The UAE has advanced in leaps and bounds since its formation in 1971 and has a rich history dating back hundreds of years before its official recognition. Now, the brand new Museum Hub which opened last night at Souk Al Marfa will allow visitors to learn about the country’s unique heritage.
Founder of Museum Hub, Emirati Naser Sulaiman said that for over 25 years, he has been collecting a wide range of artifacts and antiques as he hopes “to educate and inspire expats, tourists and the younger generation about the heritage of the UAE and the advancements it has made in the past 50 years”
“travel back in time to learn about the rich history of the UAE. Here, we are providing an opportunity for the younger generation, expats and tourists to get a glimpse of the pre-millennium lifestyle and the unique heritage of the UAE. Museum Hub contains over Dh100 million worth of hand-collected antiques and medical instruments dating back between 40 and 200 years old or more, available for both observing and purchasing.” Says Sulaiman.
The antiques have been put on display for the first time by Sulaiman. The museum is divided into 50 booths or ‘museums’ which display collections of these rare objects of artistic, cultural, historic and scientific importance with some items dating back 200 years. Each booth has been assigned a specific theme such as the Sewing Machine Museum where old brands such as Singer, Brother and Yazima can be found. Other booths that visitors can observe are the jewellery museum, pearl museum, furniture museum, tea and coffee museum as well as bakery, chocolate and confectionary museum. One collection that he is proud of is his agal and ghutra collection.
“We are excited to be bringing residents and visitors the opportunity to observe multiple collections of the country’s most historical advancements under one roof. We look forward to welcoming visitors and providing a unique experience to all.” Says Muath Abdulqader Alrais, General Manager at Souk Al Marfa.
Museum Hub opening hours and free transport
The Museum Hub is free to enter and is open Sunday to Thursday from 12pm until 12 midnight, 2pm until 2am on Fridays and from 12pm to 2am on Saturdays.
There are 4,000 parking spots at Souk Al Marfa as well as free buses from the Gold Souk daily from 6am to 11pm in addition to a newly opened abra and ferry service connecting Souk Al Marfa to Dubai Old Souq, Deira Old Souq and Al Ghubaiba.
Ice cream makers, gramophones and more on the way
Further snapshots of history include tools used in farming and carpentry, incense burners with ornate carvings, old UAE vehicle plate numbers, an old fashioned ice cream maker, vinyl records, and gramophones.
Aside from showcasing a diverse antique collection, there are also handmade paintings of UAE leaders as well as military items such as uniforms and weaponry such as antiquated cannons, bullet cartridges and gun holsters.
“The Hub aims to grow the collection by launching an additional 50 museums by September and 50 every six months after that.” Says Sulaiman.
One can only speculate what the theme of these upcoming museums will be after February saw the opening of a museum focused on the future of the UAE: