If you’re curious about life in the capital before the discovery of oil, a quick visit to Abu Dhabi Heritage Village (entry free), a reconstructed fortified village with museums, exhibitions, a souq and a mosque is worth your time. Museum collections that trace the history of Abu Dhabi include old photographs documenting life in the region, weapons, traditional clothing, footwear, silver jewelry, manuscripts, old coins and currency notes, and bronze dallah (coffee pots), among other household wares.
In the village, look for the tents made of goat hair – these were used by the Bedouins as desert shelters in the winter. In summer, people lived in barasti houses such as the one you’ll find in the village. Built with wooden frames, their roofs were thatched with palm fronds to facilitate air circulation. A boat exhibition displays the region’s long maritime heritage and hints at the ingenious techniques of shipbuilding practiced in the Gulf.
On the beach behind the village, pearl diving dhows and traditional rowboats stand across the water from a stunning skyline of high-rises and skyscrapers. A handicrafts souq showcases khanjars (curved daggers), rugs and traditional robes, and there are stalls selling kaftans, shawls, handmade soaps, henna, spices and touristy knick-knacks.
