The Sharjah Maritime Museum offers a fascinating journey into maritime culture and the historical importance of the sea in the UAE. Run by the Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA), the museum first opened in 2003 in the Heritage Area but was later moved to a new location in the Al Khan area, reopening in July 2009.
The sea has long been central to Sharjah’s growth and was a major factor in the first settlements here over 6,000 years ago. Through interactive exhibits, historical artefacts, and captivating displays, the museum provides an engaging way to delve into the region’s marine history and heritage, showcasing diverse aspects of local sea-related life, such as boat-building, fishing, pearl diving, and trading.
Visitors can have a look at dhows, traditional wooden boats once used by Arab and Indian traders along African and Middle Eastern coasts; these ships are recognised for their triangular sails and distinct hulls. A standout exhibit is a life-size, fully equipped replica of the Sama’a, a type of pearling boat commonly found in the northern Gulf, which could carry crews of 50-60 people or more. This exhibit is accompanied by interactive displays that let the visitors experience life aboard. Displayed are also other items related to seafaring, such as ancient maps, navigation tools, and wooden pulley blocks used to raise and lower sails.
The museum also offers insight into Sharjah’s pearling industry, which was once crucial to the local economy. Visitors can learn how pearls were collected, measured, and weighed; one interactive exhibit, which is projected onto a table with push buttons, allows guests to explore trade routes. On view are beautiful authentic Arabian pearls, including one of the oldest pearls known in the world: it is estimated to be around 7,000 years old.
The Sharjah Maritime Museum is open Saturday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and on Fridays from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Admission fees are 5.00 AED for children aged 2 to 12 and 10.00 AED for adults aged 13 and above. Children under 2 enjoy free entry.
To get more information about the museum, please go to its official web page.
In addition, those who want to learn even more about the history and heritage of pearl diving in the Emirates should definitely visit the Bait Al Naboodah Museum in Sharjah and the breathtaking Dubai Pearl Museum. We also recommend that you attend the Saruq Al Hadid Archaeology Museum.
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