Abu Dhabi: The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has reopened the Delma Museum following the completion of a restoration process.
The Delma Museum, located on Delma Island, was built around the turn of the 20th century and was once the home and base of commercial operations for the pearl merchant, Mr. Mohammed bin Jassim Al Muraikhi.
Visitors will experience Abu Dhabi’s history, guided by a collection of objects that narrate the story of the house, the pearl trade, and daily life on the island more than a century ago. Furthermore, they will be able to experience a majlis (reception room), a badkesh (windcatcher), a system that captures the breeze and funnels it into the majlis, and several midbasah (date presses), where dates were stacked to get date molasses.
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, foster pride in our national identity, and share 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.
Mr. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, shared.
“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 that have defined the emirate’s development,” Mr. Al Mubarak added.
Delma Museum’s historic structure is of significant architectural importance as a prime example of the early coastal architecture of Abu Dhabi.