DALMA MUSEUM

Muhammad Bin Jasim al Muraykhi, a wealthy pearl merchant, built this imposing fort-like store in 1931, unaware that the development of cultured pearls by the Japanese (1907) would sound the death knell for natural mother-of-pearl. Now placed in the center of a traffic circle, near the fishing harbor and the motel, the Muraykhi House owes its pretty pinkish reflections to the corals and shells that mingle with the sea rocks used for its construction. The first floor was used as a warehouse for pearls, while the owner welcomed his clients and friends upstairs. See a restored date press in the adjoining building. The house houses a museum of popular arts and traditions, dedicated to the pearl. As you stroll around, you will see the bravery of the fishermen who only had basic equipment: leather fingertips, stone anchors, nets. See also knives, pottery, amphorae and teapots. On the first floor, you can access the reception room of the master of the house where the skeleton of a small whale calf rules. A guard will show you the guestbook. Regret in front of the absence of the real historical treasures resulting from the archaeological excavations, for some presented to the national museum of Al Ain. A considerable amount of work remains to be done in order to restore the heritage density of the great pearl barrier. The director of the museum Fathy Mohammed Abdullah is also an archaeologist and guide in his spare time, so do not hesitate to ask for him at the entrance.