Get your fill of culture, art and history on International Museum Day - for free in the UAE
TAARIQ HALIM (ABU DHABI)Sunday, May 18, is International Museum Day.And museums around the UAE are inviting you to experience all the history, culture and art they have on offer - for free.So, if you haven't gotten around to (or never had the budget) to visit the marvellous museums of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, this Heritage Weekend is your chance.And you'll beat the heat with this fun, indoor family activity.If the magnificent Louvre Abu Dhabi has been on your to-do list, now's the time to go. On Saturday, 18 May, all UAE residents can enjoy free entry; just produce your valid Emirates ID and prepare to be awe-struck one of the most iconic art collections in the world, here on Saadiyat Island.If you're in Dubai this weekend, Expo 2020 Dubai Museum and Garden in the Sky are opening their doors for free access on May 17 and 18. The museum is open from 10am to 8pm, while Garden in the Sky welcomes visitors from 2pm to 10pm.A number of museums around the UAE offer free entry year-round in a bid to promote cultural learning and curiosity, and encourage the residents to interact with fruitful exploration. In Abu Dhabi, Manarat Al Saadiyat, the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, Abu Dhabi's Heritage Village and the Miraj Islamic Art Centre are excellent options. In Dubai, Jameel Arts Centre is one of the best free sites to visit, as well as the Coffee Museum and the Dubai Police Museum.Al Oqaili House, the home of Saudi-born poet Mubarak bin Hamad Al Oqaili, is a beautiful heritage property dating back to 1923, and now stands as a museum on the edge of Deira's Spice Souk. The home of one of the most important Arabic classical poets in history, the structure was built from coral, stone, plaster, sandalwood, teakwood and the fronds and trunks of palm trees.In Sharjah, the Sharjah Art Museum is a hotspot for culture and heritage.Here is a list of all the centres you can visit for free this International Museum Day:Abu Dhabi· Manarat Al Saadiyat – A vibrant art and cultural hub· Cultural Foundation – presents exhibitions and shows· Bassam Freiha Art Foundation – Impressive private collection open to the public· Heritage Village – Step back in time to the ancient Emirates· Miraj Islamic Art Centre – A showcase of art from the Islamic worldDubai· Jameel Arts Centre – Contemporary art by the waterfront· Coffee Museum – A journey through coffee culture· Dubai Police Museum – Requires a permit (apply via Dubai Police website or app)· Al Oqaili House – A poetic heritage home built in 1923, nestled in Deira's Spice SoukSharjah
· Sharjah Art Museum – Cornerstone of the region's art scene with rotating exhibitions
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