Emirates Heritage Village Guide - Abu Dhabi

Emirates Heritage Village Guide - Abu Dhabi

The Emirates Heritage Village is the cultural heart of Abu Dhabi, and it's main secret. Over there, everybody, even the most skeptical, will be impressed by the country's ability to thrive in harmony with its traditions. The Corniche-located open-air museum, aside from showing off the history, also teaches the local crafts and even the current customs, and hence, it becomes the most appealing location for touring not only the Emirati culture but also the history.

What Is Emirates Heritage Village?

The Emirates Heritage Village is nothing but a replica of a traditional village that is intended to exhibit life in the UAE’s earlier days. It shows the different lifestyles of the Emiratis who inhabited, worked, and traded in desert, coastal, and oasis environments. The village was set up to offer the tourists a lesson in Emirati customs, values, and skills, alongside the cultural identity of the nation being preserved. 

Best Things to Do at Emirates Heritage Village

1. Explore Traditional Emirati Architecture

Bypass the replicas of barasti (palm-leaf) houses, stone dwellings, and desert tents. The presented structures illustrate how the Emiratis managed to live in the harshest environments with the use of natural materials and brilliant design.

2. Watch Live Craft Demonstrations

One of the things that makes the Emirates Heritage Village a must-see is the sight of the craftsmen performing their art. Visitors are allowed to see the making of the following crafts:

• Pottery making
• Weaving and sewing
• Metalworking and tool-making

The live shows bring the spectators closer to the artists who are willing to reveal their skills that have been passed down from one generation to another.

3. Visit the Traditional Souk

An area of the village has been assigned to a small souk where one can choose from a variety of handmade items, spices, jewelry, and local crafts. It is a wonderful opportunity to acquire original Emirati goods and, at the same time, support local craftspeople.

4. Discover the Old Mosque

One can find in the village a mosque that is old-style and typical in architecture. It would be a quiet and very spiritual place for the early Emirati communities.

5. Learn About Pearl Diving

Diving for sea pearls used to be a significant source of revenue for the UAE. The exhibits and the diving tools help to depict the routes divers took and the troubles they went through before the dawn of oil.

6. Enjoy Scenic Views of Abu Dhabi

Emirates Heritage Village is located perfectly for scenic views that encompass both the Abu Dhabi skyline and the Arabian Gulf. The place where the old and the new meet is not only good for sunset photographs but also for taking pictures at any time of the day.

Best Time to Visit Emirates Heritage Village

The best time to visit Emirates Heritage Village is during the cool months from October to April, when it is most comfortable to walk around the open-air village. The early mornings and late afternoons are great times to go, as they are less crowded and the lighting for photos is better.

Visitor Information

Location: Besides Abu Dhabi Corniche, in the vicinity of Marina Mall

Entry Fee: No charge

Opening Hours: Generally open every day (hours may differ during holidays)

Suitable For: Families, culture vultures, history buffs, photographers

Why Visit the Emirates Heritage Village?

Emirates Heritage Village provides an exceptional chance to go back in time and witness the foundations of the Emirati culture. It is an attractive educational, interactive, and visual affair that takes us to the past with the modernity that is Abu Dhabi. No matter if you are a first-time tourist or a frequent flyer, this village of culture will give you a deep perception of the UAE's heritage.