Emirates Heritage Village

Emirates Heritage Village Guide

If you want to see what the UAE looked like before the skyscrapers, malls, and glittering highways, a visit to the Emirates Heritage Village is a must. Located in Abu Dhabi near the beautiful Corniche waterfront, this open-air museum is a recreated traditional village that shows how Emirates lived decades ago. From Bedouin tents and old mud houses to weaving workshops and pottery stalls, everything here brings the country’s culture to life in the simplest and most beautiful way.

Families, tourists, history lovers, and even school groups visit the Heritage Village to experience a calm side of the UAE - A world far away from the rush of modern cities. With Captain Dunes, your experience is made more important since our guides can make you learn the story behind every corner.

What You’ll Experience

The visit to the Emirates Heritage Village is like rolling back in time. The mood is lethargic, quiet, and dense in minor details that reveal how it was before oil transformed everything.

• Traditional Bedouin Lifestyle: Explore authentic tents, handmade tools, and camel enclosures that show the nomadic way of life in the desert.
• Old Mud Houses & Wind Towers: Discover how Emiratis kept their homes cool before air-conditioning existed. These wind towers are not just structures; they are a symbol of ancient engineering.
• Craft Workshops: Watch artisans at work as they weave carpets, spin yarn, make pottery, and create metal tools. Many will happily show you how things were done “the old way.”
• Historic Souk: Walk through small stalls selling spices, handmade crafts, perfumes, incense, dates, and souvenirs that reflect true Emirati culture.
• Old Fort & Oasis Area: A shaded palm oasis and traditional fort add to the village’s charm, perfect for photos and quiet moments.
• Small Museum: Inside the heritage museum, you’ll find pearl-diving tools, old jewelry, weapons, fishing equipment, and household items from the early 1900s.

Visitor Essentials

• Location: Near Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi Corniche.
• Timing: Usually open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (times may vary during events)
• Entry Fee: The entry is totally free.
• Best Time to Visit: November to March for pleasant outdoor temperatures.

Nearby Attractions

• Marina Mall: Ideal for food, shopping, and a quick coffee.
• Qasr Al Watan: A stunning presidential palace showcasing the UAE’s culture and craftsmanship.
• Corniche Beach: A relaxing stop for sunset views and long walks.
• Etihad Towers Observation Deck: Enjoy incredible 360° city views just 10 minutes away.

Where to Eat & Stay

Eat: Try local cafés near the Corniche or grab snacks from Marina Mall. For traditional Emirati flavours, restaurants like Al Fanar are close by.

Stay: Hotels like Emirates Palace, InterContinental Abu Dhabi, and Bab Al Qasr are just a short drive away.

Insider Tips

• Visit in the morning to enjoy cool weather and quieter surroundings.
• Don’t forget sunscreen; most areas are outdoors.
• Carry a camera; the mud houses and old fort make beautiful cultural photos.
• Buy handmade items directly from artisans; they’re unique and support local crafts.
• Great for families! Kids love watching pottery and weaving demonstrations.

How to Get There

• By Car: Easy access via Corniche Road, with parking available nearby.
• By Taxi: Taxis are convenient and widely available throughout Abu Dhabi.

We offer seamless transitions, guided tours, and culture as we strive to bring you beneath the exterior of the village.

What Captain Dunes Offers

With Captain Dunes, you turn a visit into a memorable story. Our guides explain about Bedouin culture, the history of pearl-diving, and how the UAE was turned into a world attraction out of the primitive desert life. You will have a worry-free cultural experience as we plan your trip, take care of your transfers, and leave the work to us.

Step Into the Past With Captain Dunes

The Emirates Heritage Village shows the true roots of the UAE: simple, warm, and full of tradition.

Book your heritage tour with Captain Dunes and explore the culture that shaped today’s modern Emirates.