Closed since 2021 for a major rehabilitation project, the historic fort that houses the Dubai Museum is preparing to welcome visitors back to Old Dubai.
Dubai is a city that loves the new, but it is the old stories that give it depth. Few places hold those stories quite like Al Fahidi Fort, the heritage landmark in Bur Dubai that many residents know simply as the Dubai Museum. Following years of closure, the historic fort is now preparing to reopen, marking the return of one of the emirate’s most important cultural touchpoints.
The update comes after Dubai Culture and the official Al Fahidi Fort account shared a teaser on Instagram, signalling that the restoration is nearing completion. The post also underlined the site’s significance, stating: “Al Fahidi Fort was built in 1787, the oldest standing building in Dubai. Originally constructed as a defensive fort, it later became the city’s first museum, sharing stories of Dubai’s history across time. Following a comprehensive restoration project, the fort continues to stand proudly at the heart of the historic neighbourhood, bearing witness to Dubai’s transformation over the years.”
Built in 1787, Al Fahidi Fort is widely cited as Dubai’s oldest surviving building, and it has served multiple roles across the centuries. Long before it became a museum, it was a protective stronghold and a symbol of the city’s early settlement. The Dubai Museum later opened inside the fort in 1971, offering a window into life before the rapid modernisation of the oil era.
The fort has been closed since 2021 as part of a large-scale rehabilitation programme led by Dubai Culture, launched to preserve the structure and enhance the visitor experience. The project was formally announced when the site was temporarily closed for renovation work, with the aim of safeguarding a key piece of Dubai’s heritage.
While an exact reopening date has not yet been confirmed, multiple recent updates indicate it is “reopening soon”, with more details expected to follow. For now, Visit Dubai notes that the site remains closed and can currently be viewed from the outside.
Whether you are revisiting childhood memories of school trips or finally ticking off a must-see from your Dubai list, Al Fahidi Fort’s return is one to keep firmly on your radar.
GO: Visit www.visitdubai.com for more information.