Saruq Al-Hadid Museum

History comes alive at this must-see museum which displays locally unearthed artefacts that evidence Dubai’s role as a hub for trade and civilisation in the Arabian Peninsula.

Saruq Al Hadid is an archeological site, the oldest discovered in Dubai so far, and it reveals intriguing details of a mysterious civilisation that existed 4,000 years ago in the Rub Al Khali desert. In 2002, the site was discovered by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, while on a helicopter hovering over the area, as he noticed that the sand dunes were darker in colours than their surroundings.

Fun fact: It was here that a gold ring was discovered that inspired the new Dubai Expo 2020 logo.

This newly-opened museum takes you through the mysterious route of archaeological discoveries and presents exciting treasures of long ago. You can now take a leisurely walk among relics, dramatic displays of gold, bronze and iron and an impressive haul of over 900 objects discovered from the site. Young visitors can get hands-on with culture and reconstruct a pot, assemble an animal skeleton, or even help the experts solve a mystery.

So why not ditch the couch this weekend and explore the theories that surround the ancient trade maps at one of Dubai’s most exhilarating museums. For instance, how did the civilisation end? When was the last time they were in fact there? And what caused their disappearance from the site? Who knows, you may have all the answers…

More Destinations

Dazzling Dubai

Popular

The United Arab Emirates is a Middle-East country situated in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia on the Persian Gulf. It is bordered by Oman and Saudi Arabia, and the Persian Gulf. The state shares maritime borders with Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Iran.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

7.7 Superb

The capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Abu Dhabi lies on an island that extends into the west coast of the Persian Gulf.

Live the destination

Family & Leisure

The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah has an impressive archaeological heritage and rich cultural history.

Fujairah Experience

Family & Friends

Fujairah is the only emirate that is located completely on the eastern coast of the UAE along the Gulf of Oman.

Where Else but Sharjah

Family & Friends

The emirate of Sharjah offers an inviting combination of culture, heritage, art and outdoor activities.

Sincerely Emirati

Family & Leisure

One of the seven Emirates of the United Arab Emirates, Ajman’s culture is steeped in exceptional hospitality. It is an inherited tradition borne out of the austere natural environment and the resulting emphasis on receiving and providing for guests.

Retro Arabian Village

Family & Leisure

Umm Al Quwain is still reminiscent of a fishing village, with dhows carved out on the beach, its large population of green turtles and mangroves. It represents what UAE was before getting its oil wealth and basks in the remains of its once-flourishing fishing culture as evident from the importance of seafood export to its economy. 

Baku, Azerbaijan

7.7 Superb

The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, a state in the eastern part of Transcaucasia on the coast of the Caspian Sea, belongs to the Near East and the Middle East, and, according to some sources, partly to Eastern Europe.

Wonderful Georgia

Family & Friends

Georgia, a country at the intersection of Europe and Asia, is a former Soviet republic that’s home to Caucasus Mountain villages and Black Sea beaches. It’s famous for Vardzia, a sprawling cave monastery dating to the 12th century, and the ancient wine-growing region Kakheti.