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Emirates Woman
16-07-2025
- Emirates Woman
14 stunning museums to visit in the UAE this summer
The United Arab Emirates, often celebrated for its futuristic skyline and golden deserts, harbors a lesser-known treasure beneath its modern veneer—a thriving cultural landscape where ancient heritage and visionary innovation converge in remarkable museums. Far more than repositories of artifacts, these institutions serve as vibrant portals into the soul of the nation, telling stories that span millennia while shaping contemporary dialogues about art, science, and identity. From meticulously preserved archaeological wonders that tell tales of Bronze Age traders to avant-garde exhibitions redefining the boundaries of digital art, the UAE's museums offer an intellectual and aesthetic feast for discerning travellers. While their climate-controlled galleries are perfect places to explore this summer, their true value lies in their power to transport visitors across time and space—whether to the courts of Islamic scholars, the workshops of Emirati pearl divers, or laboratories of future technologies. Bait Al Banat Women's Museum, Dubai Located in Dubai's historic Al Fahidi neighborhood near the Gold Souk, Bait Al Banat Women's Museum is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the contributions of Emirati women throughout history. The museum showcases personal artifacts, letters, and photographs that highlight the lives of pioneering female artists, educators, and leaders. Visitors can explore rotating contemporary art exhibitions featuring works by emerging Emirati women artists. With its intimate atmosphere and thought-provoking displays, this museum offers a unique perspective on the UAE's social evolution. Louvre Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Situated on Saadiyat Island, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is renowned for its stunning architecture by Jean Nouvel and its groundbreaking collection that bridges Eastern and Western civilizations. The museum's permanent galleries display masterpieces ranging from ancient artifacts to modern works by artists like Monet and Picasso. Its iconic rain of light effect, created by sunlight filtering through the geometric dome, makes every visit visually breathtaking. Special exhibitions, kayak tours around the museum's lagoon, and family workshops ensure there's always something new to discover. Museum of the Future, Dubai Standing dramatically along Sheikh Zayed Road, the Museum of the Future is instantly recognizable by its torus-shaped, Arabic calligraphy-covered exterior. Inside, visitors embark on a journey through possible futures, with interactive exhibits exploring artificial intelligence, sustainability, and space exploration. The museum's innovative design includes a completely column-free interior and windows formed by the building's calligraphic patterns. Highlights include a replica Amazon rainforest ecosystem and the famous robotic penguin that flies through the central atrium. Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi This magnificent presidential palace in Abu Dhabi's Al Ras Al Akhdar district offers visitors a glimpse into the UAE's governance and cultural heritage. Qasr Al Watan's grand halls feature exquisite craftsmanship, from intricate mosaics to a 12-ton crystal chandelier. The Knowledge Gallery displays rare Islamic manuscripts and historical artifacts, while the Presidential Gifts exhibition showcases remarkable presents received from world leaders. Evening visitors can enjoy a spectacular light and sound show that brings the palace's architecture to life. TeamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Located in Saadiyat Cultural District, this immersive digital art museum by the renowned TeamLab collective transforms visitors into part of the artwork. Spanning 17,000 square meters, the space features ever-changing installations that respond to human interaction, such as the mesmerizing Wind Form tunnel and the gravity-defying Biocosmos. Each visit offers a unique experience as the artworks evolve in real-time. The museum's cutting-edge technology and dreamlike environments make it a must-see for art and tech enthusiasts alike. Al Shindagha Museum and Perfume House, Dubai Nestled in Dubai's historic Al Shindagha neighborhood along the Creek, this museum complex tells the story of Dubai's transformation from a fishing village to a global city. The Perfume House is a standout attraction, tracing the history of Emirati fragrance traditions and displaying rare ingredients like oud and ambergris. Other exhibits explore pearl diving, traditional architecture, and the ruling family's legacy. The beautifully restored heritage buildings and multimedia presentations provide a rich, sensory journey through time. Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, Sharjah Housed in a converted souk with a striking golden dome on Sharjah's Corniche, this museum offers a comprehensive look at Islamic achievements across centuries. Its galleries display over 5,000 artifacts including scientific instruments, textiles, and ceramics that demonstrate Islam's contributions to fields like astronomy and medicine. The Islamic Faith Gallery contains significant religious objects, while the Abu Bakr Gallery of Islamic Coins features rare currency from throughout the Muslim world. The museum's central location makes it easy to combine with other cultural sites in Sharjah. Mleiha Archaeological Centre, Sharjah Set against a dramatic desert landscape, the Mleiha Archaeological Centre introduces visitors to the UAE's ancient past through interactive exhibits and outdoor sites. The museum displays artifacts from the region's Bronze and Iron Ages, including jewelry, weapons, and the famous 130,000-year-old stone tool. Visitors can join guided tours to nearby archaeological sites like the Umm Al Nar tombs or try their hand at fossil hunting. The center's modern architecture blends seamlessly with the surrounding dunes, creating a striking contrast between past and present. Al Jahili Fort, Al Ain One of the UAE's most important historical sites, Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain dates back to the late 19th century and is surrounded by lush date palm groves. The fort's massive walls and distinctive circular towers showcase traditional Emirati military architecture. Inside, exhibits highlight the adventures of British explorer Wilfred Thesiger and his Bedouin guides in the Rub' al Khali desert. The peaceful gardens and regular cultural events make Al Jahili a favorite among history buffs and photographers. Buhais Geological Park, Sharjah This unique museum in Sharjah's desert focuses on the region's fascinating geological history, revealed through its dramatic, fossil-inspired architecture. Exhibits explain how the area was once an ocean floor, displaying 93-million-year-old rock formations and marine fossils. Interactive displays and a 'time tunnel' take visitors on a journey through the Earth's evolution. The surrounding landscape offers hiking trails with panoramic views of the Hajar Mountains and opportunities for fossil hunting. Jumeirah Archaeological Site, Dubai Tucked away in Dubai's Jumeirah residential area, this often-overlooked site preserves remains from an important Abbasid-era settlement. The small museum displays artifacts excavated from the site, including pottery, coins, and jewelry that testify to Dubai's early trading connections. Outdoor panels explain the layout of the ancient town, which included a mosque, houses, and a caravanserai. The site provides a quiet, educational break from the city's modern bustle. Saruq Al Hadid Archaeology Museum, Dubai Located in the historic Shindagha district, this museum showcases finds from an important Iron Age metallurgy center discovered in Dubai's desert. The collection includes intricately crafted gold jewelry, bronze weapons, and hundreds of mysterious snake-shaped objects whose purpose remains unclear. Interactive screens allow visitors to virtually 'excavate' the site, while life-size dioramas recreate ancient metalworking techniques. The museum's modern design cleverly incorporates elements from the archaeological finds. Al Mahatta Museum, Sharjah As the site of the Gulf's first airport (opened in 1932), this museum in central Sharjah offers a nostalgic look at early aviation history. The original terminal building houses exhibits about the pioneering flights that connected Britain with India, complete with vintage luggage and passenger memorabilia. Outside, visitors can explore restored aircraft including a 1940s Douglas DC-3. The preserved control tower provides panoramic views of modern Sharjah's skyline. Off-Road History Museum, Sharjah This unexpected treasure in the Sharjah desert houses Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan's private collection of over 200 vintage vehicles. The massive hangars display rows of classic Land Rovers, rare American muscle cars, and quirky custom vehicles like the famous 'Pyramid Car.' Informative panels trace the history of off-road driving in the region, while the surrounding dunes make a picturesque backdrop for photos. The museum's remote location adds to its adventurous appeal. From ancient forts to futuristic wonderlands, the UAE's museums offer endless opportunities for discovery—perfect for beating the summer heat while expanding your horizons. Each institution tells a unique part of the nation's story, making them essential stops for both residents and visitors alike. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Pinterest
Hindustan Times
12-07-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Book review: Sonia Rafeek's The House of Girls is a novel within a novel based in Dubai's Gold Souk, in 1959!
