Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, or Dubai Culture, is presenting an innovative digital experience that highlights the history of Al Fahidi Fort, as preparations continue to reopen the historic landmark to visitors and give them the opportunity to discover the oldest existing historic building in the emirate, which has accompanied Dubai’s development for more than 230 years.
The experience sheds light on the different stages the fort has passed through and the various roles it has played over the decades. It began as a defensive stronghold built to protect Dubai and its residents, later became the ruler’s residence and a center for government and administration, and eventually opened in 1971 as Dubai’s first museum.
Al Fahidi Fort: More Than Two Centuries of Dubai History
Al Fahidi Fort holds significant historical value as one of the key landmarks documenting an important part of Dubai’s journey and transformation over more than two centuries.
Throughout those years, the fort witnessed several stages that reflected the city’s growth and expanding role. It first served as a defensive site, later became a center for government and administration, and then entered a new chapter when it opened as a museum introducing visitors to Dubai’s history and heritage.
The variety of roles the fort has played gives the site a special significance, allowing it to remain an important part of the emirate’s historical memory and a witness to successive periods of growth and development.
A Digital Experience Brings the Fort’s History to Life
As part of its participation in Arabian Travel Market 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai Culture is offering visitors a digital experience that uses anamorphic technology to present aspects of Al Fahidi Fort’s history and collections in a modern visual format.
The experience provides interactive content that introduces visitors to the fort’s history in an innovative way. It is accompanied by a separate interactive screen displaying a map of the museum and allowing visitors to explore its spaces, various components, galleries, and museum experiences.
The initiative reflects Dubai Culture’s focus on presenting heritage through contemporary methods that combine historical information with modern technology, creating an experience that is more interactive and brings visitors closer to the details of the site.
Dubai Culture Brings Heritage and Art Together at Arabian Travel Market
Alongside its presentation of Al Fahidi Fort’s history, Dubai Culture is also organizing an art exhibition in the VIP Majlis at Arabian Travel Market, featuring a selection of works by Emirati artist Maryam Abbas.
The artworks document details of architecture, places, and scenes from everyday life through an artistic perspective, offering a creative interpretation of several locations and landmarks across Dubai.
The exhibition includes the “Scenes from Dubai” series, which focuses on a number of prominent architectural sites, including The Opus and O-14 Tower in Business Bay, as well as Meydan Bridge in Nad Al Sheba and City Walk in Jumeirah.
The works highlight the artist’s approach to capturing the details of a place and transforming them into visual scenes that reflect the relationship between architecture, the city, and the life surrounding it.
Artworks Inspired by Diverse Destinations
The exhibition also features a collection of limited-edition artworks, including “Al-Aqsa Mosque,” “Shop on the Beach,” “On the Balcony,” and “The Grand Hall,” in addition to “Under the Bridge,” “Swiss Horizons,” and “Majorelle Garden.”
These works draw inspiration from different scenes and destinations and were created using a range of artistic techniques and styles, reflecting the breadth of Maryam Abbas’ creative experience and her ability to present places from multiple perspectives through a distinctive visual approach.
The exhibition also highlights the artist’s interest in architectural details and everyday elements, transforming them into artworks that carry her individual artistic signature while giving viewers the opportunity to see familiar places from a different perspective.
