The national museum of Dubai is surrounded by the historic Al Fahidi Fort and Historical District which is the oldest building in Dubai dating all the way back to the 18th century. The museum was opened in the 1970s to exhibit Dubai's rich tapestry of cultural heritage and complex history. Within the museum you will find recreated scenes from traditional Arab homes, desert life, mosques and agriculture.

Within these city walls is an Arish which is a traditional summer house built of weaved palm fronds (featuring an early form of air conditioning), and a tall dhow which is a traditional boat that resembles many still seen trolling the waters of the creek today. The museum galleries hold all kinds of treasures such as collections of traditional folk instruments, historic weapons and a model of the city in 1820. There is a wonderful exhibit at the museum on pearl diving that's worth seeing.