What happens when a book arrives at your doorstep, written in your name, but not by you? In The House of Girls, Sonia Rafeek spins a layered, metafictional tale where fiction and reality blur, and forgotten women step into the light. Translated from Malayalam into English by Ministhy S, the novel follows Nazia Hassan — a Malayali woman living and working as a hospital receptionist in Dubai — who receives a mysterious book, Bait Al Banat (House of Girls), authored under her name. A cover of The House of Girls, written by Sonia Rafeek, translated in English by Ministhy S. The mystery of who wrote the book is central, but it's not the only intrigue here. As Nazia begins reading, the reader too is drawn into the parallel world of Mariam, Soraiyya, and Shamsa. Unmarried Muslim women living in Dubai's Gold Souk in 1959, they are forever relegated to the epithet of girls due to their marital status. These characters are loosely centred around the women of the Bait Al Banat Women's Museum in Dubai (UAE). The museum, created to archive and honour Emirati women's contributions, histories, and lived experiences, plays its silent yet present part in the historiographic metafiction. The novel's structure — stories nested within stories — gives readers Nazia's eyes, aligning our curiosity and confusion with hers. However, the non-linear narrative falters, the pacing stutters, and the central mystery stretches longer than necessary. The pay-off, when it comes, just cuts the mark for being emotionally and thematically satisfying. Past and present love encounters inform the book. While lone unmarried women are the centre, they are not stereotyped and the trope is not overused to the point of exhaustion. Decentring the men, these are women whose entanglements with men (platonic, romantic, or filial) aren't romanticised but seen as solid, complex parts of their being. The author captures the nuances of cultural silencing without turning her characters into case studies. The House of Girls isn't a loud novel. It's a quiet reckoning about what women carry, what they inherit, and how they sometimes break the frame to finally be seen. Title: The House of Girls Author: Sonia Rafeek Translator: Ministhy S Publisher: Rupa Publications Price: ₹395 For more, follow HT City Delhi Junction
What's On
20-02-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
9 things to do in Dubai this weekend: February 21 to 23
Alexa what are things to do in Dubai this weekend? There are lots of events in Dubai this weekend, whether it's a music festival, a tea cafe or a motor sport gathering. We've gathered them all here for you to give you some inspiration while you're deciding your weekend plans. Friday, February 21 Be a troublemaker Olly Murs, one of the most successful X Factor alumni, with a roster of pop hits and his charismatic stage presence, is coming to Bla Bla this Friday. Taking over the pool area for a night of alfresco fun on February 21, get ready for an evening deliver an evening of all his best sing-along hits in an open-air party atmosphere. Grab your tickets on for a starting price of Dhs295. Olly Murs, Bla Bla Dubai, JBR, doors open 5pm, Friday February 21, 2025, from Dhs295. @ @blabladubai Visit the Bait Al Banat Women's Museum Located near the Gold Souk in Deira, the Bait Al Banat Women's Museum is all about shining a spotlight on the power of the female in this region. It is a fascinating cultural attraction and offers an insight into the history of Emirati women and their role in the country's development. Exhibits in the museum cover the lives of individual women including artists, activists and scholars via images, interviews, personal items, letters and diaries. There is also an art gallery displaying the work of contemporary female artists from the UAE, with regularly updated exhibitions. Tickets at Dhs20. Bait Al Banat Women's Museum, Deira, Sat to Thurs, 10am to 6pm, Dhs20, @bait_albanat Try a new workout If getting fit is still on your bucket list for this year, or if you're already fit and want to try a new class Reset Fitness in Jumeirah Islands has lots of options to choose from. It's a circuit style class but with different options such as cardio, strength, combat and more. They're super easy to follow with screens at every station, and the trainers are so fun. Reset Fitness, Jumeirah Islands, @ihitreset Saturday, February 22 Decide if four hands are better than two Try a four hands dinner – Social at Waldorf Astoria Palm Jumeirah is hosting a collaboration between Chef Carmine Faravolo