Al Mahatta Museum — Attraction in Al Qasimia

Al Mahatta Museum, more commonly known as the Sharjah Aviation Museum, offers visitors an exhilarating journey into the rich history of aviation and aircraft design. Offering tickets starting from just AED 10, visitors have an exciting opportunity to witness and appreciate flight's development over time. Al Mahatta Museum was an astonishing display of historical artifacts and exhibits, which kept me mesmerised from the moment I entered. Their outstanding collection of aircraft engines, aviation memorabilia and historical artifacts beautifully illustrate aviation's journey throughout time. One of the museum's notable features is its meticulous care in preserving and displaying aircraft. These beautifully preserved vintage planes and helicopters create a nostalgic ambience, transporting visitors back in time to witness early aviation marvels while its comprehensive displays showcase technological advancements as well as those who dared to push beyond flight's limits. The museum does an outstanding job of contextualizing its exhibits, giving visitors a deeper understanding of each plane's historical significance and providing engaging learning experiences for both aviation enthusiasts and those new to aviation alike. With informative panels, interactive displays, and audiovisual presentations providing engaging learning experiences - making the museum accessible and interesting for everyone who visits! Al Mahatta Museum brings aircraft history alive by highlighting key milestones. The passion and dedication of its curators is clearly apparent as they carefully preserved these artifacts to ensure they can be easily accessed by visitors of all ages. As well as boasting impressive aircraft displays, Sharjah Museum also provides a glimpse of cultural heritage of the region. Their collection showcases how closely aviation has played in Sharjah's development over time; thus shedding light on how aviation has contributed to city expansion and prosperity. Al Mahatta Museum offers visitors a remarkable value, at just AED 10 for entry. My visit left me with an enhanced understanding of its pioneers and notable advancements that have changed aviation history over time. Al Mahatta Museum is an invaluable destination in Sharjah for aviation fans of all kinds; whether they be history buffs, aviation fans or curious travellers who simply have an interest in aviation history and flight itself. Their commitment to sharing aviation heritage is inspiring and they provide an enriching experience for visitors of all ages. Al Mahatta Museum or Sharjah Aviation Museum is an exceptional experience that delves deep into the rich history of aircraft and aviation. Offering affordable tickets prices, it presents an invaluable opportunity to witness human ingenuity at work - so get ready to be amazed, inspired, and educated as you discover this remarkable museum's fascinating...

At a distance of 16 km from Sharjah International Airport and 15 km from Dubai International Airport, the Al Mahatta Museum is a museum located at the Al Qasimia area of Sharjah. It is one of the popular museums in Sharjah.

Housed within Sharjah's first airport building, the Al Mahatta Museum is an aviation museum established in the year 2000 highlighting the history of flight in the UAE and the region. The airport was used in the 1930s as a staging post for commercial flight routes from Britain to India. Sheikh Sultan Bin Saqr built a rest house, known as The Fort, to accommodate the crew and passengers for the overnight stop. The first stopover in Sharjah of a passenger flight from London's Croydon airport to India was on the 5th of October 1932. In 1940 the British Royal Air Force built its own facilities adjacent to The Fort and extended the runway. In 1956, a new Control Tower was opened, which operated up until the new Sharjah International Airport opened in 1977. After this time, the fort was abandoned and was restored and opened as a museum in 2000.

The site of the Al Mahatta Museum is an outstanding example of a contemporary 20th-century fortress that uses local traditional construction techniques and materials. This combination of modern style military architecture and local construction makes it unique. The original 1932 building was designed around a single courtyard, with all the doors and windows facing inwards, only small high-level windows faced outwards. Two distinctive watchtowers sat on diagonal corners of the building to allow for surveillance and to defend the building if required. It is sometimes referred to as 'The Fort'.

The museum is an important landmark due to its unique collectibles that narrate the history of aviation from man's first attempts to fly, to landing on the moon. On display at the museum are information boards and charts along with models of the Douglas C-47 G-AMZZ airplane, the DC-3 G-AMZZ airplane, the DeHavilland DH.114 Heron G-ANFE airplane, and the Avro Anson G-AKVW airplane and actual airplane equipment such as a black box. The original propeller planes, fully restored, stand guard in the hangar alongside the original refueling tanker. It also contains the first cinema in the Gulf region, inaugurated in 1945.

Timings: 8 AM - 8 PM from Saturday - Thursday & 4 PM - 10 PM on Friday, Closed on Ramadan & First day of Eid Al Adha

Entry: AED. 10 for Adults & AED. 5 for Children...

A Nostalgic Journey Back in Time: Exploring the Old Aeroplane Museum

Rating: (5/5) Recommended for kids!

Review:

Visiting the Al Mahatta Museum was an absolute delight that transported me to a bygone era of aviation. As an aviation enthusiast, this hidden gem left me awe-inspired and filled with an overwhelming sense of nostalgia. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I was greeted with a genuine passion for preserving aviation history.

The museum's collection of vintage aircraft is simply extraordinary. Each plane on display has a story to tell, and the attention to detail in their preservation is remarkable. From the iconic World War II fighter planes to the elegant biplanes that graced the skies in the early 20th century, the museum's exhibits offer a captivating glimpse into the evolution of flight.

The museum's layout and presentation are thoughtfully designed. The aircraft are beautifully arranged, allowing ample space for visitors to appreciate them from various angles.

Additionally, the Al Mahatta Museum offers interactive displays and simulators, allowing visitors to experience the thrill of flying firsthand. Whether it's sitting in the cockpit of a replica or testing your skills on a flight simulator, these engaging activities add an exciting and immersive dimension to the museum experience

In conclusion, the Al Mahatta Museum is a must-visit for anyone with an appreciation for aviation history. It's a haven for enthusiasts and a place that will captivate the imagination of young and old alike. The dedicated staff, remarkable aircraft collection, educational exhibits, and immersive experiences combine to create an unforgettable journey through time. I cannot recommend this museum enough, and I'm already eagerly planning...