Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), has reviewed the progress of the Al Fahidi Fort rehabilitation project, launched by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.
The restoration project aims to preserve Dubai‘s heritage for future generations, ensuring the emirate’s oldest surviving structure remains a landmark and a beacon of culture.
During a visit to the project site, Sheikha Latifa reviewed the final phase of the rehabilitation ahead of the Fort’s reopening to the public as a museum experience.
Sheikha Latifa reviews final phase of Al Fahidi Fort restoration ahead of 2026 reopening
The Fort, which dates to 1787, is among Dubai’s earliest buildings and forms part of the city’s collective memory. For over two centuries, it has witnessed the emirate evolve from its earliest days to international prominence.
Sheikha Latifa was accompanied by Helal Al Marri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; Mohammed Al Murr, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation; Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture; and Major General Khalifa Rashed Al Hamli, Director of the Office of the Minister of Defence.
Sheikha Latifa received a briefing on the restoration works underway at the site and viewed the galleries, which chronicle the Fort’s history from its construction in 1787 to the present day.
Over this period, it served as a space that combined governance, judicial, and administrative functions, and housed successive generations of rulers who made decisions that built the foundation for the emirate’s prosperity.
“Al Fahidi Fort stands as a reminder of where our journey began; within its walls lies the spirit of a city shaped by vision and belief in what could be achieved, reflecting the foresight of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who understood that enduring progress is built on strong foundations and clear purpose. The fort carries the memory of a community that safeguarded its values and traditions, and from that foundation, a global city emerged,” she said in a statement.
“Today, Al Fahidi Fort remains a cornerstone of Dubai’s cultural landscape and a key pillar of our cultural tourism offering, providing visitors with a meaningful window into our past and allowing them to experience the stories, traditions, and daily life that shaped our identity. Preserving such landmarks ensures that as we continue to build the future, we remain connected to the heritage that defines who we are,” she added.
Six galleries, interactive displays to tell the story of Dubai’s evolution
Scheduled to open in the first half of 2026, the Fort will include six galleries and exhibition spaces featuring artefacts, archival photographs, and historical documents.
These will be displayed using digital media, audiovisual elements, and interactive three-dimensional displays that tell the story of the site’s evolution over many decades.
Before becoming the city’s first museum in 1971, the Fort was already part of community life, serving as a keeper of memory and a source of shared identity.
The restoration is part of Dubai Culture’s commitment to safeguard historic sites as spaces that ensure future generations remain connected to their roots, while showcasing the museum’s collections.
The project reflects the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, whose approach has positioned Dubai as a centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a hub for talent.
