Saruq Al Hadid Museum
When you step into the Saruq Al Hadid Museum, you travel back in time to the iron- age. The historic building the museum is inside stands in Dubai’s Shindagha Heritage District. This site gained a lot of attention among archaeologists and the common man alike after its discovery in 2002. Located deep inside the desert in the southern half of Dubai, the Saruq Al Hadid, it is believed was once an iron factory.
The discovery of this site is in itself an intriguing story. In 2002, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE’s Vice President and Prime Minister and Dubai’s ruler noticed from his helicopter how a certain area was of a different color. Later it turned out that it was slag that came from iron smelting. It changed the history of the region altogether. The building the Saruq Al Hadid Museum is located inside was a metal factory.
An Interactive Museum with Interesting Artifacts on Display
The various artifacts excavated here date back to the iron-age between 1300 and 800 BC. After the museum’s opening in 2016, care was taken to see that the building housing the museum remained unchanged. Being wheelchair and stroller accessible, all visitors can enjoy learning about the Emirates’ history in a new perspective. Touring the museum is a very interactive experience with 3D cinematic rooms making you feel as if you are present at the excavation site.
The use of cutting edge technology that involves the projection of dynamic videos on the walls is a very interactive experience. No less interactive are the screens that engage you with the story of the discovery. Take along your children for digging at a simulated site for excavation that has objects buried beneath sand making it very real. As you go discovering with a brush, you feel every bit an archaeologist.
New Discoveries
The excavations at the site have shed new light on the region’s history. The discovery of beads shows that the Arab tribes here had links with Indians. Fossilized fish bones tell us that the people here went out into the seas. Especially intriguing is the olive wood found here. Did the people here have links with the Mediterranean as well? There are many such interesting facts to know about at the Saruq Al Hadid Museum. Book your tickets now.
Things to Do at the Saruq Al Hadid Museum
· Explore the history of the land of the Arabs
· Learn about interesting facts
· Watch the immersive and interactive shows
· Go digging with your kids at a simulated excavation site
· Pick some souvenirs at a shop here
How to Reach
By the Metro: Take the metro to the Al Ghubaiba station which is the closest to the Saruq Al Hadid Museum.
By Bus: Get off at the Al Ghubaiaba bus stand from where the museum is just a short walk away.
The Booking Policy
· Visitors less than 6 years old and those above 60 can enter the museum free
· Kids between the ages of 7 & 12 need to buy tickets at AED 10
· Adults need to pay AED 20 to enter the museum
The Timings
· From Sundays to Wednesdays- 8am to 8pm
· From Saturdays to Thursdays- 8am to 2pm
Important Points to Note
· Since visiting the museum is an educational experience, it’s important that you respect the solemnity of the place and dress accordingly
· Refrain from touching any of the artifacts
· It’s best to reach the Saruq Al Hadid Museum early in the evening. That way you can avoid the crowds that start trickling in late in the evening
· You are not allowed to bring any edibles or beverages into the museum
What makes the Saruq Al Hadid Museum absolutely fascinating is that the exhibits keep changing. It’s because the excavation is still under progress and newer artifacts are being discovered. One can never tell, but any major discovery can greatly alter the history of the region. Visiting the Saruq Al Hadid Museum is indeed a very engaging experience that has you engrossed all along. You are sure to find it absolutely fascinating and you’ll be left wondering how much there is to Dubai beyond its tall skyscrapers.
