The Dubai Heritage Village
The Dubai Heritage Village
3.5
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
About
Located in the Shindagha near the creek’s mouth, the Dubai Heritage Village (Hatta Village) provides a glimpse into Dubai’s traditional culture and lifestyle, including Emirate’s maritime history, pearl diving traditions and architecture. Displays include a tented Bedouin village, ancient armory, wooden chests and cooking utensils.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area
Neighbourhood: Al Fahidi
How to get there
- Al Ras • 4 min walk
- Al Ghubaiba • 7 min walk
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Attractions
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
3.5
430 reviews
Excellent
115
Very good
143
Average
87
Poor
53
Terrible
32
Broaders
Dubai, United Arab Emirates33 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
The Heritage Village gives a peek into life within the region before modern development. The vilage actually includes part of the original Rulers Palace. There are attractions such as traditional cooking demonstrations and pottery making, dhow building and others. As usual with all such venues, the village is a little commercial and "touristy" but, if you are only visiting Dubai for a few days, it does provide an interesting insight into the Dubai of before.
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karl P
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam76 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
This is one of the most innovative museum displays I ve seen, very cleverly arranged. It is vast covering 23 buildings, has a small coffee shop somewhere around buiding 8. Aircon is very cool throughout, good wheel chair access. A bit convoluted to navigate but there are secuty guides/ guards who are there to show you the way, ask if they dont approach you first. The content is beautifully presented and shows the culture and history of Dubai. The glass fronted ticket office provided cool respite from the heat and is around 80m from the lifts down to the metro station. The water front and souk are nearby.
Written 28 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charlotte D
26 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
Dubai Creek Heritage Village is a hidden gem nestled amidst the modern skyline of Dubai. Stepping into this cultural oasis feels like traveling back in time to the roots of Emirati heritage. The village offers a captivating glimpse into traditional Emirati life, with beautifully preserved buildings, bustling souks, and authentic cultural experiences. From exploring the historical exhibits to witnessing traditional crafts being practiced, every corner of the village is steeped in history and charm. The waterfront location adds to the ambiance, providing a picturesque backdrop for leisurely strolls along the creek. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, Dubai Creek Heritage Village offers a delightful journey into the rich tapestry of Emirati culture.
Written 12 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mirela
3 contributions
Apr 2019
although i used to live in Dubai for few years before, i never went to the heritage village until this trip... was pleasantly surprised. felt like going back to the times the locals were living simpler lives, handcrafting beautiful artisanal pieces and sipping coffee...
Written 6 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nomad19470970825
3 contributions
Apr 2023 • Business
Take an immersive walk and explore some of the hidden cultural gems as you meander through the winding alleys with mud and gypsum walls with corals and sea shells that keep the Al Fahidi historical neighbourhood cool even during the summer months. Some of the interesting ones to take you down the nostalgia lane are the Dubai museum, coin museum, dagger museum, coffee museum and the traditional Emirati house. In the earlier days, the Sheikhs families crushed the mother of pearls as the sunlight would reflect on them, making it easy for fishermen to find their way back to the harbour. You can also book a Cultural lunch or dinner with the local people here, while you interact with them and know about their Bedouin roots. End your walk with the Bur Dubai Spice market and a stroll through the Old Souk where you can unearth some real treasures and souvenirs at throwaway prices to take back home.
Written 23 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
headcase10
82 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
We didn't leave long enough to fully explore the heritage village and only managed about three or four buildings.
The village gives a history of Dubai and the opportunity to visit the original home of the Dubai Royal Family.
The many buildings focus on important aspects of the history of Dubai with each building being a specific museum to each aspect.
The houses are interactive, the staff are extremely knowledgeable and welcoming.
Really enjoyed our visit, disappointed we under estimated the time needed to fully experience it.
The village gives a history of Dubai and the opportunity to visit the original home of the Dubai Royal Family.
The many buildings focus on important aspects of the history of Dubai with each building being a specific museum to each aspect.
The houses are interactive, the staff are extremely knowledgeable and welcoming.
Really enjoyed our visit, disappointed we under estimated the time needed to fully experience it.
Written 28 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dr Javed Rasheed
Chennai (Madras), India3,878 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
Every city has an ancient past and some have maintained their heritage, culture, customs, traditions, architecture that’s typically a part of their past. As an avid traveller who loves Islamic Architecture and old heritage structures, museums, libraries and antiques this place really fascinated me !! I first visited Dubai in October 1985 and have visited it quite often since then almost 4 times a year and watch it gradually develop since almost a quarter century with amazing skyscrapers, malls and even the tallest tower in the world ! But I still like to go to get a glimpse into how traditional Dubai was like as you visit the Dubai Heritage Village. Also known as Hatta Village, it is all about mud houses, palm leaves, traditional Dubai lifestyle and a mountain rural setting in an oasis. The old world charm of the Dubai Heritage Village will surely fascinate you. The place boasts of mosques dating back to 200 years !! It’s a place that one cannot miss especially if one is a lover of heritage structures and old architecture !!
