From classic vintage beauties to thrilling sports cars, there is a lot to discover for true car enthusiasts in the UAE. Here you can find some of the best car museums in the world where car lovers can see exotic automotive collections on the display. Let’s have a look at some of the popular car museums in the UAE that you can’t afford to miss on your visit.
Sharjah Classic Car Museum
Situated on Airport Road, Sharjah Classic Car Museum was inaugurated in 2008. It started attracting a large number of tourists after its renovation in 2013. Car enthusiasts come here to get a glimpse of the world’s vintage and luxurious cars from the bygone era. The museum presents the astonishing collection of at least 100 vintage cars dating back to 1917. Without a doubt, the exquisite collection of iconic automobiles across the globe is enough to bewitch a car lover.
Here you can admire a range of incredible cars of popular brands including Rolls Royce, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Bentley, Chevrolet and others. However, the 1915 Dodge model is the oldest car model in the museum. These vehicles aren’t for sale; however, you can get your hands on used cars for sale in Sharjah and buy some of the latest models at affordable rates.
Sharjah Car Museum provides you with an opportunity to learn about the history of the automotive industry and the types of different car engines.
You can also find the range of the oldest cars manufactured in 1915 and the latest ones from 1960 such as Delaunay-Belleville, Triumph TR3 and Sporty MGA. Apart from cars, several antique motorcycles and bicycles are also showcased in the Sharjah Classic Car Museum.
The museum is divided into four different sections, and each section represents the historical development of cars in different eras.
- Early Auto (1915-1939): In this section, you will find the oldest automobiles manufactured from 1915 to 1939. The 1915 Dodge Model is one of the historical cars in the museum.
- Automobile Redefined (1940-1959): Here, you get acquainted with American car brands that enter the market after World War II. Besides, you can also find about the first female race-car driver in this part.
- New heights of Innovation (1960 to 1987): This part hosts one of only 2,677 vehicles, the 1969 Mercedes Pullman. It is one of the rare cars belonging to the ruler of Sharjah, His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi.
- Large Vehicles and UAE Motoring: The section is home to four-wheelers as well as early UAE taxis. The 1957 Bedford stands out here. The vehicle was used for military purposes in the UAE.
Besides, visitors can also participate in several interactive sessions and activities held for both adults and kids. Other facilities in the museum include a puzzle area for kids, parking, a gift shop, Wi-Fi and a prayer room. Further, the entry in Sharjah Classic Car Museum is free during Traffic Week, Martyr’s Day and UAE National Day on 2nd December.
- Ticket: Adults (13+ years): 10 AED |Children (2-12 years): 5 AED | Free for children under 2, school trips, seniors (Above 60 years) and people with disabilities.
- Location: Airport Road, between the 4th and 5th intersections bridge
- Timings: Saturday to Thursday: 08:00 AM to 08:00 PM | Friday: 04:00 PM to 08:00 PM
- Contact: +971(6)-558 0222
Emirates National Auto Museum
The Emirates National Auto Museum (ENAM) is one of the exquisite car museums in Abu Dhabi. The giant pyramid-shaped museum, standing tall for about a 30-minute southbound drive from Abu Dhabi. From off-road vehicles to classic American and HAMAD Military Collection, the ENAM is home to more than 200 cars owned by Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan.
It is one of the unique car museums in the UAE where you can find several iconic pieces such as the Mercedes rainbow collection and earth-shaped mobile home. The seven Mercedes 500 SELs were bought and painted in rainbow colours by Sheikh Hamad, in 1983. The car is parked with other masterpieces such as Giant Dodge Pickup Truck and the Globe Trailer dubbed the “earth on wheels”. Some of the ENAM collection has also been featured in the BBC show Top Gear.
Moreover, the steam-powered 1885 Mercedes is one of the oldest cars present in the museum. You may not get a chance to drive these vehicles but you can buy a used Mercedes in Abu Dhabi and enjoy the ride. It is one of the best vehicle museums in the UAE which boasts a replication of the Benz three-wheeler of the 19th century along with the four-wheelers of the early 20th century. If you are a car lover and travelling to and from Liwa, Emirates National Auto Museum is the best go-to destination here. Also, don’t forget to see the eight-bedroom motorhome in the museum.
Here are the details about Emirates National Auto Museum Abu Dhabi ticket price, location and contact number. You can also check the Abu Dhabi car museums opening timings below:
- Ticket: 50 AED per adult and free entry for kids under 10 years
- Location: South of Abu Dhabi, Hamim Road, Off E11, Al Dhafra
- Timings: Daily from 09:30 AM to 05:00 PM
- Contact: +971 50 2792620
Besides, there are several luxury showrooms in Abu Dhabi where you can find a range of top luxury brands such as BMW, Mercedez-Benz etc.
Al Ain Classical Cars Museum
The Al Ain Classic Car Museum opened its doors in late 2009, inaugurated by Captain Rashid Mohammad Al Tamimi. The museum started its operations with a small collection of personal cars sheltered under a traditional khaima (tent). Eventually, it was moved to a 2,000 square metres air-conditioned building near the Al Ain Sportsplex. Later on, the owner decided to move his growing collection to the Ain Al Fida Complex.
In the Royal Classic Cars section, you will find the replica of Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s Range Rover. The original vehicle no longer exists, but this is the same model with meticulous colour, interior and modification. Besides hundreds of classic cars’ models, the museum also hosts a vast collection of books about the technical aspects of vehicles.
Over 30 cars such as Chevrolet Series 490, Land Rover Series I to III, Range Rover Classic, Suzuki Jimny LJ10, Volkswagen Beetle, Mercedes-Benz, Ford Mustang (first generation), etc. are part of Al Ain Classical Museum, UAE. Also, a gift store, along with workshop facilities, will soon be available in the museum.
- Ticket: 15 AED for Adults | 5 AED for children between 5 – 15 years | Free for children under 5
- Location: Ain Al Faida Complex, Al Ain City
- Timings: Saturday to Thursday: 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM | Friday: 03:30 PM to 06:30 PM
- Contact: +971 50 774 0701 and +971 52 384 6778 | WhatsApp: +971 50 623 1323
Besides these popular car museums in the UAE, car enthusiasts can also visit the SBH Royal Auto Gallery, where they can find at least 37 most elegant cars in the world. The gallery is owned by Sheikh Sultan, who purchased the Alpina V8 Roadster in April 2004. Here is everything you need to know about the BMW Alpina.
As of now, SBH Royal Auto Gallery showcases several luxurious cars including Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta, new Bugatti Chiron, Aston Martin One-77, 1967 Chevrolet Corvette and Lamborghini Centenario among others.
This concludes our guide on famous car museums in the UAE. Hopefully, you would love to visit these places with your family and petrol-head friends. Moreover, if you wish to visit some more attractions for car enthusiasts in the UAE, give this guide a read.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s leading auto blog for more information on must-visit places for car enthusiasts in the Emirates.
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