Al Mahatta Museum

Al Mahatta Museum is located in the historic Al Mahatta Airport, which was the first airport in the United Arab Emirates, built in 1932 by the British as a refueling stop for Imperial Airways' flights to India. The museum celebrates the history of aviation in the region and features a collection of vintage aircraft, including a de Havilland Dove, a DC-3, and a replica of the first plane to land in Sharjah. Visitors can explore the original control tower, the old terminal building, and various exhibits on the development of air travel. The museum also displays photographs, documents, and artifacts from the early days of aviation. The site is well-maintained and offers a nostalgic glimpse into the past. It's a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs, and it provides a unique perspective on Sharjah's role in connecting East and West.

Don't miss

• See vintage aircraft like the de Havilland Dove and DC-3 up close
• Climb the original control tower for a view of the airfield
• Explore the old terminal building with period furnishings
• View historical photographs and documents from the 1930s
• Learn about the first flight to land in Sharjah

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Al Mahatta Museum

Cheapest way inSharm El Sheikh Museum Tour4.7★ · 53 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$19 per personSee dates →Most bookedMajorelle Garden,St Laurent & Berber Museum, Round-Trip & Tickets4.4★ · 138 travelers2–3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$77 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Photography is allowed; no flash inside the terminal building.
• The museum is indoors and air-conditioned, but the aircraft are in a hangar that can be warm.
• Kid-friendly; interactive exhibits and planes to climb into (some restrictions).
• Check opening hours online as they may vary during holidays.

A bit of history

Al Mahatta Airport was built in 1932 by the British as a refueling stop for Imperial Airways' route between London and Karachi. It served as a vital link in the Empire's air network until the 1940s. The airport was later replaced by Sharjah International Airport, and the original buildings were restored and opened as a museum in 2000.