Delma Museum reopens on Dalma Island

Always wanted to learn more about the pearl trade in the UAE? Now’s your chance, as the Delma Museum has just reopened following renovations.

Located 42km off the coast of Abu Dhabi, the museum was once the home of pearl merchant Mohammed bin Jassim Al Muraikhi.

Inside, you’ll be able to learn more about the house itself, the pearl trade, and daily life on the island more than a century ago, through a collection of objects.

Delma Museum also features a majlis, several date presses, and a traditional badkesh or windcatcher, which cools down the majlis.

His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said, “Conserving and reopening Delma Museum is an important milestone in our cultural strategy for the emirate and part of our mission at DCT Abu Dhabi to preserve our cultural and historical heritage, fostering pride in our national identity and sharing Abu Dhabi’s story with the world.

“The museum will be a valuable and engaging attraction for visitors, residents and anyone who would like to learn more about Abu Dhabi’s rich and diverse history. It introduces previously unheard tales from our ancient past and shows how our ancestors lived through a collection of artefacts that delves into the rich maritime traditions and intangible heritage practices which have defined the emirate’s development.”

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To visit Delma Museum, you’ll need to hop aboard the water ferry from Al Dhana.

The journey takes two hours, and there are two departures per day – at 7am and 1pm. The return leg of the trip sets off from Delma Island at 10am and 4pm.

Tickets are priced at Dhs20 for adults, and are free for kids under the age of 12. You can take your car on the ferry for an additional Dhs100.

You can book through the Abu Dhabi Maritime website here.

delmamuseum.ae.