Abu Dhabi Museums

(Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, UAE)

With a long and interesting history, there are numerous museums, galleries and historic places to visit while in Abu Dhabi. The Petroleum Exhibition is great for seeing Abu Dhabi's transformation from a pearl fishing settlement into a modern day metropolis, documenting the period when oil money changed the city, almost overnight.

To learn more about the archaeological offerings and discoveries within Abu Dhabi, then the Al Ain Museum may well be of interest. The Women's Handicraft Centre is interesting with great craftworks made by local women on show, while the rich maritime history on offer within the Bateen Shipyard is also worthy of some time.

Al Ain Museum

Address: Sultan bin Zayed Street, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, UAE
Tel: +971 03 764 1595
The Al Ain Museum is filled with a great collection of archaeological and ethnographical relics from the surrounding districts of Abu Dhabi. There are some magnificent gold pieces on display, including a very significant coin collection and pendants, which were given as gifts to pieces.
Open hours: Saturday to Thursday - 09:00 to 19:30, Friday - 15:00 to 19:30
Admission: charge, discount for children

The Petroleum Exhibition

Address: Corniche Road East, near the Volcano Fountain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, UAE
Tel: +971 02 626 9715
The Petroleum Exhibition is an interesting museum and shows how the city of Abu Dhabi progressed after the discovery of oil, which is directly responsible for the city's considerable wealth. You can see a timeline, with the major changes of the city's skyline and host of modern attractions that have been built. From pearls to oil, Abu Dhabi is now one of the world's largest oil producing regions.
Open hours: Saturday to Wednesday - 07:00 to 14:00
Admission: charge, discount for children

Women's Handicraft Centre

Address: Karama Street, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, UAE
Tel: +971 02 447 6645
The Women's Handicraft Centre encompasses several buildings, each filled with displays of local women weaving and making crafts. There are things for sale and also henna body painting is available. Taking photographs is not allowed and visitors must remove their shoes before entering the buildings.
Open hours: Sunday to Thursday - 08:00 to 14:00
Admission: charge

Bateen Shipyard

Address: West side of Abu Dhabi Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, UAE
The Bateen Shipyard is located on the west side of Abu Dhabi Island, near to the InterContinental Hotel. Most of the boats being built here are modern racing boats, but there are still some traditional wooden boat makers about. The area has much marine history being the main shipyard of the region.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free