Delma Museum occupies Bait Al Muraikhi, the historic home and commercial base of pearl merchant Mohammed bin Jassim Al Muraikhi, on Dalma Island off Abu Dhabi's western coast. Built around the turn of the 20th century, the house preserves features typical of the era's merchant residences, including a majlis, a traditional wind-tower cooling system and date presses once used to produce molasses.
The museum's collection reaches back much further than the house itself. Archaeological excavations on
...Location
Delma Island, Abu Dhabi
Frequently asked questions about Delma Museum
Is there an entry fee for Delma Museum?
Delma Museum is free to enter. The main cost to plan for is the ferry crossing to the island.
What are the museum's opening hours?
Delma Museum is open Saturday to Thursday, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Friday, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Can Delma Museum be visited as a day trip?
Yes, comfortably. Taking the 7:00 AM ferry gets you to the island by around 9:00 AM, leaving a full day to visit the museum and the surrounding historic town before catching the 4:00 PM return sailing back to the mainland.
How much does the ferry cost, and how do I book?
Adult tickets are AED 20, children under 12 travel free, and taking a vehicle across costs an additional AED 100. Tickets can be booked online in advance through the Abu Dhabi Maritime ticketing portal.
They can also be purchased in person at the ferry terminal, though booking ahead is recommended, particularly around weekends or public holidays.
How do I get to Dalma Island?
Dalma Island is reached by ferry from Jebel Dhanna on the Abu Dhabi mainland, a crossing of around 90 minutes.