National cultural map

The fort is the oldest standing building in Dubai, constructed in 1787 for the defense of the city. It is constructed of coral and shell stones bonded with lime. It served as the residence of the ruler, a prison, an arsenal for weaponary and a governing center for the city before becoming the first museum to open in the city in 1971. Al Fahidi Fort, Serving as a defensive structure and guardian over Old Dubai, is currenlty undergoing rehabiliation works and will open to the public in 2026 with a new experience that connects visitors to Dubai’s past and offers insights into the fascinating history of defensive architecture in the UAE. Drawing inspiration from this legacy, the revitalisation of the fort will see it reimagined as a world-class museum, built on careful scholarship and housing an internationally significant collection. Harnessing the power of place, it will ensure that Al Fahidi Fort remains a landmark and a beacon for Dubai far into the future.