Museum of Islamic Civilization

متحف الحضارة الإسلامية

A world-class museum housed in the restored Al Midfa Fort showcasing Islamic art, calligraphy, manuscripts, and artifacts spanning centuries of Islamic heritage. This is essential for understanding the region's cultural roots and the sophistication of Islamic civilization.

Things to do

• Explore the Calligraphy Gallery — Admire intricately hand-written Quranic verses and Islamic manuscripts demonstrating the sophisticated art of Arabic calligraphy across different periods and regional styles.
• View the Armor and Weaponry Collection — Examine ornately decorated swords, shields, and helmets from the Islamic Golden Age, showcasing both craftsmanship and the martial heritage of the region.
• Study the Ceramic and Glass Artifacts — Observe exquisite glazed pottery, glass vessels, and decorative pieces from Persia, Damascus, and Al-Andalus that demonstrate advanced Islamic manufacturing techniques.
• Tour Al Midfa Fort Architecture — Walk through the restored 18th-century fort structure itself, which exemplifies traditional Emirati defensive architecture and serves as the museum's remarkable setting.
• Examine the Numismatic Collection — Study historical Islamic coins and currency from different dynasties, revealing trade routes, rulers, and the economic sophistication of past Islamic societies.
• Attend a Manuscript Conservation Workshop — Participate in specialized demonstrations showing how museum conservators preserve and restore centuries-old manuscripts and fragile historical documents.

Food to try

• Emirati Zarook — Savor this traditional baked pastry filled with dates and spices, reflecting the culinary heritage of the Emirates and commonly available in the museum café.
• Camel Meat Cuisine — Try local camel meat dishes prepared in traditional Emirati style, a protein central to the region's nomadic heritage and cultural identity.
• Luqaimat with Date Syrup — Enjoy these sweet fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup and sprinkled with sesame seeds, a popular Emirati dessert served in the museum facilities.
• Arabic Coffee and Dates — Participate in the traditional Emirati hospitality ritual of drinking strong, cardamom-infused Arabic coffee paired with fresh or stuffed dates.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress Modestly — Wear long pants or skirts and cover your shoulders out of respect for the sacred Islamic heritage being displayed and the local cultural norms.
• Remove Shoes in Certain Galleries — Be prepared to remove footwear when entering specific sections housing particularly sacred or delicate religious manuscripts and artifacts.
• Observe Prayer Times — The museum may have limited hours or sections closed during the five daily Islamic prayer times, so plan your visit accordingly.
• Photography Restrictions in Sacred Sections — Ask permission before photographing, as certain galleries containing Quranic manuscripts or religious artifacts may prohibit photography out of reverence.