About The Museum
As directed by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, Hisn Khor Fakkan was rebuilt to replicate the 1950s ـــ 1960s design of the original nearby fort, offering a unique opportunity for the public to enjoy this outstanding collection. The Museum opened on Saturday, 13th April 2019.

Why Visit Hisn Khor Fakkan?
Step into that silent grandeur where every exhibit narrates a precious part of Sharjah’s rich East Coast history, demonstrating Al-Qawasim’s influence in the region.

The Museum themes are represented through photographs, artifacts, 3D models, technology-driven means and stories, as well as the design of the building itself.

Here, Archaeology Makes History Almost Tangible and Perceptible.
Since archaeological excavations began in this region decades ago, archaeologists have uncovered amazing finds in Dibba Al-Hisn, Khor Fakkan, Kalba, Wadi Al Hilo, and Wadi Shi, some of which are on display here, including a rare 19th-century stone inscription and a piece of rock art, dating back to the Stone Age.

The Archaeological Periods Highlighted by the Galleries
The Bronze Age (3000 BC to 1300 BC)
Late in the 20th century, archaeological excavations along the East Coast revealed remains of early residential settlements and burial grounds full of artifacts that dated back to between 3000 BC ـــ 2000 BC. The region was also a key supplier of copper in ancient times. According to Mesopotamian texts, copper was usually exported from Majan (UAE and Northern Oman) during the Bronze Age.

The Iron Age (1300 BC to 300 BC)
Due to the lack of iron ores in the region, residents continued to use copper for making different tools and weapons during the Iron Age. Large quantities of copper slag were found in Kalba, as well as pickaxes and crucibles used for mining and smelting copper.

The Pre-Islamic Era (300 BC to 630 AD)
During the 5th century BC, the influence of the Hellenistic civilization was constantly on the rise in the region due to cultural cross-pollination between the Greek and Eastern civilizations.

Inhabited from 300 BC to 300 AD, Mleiha is considered a prime model of a well-established human settlement in the area; it had strong trade relations with key commercial hubs both on and outside the Arabian Peninsula, including Mesopotamia, Persia, India, and the Mediterranean coasts.

The Islamic Era (630 AD to 1507 AD)
Islam was first introduced to the region in the 7th century, where it soon found fertile ground to grow and flourish. The strategic importance of the Eastern Coast and the towns overlooking the Gulf of Oman significantly increased after joining the new Muslim State, as their trade routes connected different parts of the Muslim State, which extended to Sindh in the East and to Spain in the West.

Modern Times (16th century to 20th century)
During the 16th century, the region was repeatedly invaded by different powers, including the Portuguese, the Persian leader Nader Shah, as well as Sultan Saeed of Muscat and his uncle Qais bin Ahmad. However, Al Qawasim – one of the six families ruling the UAE – and their allies permanently expelled the invaders and regained power along the East Coast of the Gulf. Since then, Al Qawasim has been ruling the two emirates of Ras Khaimah and Sharjah, including its islands and enclaves along the East Coast, up this time.

Drop-In Workshops
Engage in interactive sessions where children aged 6-12 and their families can participate in hands-on activities every day. Learn about workshops from our receptionist and find materials and instructions provided for independent exploration.