Before the skyscrapers: Dubai’s oldest building, Al Fahidi Fort, set to reopen with new museum

Think of Dubai and many people will imagine a metropolis of gleaming skyscrapers, mega shopping malls, palm-shaped islands and some of the world’s top luxury hotel and hospitality brands. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT But away from all the glitz and glamour, which often dominate the headlines, there’s another side to the city that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves: Old Dubai, and in particular the historic Al Fahidi area. Located on the southern side of the Creek, in this neighbourhood you’ll find traditional houses, cultural attractions, as well as Al Fahidi Fort, Dubai’s oldest standing building at more than 230 years old. Originally built as a defensive stronghold around 1787, over the centuries the fort has also been a residence for the ruler, a centre of governance and administration, and a prison before it became Dubai’s first museum in 1971, the same year that the United Arab Emirates was formed. ‘A witness to Dubai’s history’ Al Fahidi Fort has been closed since 2021 as part of an extensive restoration project. Five years later, it is set to welcome back visitors “in the coming weeks or months”, according to Ayisha Khansaheb, Director of Al Fahidi Fort and Specialised Museums at the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority. Speaking to Euronews Travel at Arabian Travel Market, Khansaheb believes the contemporary museum experience is going to be a “gateway into the story of Dubai itself” and a great starting place for visitors to truly understand the history of the city. For a destination that’s known for its futuristic skylines and modern infrastructure, Dubai’s cultural heritage has sometimes been overlooked as a key attraction for international visitors. However, the reopening of the fort marks a new chapter in the city’s story. “I think cultural heritage is important as an ecosystem for cultural tourism, but also for residents, for locals, and for schools to educate the students on the cultural history and heritage of the city itself,” said Khansaheb. “I think we need to have offerings for everyone and I think this is something that you've been seeing more of in Dubai and in the wider region as well. It addresses a growing need to emphasise that there is a soul, there is a culture, and there is history here.” What can visitors see at Al Fahidi Fort? The revitalised museum combines the historic architecture of the fort with artefacts, archival material, and interactive technology to tell the story of the building and its place in Dubai’s development. Visitors begin their experience in a new underground extension, where contemporary galleries explore themes including defence, leadership and craftsmanship, before moving into the historic fort itself. Among the highlights is “The Vault”, a light and sound experience that follows the evolution of Dubai’s defence capabilities. Another gallery, “A Landmark Across the Ages”, explores the fort’s changing role over more than 230 years, while visitors can also see a major collection of Islamic arms and armour. Interactive learning experiences designed for children have also been incorporated into the museum. But one of the most important exhibits is the fort itself, where visitors can walk through its historic walls and explore its watchtowers, gates and courtyard. “You experience history through architecture,” Khansaheb said.