewelry and complex bladed weapons.

Interestingly, the collection continues to grow today. As excavations progress in the old part of the city, the museum's archives receive new evidence of the emirate's rich past, making each new exhibition even more insightful.

To leisurely explore all five of the museum's halls and get acquainted with the main exhibits, most visitors find 1–2 hours to be sufficient. The museum features a compact layout, which allows you to cover all the key highlights of the region's history without feeling overwhelmed.

If you plan to study the archaeological finds in detail or take photos of the wax figures in the ethnographic section, your visit might last a bit longer. We recommend combining a visit to the museum with a trip to the nearby Fujairah Fort—such a combined outing will take about half a day.

The museum is open to visitors daily; however, the operating hours on Friday differ from other days. Please take this into account when planning your route.

• Monday — Thursday: 08:00 – 18:30
• Friday: 14:30 – 18:30
• Saturday — Sunday: 08:00 – 18:30

We recommend checking the current information before your trip on the official website of the Fujairah Tourism Department, as the schedule may change during public holidays.

Exploring the area around the museum is an excellent way to dive deeper into the atmosphere of the emirate and see how history intertwines with modernity. Most points of interest are within a short drive or even a brief walk.

Near the archaeological halls, you will find ancient fortifications and picturesque waterfronts, allowing you to balance your cultural program with some outdoor relaxation.