UAE offers free entry to museums in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah for visitors

As we begin to feel the heat of the sun and summer is just around the corner, indoor activities are looking more and more appealing. So why not use this time to explore the rich culture of the UAE?

If you plan on visiting the UAE, be it for art, history, or something else, the country’s museums provide a chilled break along with a cultural touch to your trip. The cherry on the top? 

Experiences that are gainful and free are rare finds. Given below is the list of must-visit without-emptying-your-pocket museums all across UAE.

Dubai

1. Expo 2020 Dubai Museum, Garden in the Sky

• In observance of International Museum Day, free entry to the Expo 2020 Dubai Museum and Garden in the Sky within Expo City Dubai will be available on May 17 and 18. Both the museum and Garden in the Sky have time slots, the former is 10am to 8pm and the latter is 2pm to 10pm.  

• A Dh25 ticket provides admission to additional attractions including Expo, Terra, Alif and Vision.

2. Jameel Arts Centre
Free visits to Jameel Arts Centre are available to all residents and are located at Jaddaf Waterfront. The Jameel Arts Centre is open between 10am and 8pm from Saturday to Thursday and 12pm to 8pm on Friday. It remains closed every Tuesday. Additionally, visitors have an option to purchase tickets for guided tours which can be booked online to gain a more detailed look at specific exhibits.

3. Coffee Museum

• The Coffee Museum is a hidden sanctuary for coffee enthusiasts and is located in Dubai’s Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.

• The Coffee Museum is located at Villa 44 on Al Hisn Street. The business hours are from 9am to 5pm from Saturday to Thursday and closed on Friday.

• Visitors are guided through various exhibitions explaining coffee’s origin, its relation to various cultures, hospitality, and the lives of those working on the plantation. Visitors are also shown brewing demonstrations which include the use of antique brewing tools from different cultures around the world.

4. Miraj Islamic Art Centre

• The Miraj Islamic Art Centre can be visited freely by residents.

• The Centre is situated along Jumeirah street at 582, in Umm Suqeim, Jumeirah 3, Dubai. It provides patrons with access to a remarkable private collection of Islamic art including masterpieces from Egypt, Iran, India, and Syria. 

• Working hours are 9 am to 6 pm every day.

Abu Dhabi

1. Manarat Al Saadiyat

• Locals and tourists can visit Manarat Al Saadiyat, which is situated in the Cultural District of Saadiyat Island, as it has now opened its doors for viewing the second installment of the Abu Dhabi Masterpieces Collection.  

• The exhibition includes three curated collections which can be accessed every day at no cost from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.  

• Children under the age of 10 are not allowed, but if you meet this criteria entry is easy - simply sign your name and provide your phone number at the door.

2. Bassam Freiha Art Foundation
Another museum you can visit for free is the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation located in the Saadiyat Island Cultural District. The foundation is open everyday from 10 A.M. to 8 P.M. The art space has an exquisite collection showcasing cultural and artistic heritage which is ideal for people who want to discover something meaningful.

3. Miraj Islamic Art Centre

• Miraj Islamic Art Centre is another place that art enthusiasts and travelers can visit for free while in Abu Dhabi.

• The Miraj Islamic Art Centre, located in Villa 14B and 15B Marina Office Park, is seamlessly accessible from the Marina Mall. The centre’s opening times are daily from 9:30 A.M. to 7 P.M. Much like the centre's Dubai location, it features a diverse collection of artifacts including carpets, silk textiles, and traditional paintings as well as jewel-encrusted treasures.

Sharjah

1. Sharjah Arts Museum

As a must-visit for art enthusiasts, the Sharjah Art Museum is a cultural icon located within Al Shuwaihean’s Arts Area.

Alongside the permanent collection curated, the museum opens from 9 am to 9 pm Saturday through Thursday, and 4 pm to 9 pm on Friday. Its collection includes over 500 pieces of varied artworks including different styles and genres. Some of the most modern and contemporary Arab artists are also featured in the collection, such as Abdulqader Al Rais, Louay Kayali, and Ismail Fatah Al-Turk. 

Discover UAE's rich heritage! Visit the best museums in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah absolutely free. Unravel sphisticated history, diverse culture and maginificent art like never before. For more updates, subscribe to Just Dubai.