Dr.Javed Rasheed
Dr.Javed Rasheed
Written 27 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert O
Rotterdam, The Netherlands6,458 contributions
Jan 2023
Created in 1997 after most of traditional Dubai had already been demolished to make way for skyscrapers and modern apartment blocks. The heritage village is not like Disney land, but sometimes feels a bit like it. The purpose of the place is to acquaint foreign visitors with old traditions of Dubai (what kind of food people ate, the boats they built, pottery they made, in what kind of houses or shelters they lived, their cultural expression etc.).
Worth a visit if you are interested in what Dubai was like before the big transition.
Located north of Ghubaiba metro station along the creek.
Worth a visit if you are interested in what Dubai was like before the big transition.
Located north of Ghubaiba metro station along the creek.
Written 17 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Doug B
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States642 contributions
Nov 2017 • Couples
We spent a lot of effort taking the metro to get to this place, only to discover it is closed due to extensive construction in the area. There is no signage to indicate that fact until you arrive--after some arduous walking through the construction.
Written 21 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sahar Palmer
Dubai, United Arab Emirates24 contributions
Nov 2016 • Family
The creek is probably as it ever was in times long gone. However, the Dhow cargo ships ARE still actively sailing through the creek, carrying cargo as they did in the past.
The creek and heritage village are truly charming, but no in the summer- it is almost too hot to enjoy anything. Heritage village is best in the cooler months, November to April. You can walk around, sit by the creek, right by the water, watch the activities, then stroll down cross the creek on a water taxi, and walk around the spice market- a true Aladdin's treasure. Then have lunch, or afternoon tea, by the creek café once you disembark form the water taxi.
If you have more time, you can walk around the old houses, homes to the founders of Dubai, walk into the houses, and see how the people lived. The houses have been resorted really well.
There are many local museums to discover too. I really enjoyed the private Museum Crossroad of Civilizations, which is housed in Sheik Hashr Al Maktoum. The entrance fee may seem steep in comparison to governmental run museums, however, I found that it is well worth it. The owner is often there himself. He is very friendly, and his enthusiasm is catchy!
They have a wonderful gift shop, and large courtyard where you can sit and leisurely sip your coffee or tea. Recently, the owner expanded his museum to include Historical documents and books, and new galleries, and of course the Ancient weaponry Museum.
I was thrilled to see music written by Beethoven, for example, and collection of rocks from the Holy land, where Virgin Mary stood and Jesus! The galleries are well lit and you can browse at leisure.
The whole of heritage village deserves a day. But if you arrive in the summer, the sun is scorching, it seems deserted, and there is not a shade in sight- except to wonder into the museums!
The creek and heritage village are truly charming, but no in the summer- it is almost too hot to enjoy anything. Heritage village is best in the cooler months, November to April. You can walk around, sit by the creek, right by the water, watch the activities, then stroll down cross the creek on a water taxi, and walk around the spice market- a true Aladdin's treasure. Then have lunch, or afternoon tea, by the creek café once you disembark form the water taxi.
If you have more time, you can walk around the old houses, homes to the founders of Dubai, walk into the houses, and see how the people lived. The houses have been resorted really well.
There are many local museums to discover too. I really enjoyed the private Museum Crossroad of Civilizations, which is housed in Sheik Hashr Al Maktoum. The entrance fee may seem steep in comparison to governmental run museums, however, I found that it is well worth it. The owner is often there himself. He is very friendly, and his enthusiasm is catchy!
They have a wonderful gift shop, and large courtyard where you can sit and leisurely sip your coffee or tea. Recently, the owner expanded his museum to include Historical documents and books, and new galleries, and of course the Ancient weaponry Museum.
I was thrilled to see music written by Beethoven, for example, and collection of rocks from the Holy land, where Virgin Mary stood and Jesus! The galleries are well lit and you can browse at leisure.
The whole of heritage village deserves a day. But if you arrive in the summer, the sun is scorching, it seems deserted, and there is not a shade in sight- except to wonder into the museums!
Written 22 November 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi. Could you please tell me if the Dubai Heritage Village is in the same are as Al Fahadi Fort? It seems to be two different metro stations?
Thank you. Best regards, Wivian
Written 26 September 2019
Is it cheap for souvenirs in Dubai. Looking for kids bags and tee shirts and odd tourist gift for adults
Written 31 January 2018
Hello, wanted to confirm : is this place shut down currently? I am visiting Dubai next week. Would help if I know .. I can skip this from my itinerary then. Thanks.
Written 24 September 2017
No. It has restaurants and shops but not a market.
Written 22 May 2016
I would like to know what are the hours of operation for this site.
Is there a website with additional information?
Is there a snack shop or restaurant on site, where one can purchase refreshments?
Thank you
Written 14 January 2015
l found the Heritage village extremelt disappointing . The day l went no one was around and the shops were very commercilised and full of not good qualitiy goods . Shops in the area is expensive also . This was the only attraction in Dubai that l was disappointed in . If you go to the museum go behind the mosque situated nearby and you will find one of the orginal bazzars with much better priced and better quality crafts .
Written 15 January 2015
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