The twentieth century transformed Al Shindagha from a fishing settlement into a district of a modern metropolis. Yet from these humble beginnings, it birthed timeless traditions that went on to shape contemporary Emirati culture. The historical significance of Al Shindagha is priceless, not only from the strategic location at the beginning of the Dubai Creek, it is further reinforced by close ties to the ruling family of Dubai, the Maktoum, who lived in the area. The cherished spirit of days gone by is kept alive in seventeen reconstructed historic homes.

We crafted four distinct pavilions: Traditions, Life on Land, Traditional Food House, and House of Poetry. Each one grants the viewer a unique window into the everyday life of pre-oil Dubai. By using traditional forms of exhibition and cutting edge experiential technologies, the museums offer visitors an eclectic experience. The adaptively reused houses along with their intricate meandering corridors and intimate courtyards help to celebrate Dubai’s history and living traditions. It narrates the tales behind the city’s diverse gastronomy to its inhabitant’s colorful adornments. 

The Al Shindagha Museum represents a monumental and exciting collaborative effort to transform traditional Gulf homes into a unique multi-sensorial journey that celebrates the past.