Heritage Village Dubai
Heritage Village Dubai is a cultural attraction that showcases the traditional lifestyle and customs of the United Arab Emirates. The village is located in the heart of Dubai and provides visitors with a glimpse into the history and heritage of the region. This popular tourist destination features a variety of activities and exhibits that are designed to educate visitors about the culture, art, and architecture of the UAE.
History of Heritage Village
Established in 1997, the Heritage Village offers a glimpse into the centuries-old lifestyle of the Arabs. Here, you would get to see restored tents & stone structures, invoking a feeling of bygone Dubai. Explore the age-old farming methods and the famed handicraft-making, like pots, jewelry, and utensils. You can also collect souvenirs from here that will ensure that a piece of Dubai’s history will always be there with you.
Things to See at Heritage Village
The refurbished village, located in an almost 3,000-year-old town in the lap of the Hajar Mountains, has a number of attractions to you well & truly engaged for a large part of the day. The historic fortress here has a traditional reception room – the Majlis – that has a large courtyard for village folks to gather, lined with palm trees. The fortress also has several fortifications & other ancient items of protection.
Some of the eye-catching displays at the Heritage Village are:
- Bait Al Wali
This used to be the living quarters of the local dictator in historic days. Besides living rooms, there are watchtowers here and also a mosque. Walk up to the top of the towers and be rewarded with excellent views of the mountains & countryside.
- The Museums
There are a few museums inside the village. While none of them are very big, they are replete with a wide range of items that are reflective of ancient Emirati culture & way of life. Items like fishing & pearl gathering boats, weapons, musical instruments, cutlery & crockery, clothes, artworks, handicrafts, and more. It’s a visual journey to the days gone by and would teach you a lot about Dubai’s rich cultural heritage.
- Al Sharia Place
Close to the Heritage Village, lies the Al Sharia Place – a palm tree plantation. This place thrived on a highly developed underground irrigation scheme, known as the falaj system. By making intelligent use of this system, ancient Emiratis grew this plantation even though rainfall is spare here.
- Al Barza
Once you are done with the viewing & exploring, come to nearby Al Barza. There are cafes here where you can savor traditional Arabian exquisite coffee & dates. Enjoy the break as you give your tired legs some rest.
- Camping & Kayaking
The location adjoining the Village – in the vicinity of the Hajar Mountains – offers camping opportunities. Outdoor enthusiasts would surely grab this opportunity. A night spent in such a beautiful location would bring about a feeling of serenity in you. Water sports lovers can also indulge in some kayaking activities here. The Hatta Lake also makes for some stunning viewing. You may also indulge in some ziplining & mountain biking, facilitated by the Wadi Club of Hatta. You can also go for the Hatta mountain trip that will take you through these places.
Entry Fee to Heritage Village
Entry to the village is free. So, you don’t need to buy a ticket. However, the food and/or beverages that you would consume inside are chargeable.
Timings & Location of Heritage Village
- Saturday – Thursday: 7:30 am to 8:30 pm;
- Friday: 2:30 pm to 8:30 pm
The Heritage Village is located in the Hatta area in the Hajar Mountains district. This place is around 150 km from Dubai. You can book a rented vehicle from Dubai & reach the village easily.
If you plan to take a self-driven rented vehicle, then,
- Take the Sharjah-Kalba Road from Dubai
- Keep going south till you reach the main roundabout
- Continue for 3 km till you take a left at the designated signboard
Your car’s GPS mechanism will act as a perfect guide so that there is no scope for any confusion.
Points to Keep in Mind
- The village is located near Dubai Creek and provides stunning views of the surrounding area.
- The village hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year, including the Dubai Shopping Festival and the Dubai Food Festival.
- The village is a great place to learn about the Bedouin culture, which is an important part of the UAE’s history and heritage.
- The best time to visit the museum would be between September and March as the summer months can be quite challenging owing to the heat.
- Not many eateries are located here, apart from cafes offering only coffee and dates. So, if you are keen on something more wholesome, carry some snacks with you.
- There are washrooms available here for both genders. The washrooms are cleaned regularly to ensure proper hygiene.
- The information panels are available in both Arabic & English
Conclusion
A visit to the Hatta Heritage Village is a must for those who crave to have a feel of ancient Dubai. You get a peek into the traditional Emirati way of life as it has been for millennia. The old mosque and cemetery, resting places, Governor’s quarters – everything here will make you feel as if you have boarded a time machine & gone back several hundred years. Make the most of this opportunity.