and his mentor, Chef Agostino Iacobucci. Mentor and protégé reunite to create an exquisite seven-course tasting that will blend their talents, stories, and Italian roots. Sounds delicious, see more foodie bits for this month here. Social, Waldorf Astoria Palm Jumeirah, Feb 20 to 22, 6.30pm to 10.30pm, Dhs650, @social_dubai Rewind your music taste REWIND Festival, the UK's biggest 80's and 90's music extravaganza, returns to Dubai on Saturday, February 22. Held at Bla Bla Dubai, the event features legendary artists like Tony Hadley (headliner), Midge Ure, The Thompson Twins' Tom Bailey, Tunde (voice of the Lighthouse Family), The Christians, Katrina, Toyah, Tiffany and Disco Inferno. Tickets start at Dhs395, so dust off your retro gear and get ready for a blast from the past. Looking for things to do in Dubai this weekend? This is a good one. REWIND Festival, Bla Bla, The Beach, opposite JBR, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Saturday, February 22, ticket prices from Dhs395 (Dhs345 early bird), over 21s only, Tel: (0)4 584 4111. @blabladubai Don't miss a Motor Show This Saturday, from 2pm to 10pm, the 'Land of Legends' Motor Show returns to RIVERLAND™ Dubai, featuring over 400 jaw-dropping customised cars and motorbikes. Expect to see everything from sportscars and motorbikes to vintage beauties, muscle cars, and JDM, KDM, and SUVs. It's an amazing day out for motor-heads. RIVERLAND™ Dubai, Dubai Parks and Resorts, 2pm to 10pm @dubaiparksresorts Sunday, February 23 Try a new breakfast A new and cool spot opened in Al Wasl last month and we think you'll love it. The Good Moon is a calm and tranquil space to enjoy some delicious food, and the menu celebrates fresh, quality ingredients. Try their breakfast and start the day in the best way, with freshly baked pastries, expertly brewed speciality coffees and signature matcha. Thinking about it is making us hungry. The Good Moon, 416b Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah @thegoodmoondxb Do a pool day Now that the weather is heating up a bit, we think it's about time to get back to the weekend pool days. We have a full guide for the best pool days in Dubai, but Kaimana on J1 Beach is a gorgeous spot for a relaxing day. You can choose to be by the pool, or the beach, their cocktails are delicious and they have lots of food choices for you to nibble on throughout the day too. Kaimana Beach, J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, 12pm to 7pm beach, 12pm to 1am restaurant. @kaimanabeachdubai Try some tea If you're looking for things to do in Dubai this weekend, we have a lovely option for the tea lovers. Dubai's first AVANTCHA Tea Bar is here, and it's more than just tea. Think rare premium teas, tea-infused pastries, matcha drinks, and tea cocktails – all in a sleek, minimalist space. Oh, and there's a Tea Aroma Table for a full-on sensory deep dive. Ready to rethink your tea rituals? AVANTCHA Tea Bar, Kunooz 6th street, Warehouse 19, Al Manara St, Al Quoz 1. Tel: (0)4 338 9114. @avantchatea Have a lovely weekend…
What's On
20-02-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
9 things to do in Dubai this weekend: Feb 21 to 23
Alexa what are things to do in Dubai this weekend? There are lots of events in Dubai this weekend, whether it's a music festival, a tea cafe or a motor sport gathering. We've gathered them all here for you to give you some inspiration while you're deciding your weekend plans. Friday, February 21 Be a troublemaker View this post on Instagram A post shared by Live Nation Middle East (@livenationme) Olly Murs, one of the most successful X Factor alumni, with a roster of pop hits and his charismatic stage presence, is coming to Bla Bla this Friday. Taking over the pool area for a night of alfresco fun on February 21, get ready for an evening deliver an evening of all his best sing-along hits in an open-air party atmosphere. Grab your tickets on for a starting price of Dhs295. Olly Murs, Bla Bla Dubai, JBR, doors open 5pm, Friday February 21, 2025, from Dhs295. @ @blabladubai Visit the Bait Al Banat Women's Museum View this post on Instagram A post shared by deema_fahad (@deema_fahad) Located near the Gold Souk in Deira, the Bait Al Banat Women's Museum is all about shining a spotlight on the power of the female in this region. It is a fascinating cultural attraction and offers an insight into the history of Emirati women and their role in the country's development. Exhibits in the museum cover the lives of individual women including artists, activists and scholars via images, interviews, personal items, letters and diaries. There is also an art gallery displaying the work of contemporary female artists from the UAE, with regularly updated exhibitions. Tickets at Dhs20. Bait Al Banat Women's Museum, Deira, Sat to Thurs, 10am to 6pm, Dhs20, @bait_albanat Try a new workout View this post on Instagram A post shared by Reset Fitness (@ihitreset) If getting fit is still on your bucket list for this year, or if you're already fit and want to try a new class Reset Fitness in Jumeirah Islands has lots of options to choose from. It's a circuit style class but with different options such as cardio, strength, combat and more. They're super easy to follow with screens at every station, and the trainers are so fun. Reset Fitness, Jumeirah Islands, @ihitreset Saturday, February 22 Decide if four hands are better than two View this post on Instagram A post shared by Social Dubai (@social_dubai) Try a four hands dinner – Social at Waldorf Astoria Palm Jumeirah is hosting a collaboration between Chef Carmine Faravolo and his mentor, Chef Agostino Iacobucci. Mentor and protégé reunite to create an exquisite seven-course tasting that will blend their talents, stories, and Italian roots. Sounds delicious, see more foodie bits for this month here. Social, Waldorf Astoria Palm Jumeirah, Feb 20 to 22, 6.30pm to 10.30pm, Dhs650, @social_dubai Rewind your music taste View this post on Instagram A post shared by Live Nation Middle East (@livenationme) REWIND Festival, the UK's biggest 80's and 90's music extravaganza, returns to Dubai on Saturday, February 22. Held at Bla Bla Dubai, the event features legendary artists like Tony Hadley (headliner), Midge Ure, The Thompson Twins' Tom Bailey, Tunde (voice of the Lighthouse Family), The Christians, Katrina, Toyah, Tiffany and Disco Inferno. Tickets start at Dhs395, so dust off your retro gear and get ready for a blast from the past. Looking for things to do in Dubai this weekend? This is a good one. REWIND Festival, Bla Bla, The Beach, opposite JBR, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Saturday, February 22, ticket prices from Dhs395 (Dhs345 early bird), over 21s only, Tel: (0)4 584 4111. @blabladubai Don't miss a Motor Show View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dubai Parks and Resorts (@dubaiparksresorts) This Saturday, from 2pm to 10pm, the 'Land of Legends' Motor Show returns to RIVERLAND™ Dubai, featuring over 400 jaw-dropping customised cars and motorbikes. Expect to see everything from sportscars and motorbikes to vintage beauties, muscle cars, and JDM, KDM, and SUVs. It's an amazing day out for motor-heads. RIVERLAND™ Dubai, Dubai Parks and Resorts, 2pm to 10pm @dubaiparksresorts Sunday, February 23 Try a new breakfast View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Good Moon (@thegoodmoondxb) A new and cool spot opened in Al Wasl last month and we think you'll love it. The Good Moon is a calm and tranquil space to enjoy some delicious food, and the menu celebrates fresh, quality ingredients. Try their breakfast and start the day in the best way, with freshly baked pastries, expertly brewed speciality coffees and signature matcha. Thinking about it is making us hungry. The Good Moon, 416b Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah @thegoodmoondxb Do a pool day View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kaimana Beach (@kaimanabeachdubai) Now that the weather is heating up a bit, we think it's about time to get back to the weekend pool days. We have a full guide for the best pool days in Dubai, but Kaimana on J1 Beach is a gorgeous spot for a relaxing day. You can choose to be by the pool, or the beach, their cocktails are delicious and they have lots of food choices for you to nibble on throughout the day too. Kaimana Beach, J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, 12pm to 7pm beach, 12pm to 1am restaurant. @kaimanabeachdubai Try some tea View this post on Instagram A post shared by What's On Dubai (@whatsondubai) If you're looking for things to do in Dubai this weekend, we have a lovely option for the tea lovers. Dubai's first AVANTCHA Tea Bar is here, and it's more than just tea. Think rare premium teas, tea-infused pastries, matcha drinks, and tea cocktails – all in a sleek, minimalist space. Oh, and there's a Tea Aroma Table for a full-on sensory deep dive. Ready to rethink your tea rituals? AVANTCHA Tea Bar, Kunooz 6th street, Warehouse 19, Al Manara St, Al Quoz 1. Tel: (0)4 338 9114. @avantchatea Have a lovely weekend…
