Al Mahatta Museum represents the aviation history of the UAE. It is a must-visit destination for people who love discovering historic and old aircraft. The museum is located in Sharjah’s first airport building, which was constructed in 1932 as a staging post for British commercial flights to India and later transformed into a museum in 2000.

The museum has a huge collection and displays rare aviation artefacts, restored aircraft, and an engaging film depicting life in Sharjah during the 1930s. Let’s discover what this place offers:

• Location
• Opening Hours
• Contact Details
• Entrance Fees
• Witness Unique Collection
• Facilities
• Things to Discover
• Nearby Communities
• Nearby Attractions
• FAQs

Visiting Al Mahatta Museum

If you are looking for things to do in Sharjah, visiting the Al Mahatta Museum should be on your list if you are interested in aircraft and airport history. Al Mahatta is among the best museums in Sharjah, with a lot of things presented from the first airport for visitors. 

Before we check out its details, let’s find out its location, timings and contact details.

Location

Al Mahatta Museum is located on Al Estiqlal Street in the Al Qasimia Area. It is opposite to the Sharjah Mega Mall.

Opening Hours

Normal Months

• Saturday to Thursday: 08:00 AM – 08:00 PM
• Friday: 04:00 PM – 08:00 PM

In Ramadan

• Saturday to Thursday: 09:00 AM – 02:00 PM
• Friday: Closed

Other Closing Days

Listed below are some of the days in the year when the museum is closed: 

• 29th & 30th of Ramadan (Islamic calendar).
• First day of Eid Al-Fitr (Islamic calendar).
• 9th of Dhul Hijjah (Islamic calendar).
• First day of Eid Al Adha (Islamic calendar).

Contact Details

• Telephone:+971-6-573 3079
• Fax:+971-6-573 3711
• Email: info@sma.gov.ae

Entrance Fees

Whether you are an individual or visiting with a group, you must know the entrance fees. For university or school trips, the entrance to the museum is free of cost. However, a minimal entry fee is charged to children above 2 years and adults above 13.

Basic

• Children (under 2 years): Free
• Children (2-12 years): AED 5
• Adults (13+ years): AED 10

Schools and Universities

• Government school trips: Free
• Private school trips: Free
• Government University trip: Free 
• Private University trip: Free

Seniors and Disabled People

• Senior (60+) + one companion: Free
• People with Disabilities: Free

Events

On special days and occasions, entry to the Al Mahatta Museum is free of cost just like other museums in the UAE.

• International Museum Day – 18th of May
• In memory of the first aeroplane to land in Sharjah (Hanno) –  5th of October
• Martyr’s Day –  1st of December
• UAE National Day – 2nd of December

Witness Unique Collection

From Hanno Plane to Engine, here’s what the Al Mahatta Museum has got in collections:

• Hanno Plane – First Plane to Land at Al Mahatta

The Hanno plane was the first to land at Al Mahatta Airport in 1932. The Al Mahatta Museum displays a model of this historic plane in the Gallery Hall. In addition to transporting passengers, this plane has played a significant role in the region’s aviation history. 

• Turboprop Engine – Powering Modern Aviation

The museum also showcases one of six CFM International turboprop engines, specifically the CFM56-5 model. It was designed for twin-engine Airbus aircraft but this engine was manufactured only for short to medium-distance flights. You can find this impressive piece of aviation technology in the Aviation Miracles Hall.

• Cinema Sharjah – The First in the Arabian Gulf

The museum presents the Cinema of Sharjah opened in 1945 at the old airport. It was the first cinema in the Arabian Gulf to show short documentaries and comedy films, and it was considered a proper entertainment hub for the community. The UAE government has made this place special for different experiences.

Since then, you can find several cinemas in Sharjah in the current age, making the emirate a cultural and entertainment hub for residents and visitors, alike.

Explore the History of the First Flight at Old Airport

If you are interested in the history of aviation in the Middle Eastern region, the Mahatta Museum presents all the interesting facts and unique collections. You can enjoy an interesting movie about the airport’s daily life. 

In the museum, you can experience this fascinating period of Sharjah’s history. You can also check out the original propeller planes, restored and stand guard in the hangar alongside the refuelling tanker.

Facilities

Listed below are the facilities available at Al Mahatta Museum:

• Library
• Prayer Room
• Parking
• Restrooms
• Baby Changing Table
• Wheelchair Access
• Wi-Fi
• Mothers Room 

Things to Discover

Here are the things to discover at Al Mahatta Museum: 

• Restored aircraft hangar and vintage planes from different eras.
• Old flight maps show the early air routes connecting Sharjah with cities like Cairo, Karachi, and Singapore.
• An aviation history exhibition includes early flight experiments and contributions from aviation pioneers.
• The model of the old airport terminal gives you an idea about airport operation management.
• Interactive displays on the evolution of flight from birds and gliders to modern aeroplanes.

Nearby Communities

• Al Qasimia: 5 Minutes Away
• Abu Shagara: 6 Minutes Away
• Al Nud: 7 Minutes Away
• Al Jubail: 10 Minutes Away
• Al Majaz: 14 Minutes Away

Nearby Attractions

• Sharjah Mega Mall: 8 Minutes Away
• Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization: 8 Minutes Away
• King Faisal Mosque: 7 Minutes Away
• Al Noor Mosque: 12 Minutes Away
• Al Majaz Waterfront: 13 Minutes Away

FAQs

Al Mahatta Museum is a treasure for the UAE region because it displays aviation history. The place offers visitors a chance to see the early days of air travel in the UAE. You can explore everything from the first aircraft to land in the region to the first cinema in the Arabian Gulf. Also, you can explore the best museums in Dubai to learn the complete historic side of the UAE.

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