Significance of the Site Set in a spectacular desert landscape, the archaeological site of Saruq Al-Hadid is the jewel in the crown of archaeology in Dubai. Since its dramatic discovery at the start of the 21st century, archaeologists have uncovered evidence of over five thousand years of activity at this remote and mysterious site. Saruq Al-Hadid’s heyday was some three thousand years ago, when it appears to have been a centre for skilled metal working on an almost industrial scale. e site has changed our understanding of the Iron Age in the Arabian Peninsula, and discoveries are made almost every day that add to our knowledge. Only a fraction of the site has so far been explored and many mysteries remain. e Saruq Al-Hadid Archaeology Museum gives visitors an exciting opportunity to explore the latest theories about the site and discover the stories behind the beautiful and intriguing objects found there. Your Visit e Saruq Al-Hadid museum offers a dramatic and involving experience for visitors of all ages, bringing the story of the desert archaeological site alive. e museum uses state of the art technology to explain how the site was first discovered and how it is currently being explored and investigated. Displays in the museum reveal how teams of archaeologists and scientists are working to clean, conserve, analyse and record each new discovery. e museum also gives visitors the opportunity to see for themselves some of the spectacular objects that have been discovered. For young visitors there are lots of interactive experiences on offer, as well as a dedicated children’s gallery trail. In the ‘laboratory’, they can reconstruct a pot, assemble an animal skeleton, or help the experts solve a mystery. Outside is ‘Dig!’ - a ‘hands-on’ experience where children can dig for objects in the sand – and maybe get inspired to become archaeologists! e museum building is itself an important part of the history of Dubai. It was built in 1928 and is in the Shindagha Heritage District, a network of traditional buildings that were part of the original nucleus of Dubai. A visit to the Saruq Al-Hadid Archaeology Museum is an immersive journey into Dubai’s long and surprising history. Opening hours Museum opening hours are: Saturday to ursday: 8am-8pm Friday: 4pm-8pm Ticketing and pricing: Individual: 20 Dhs Children 7-12 years and under: 10 Dhs Adults over 60: free Children up to 6 years: free Please note that films in the museum run alternately in English and Arabic, so you may experience a short wait until the language of your choice is about to start. Public transport and parking e museum can be reached easily by public transport. e Al Ghubaiba metro station is five minutes walk away, and the Al Ghubaiba bus station is ten minutes walk away. Abras can be taken from the souq area in Deira to the nearby Bur Dubai Abra Station. ere is paid parking for cars and buses nearby on Al Khaleej Street service road as well as a drop-off zone for school and tour groups. Paid parking can also be found at the nearby Al Ghubaiba metro station. Shindagha Historic District D92 D92 D92 Shindagha Tunnel Deira Bur dubai Old Souk Abra Station Abra Station Al Ghubaiba Metro Station 2 Saruq Al-Hadid Archaeology Museum Dubai Creek Dubai Creek Al Khaleej Rd e Archaeological Finds Uncovered at Saruq Al-Hadid e objects from Saruq Al-Hadid are slowly helping us to piece together the story of the site. Many of them demonstrate the exceptional skill of the craftsmen who worked there over three thousand years ago. ey also hint at extensive trade and cultural links between Saruq Al-Hadid and cities and civilisations thousands of kilometres away. Dagger is dagger features a pouncing lion decoration on the handle. e lion was often used as a decorative motif in Mesopotamia and the Eastern Mediterranean. Incense Burner is bronze incense burner has feet in the shape of the hooves of a bull, an ancient artistic tradition that originated in northern Mesopotamia. Carnelian Beads Carnelian is a semi-precious gemstone. One of the most important sources of carnelian beads in the Iron Age was the Indus Valley, in modern Pakistan. Bronze Snakes e snake seems to have been an important Iron Age symbol and snake imagery has been found at other sites in the UAE and Oman. Many bronze snakes – and even a gold snake - have been found at Saruq Al-Hadid. A Gold Gazelle is beautiful gold gazelle was probably once part of a larger object, perhaps a pendant or necklace. Mystery “Anklet” is is one of the most unusual objects found at Saruq Al-Hadid and we are still not certain what it is. One theory is that it is a camel anklet. Alternatively, it could have been used as a very heavy human adornment. Decorated shell is delicately decorated shell disc may have been used as a form of personal adornment or jewellery.