Museum of the Future

The basics

The Museum of the Future occupies a steel-and-glass, egg-shaped building in the heart of modern Dubai. It’s set across multiple levels with immersive movie-set-like worlds, traditional displays and contributions by storytellers, scientists, and artists. Children can also explore Future Heroes, a world of play and challenges to focus their future skills.

The museum’s calligraphy-decorated exterior—a sharp contrast to the skyscrapers that surround it—makes it a popular photo stop on many Dubai sightseeing itineraries, including hop-on hop-off bus tours. The building also features on tours dedicated to Dubai’s futuristic landmarks.

Things to know before you go

• The Museum of the Future will excite anyone interested in the future of humanity, or in science, tech, health, faith, the climate, and history.
• Museum entry is by timed admission—you’ll need to buy tickets for a fixed half-hourly slot. Advance booking is recommended.
• Disabled travelers and one accompanying caregiver get free entry to the museum. Kids under three also visit for free.
• The museum is wheelchair-accessible. Wheelchair docks are provided and wheelchairs are supplied free of charge, subject to availability.

How to get there

The museum stands between the Jumeirah Emirates Towers and Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai’s Financial District. To get there, ride the Metro Red Line to Emirates Towers station, where a link bridge connects to the entrance. Alternatively, catch a 27, 29, or X22 bus to Emirates Towers, hire a taxi, or go by car and use the free museum car park. If it’s full, there are public lots near the adjacent Dubai World Trade Centre.

When to get there

The Museum of the Future is open daily from mid-morning to evening, and last entry is an hour before closure. To avoid peak crowds, plan to visit in mid-week and in the mornings rather than in the afternoons or at weekends. It’s best to allow around two or three hours for your visit when selecting your entry time.

Other attractions at the Museum of the Future

Aside from imagining the future, the museum has several other attractions. Before entering, admire its exterior: the hilltop position, the building, and its central void symbolize the earth, humanity, and the unknowableness of the future. Once inside, don’t miss the outdoor observatory for close-up views of the steel shell and Arabic calligraphy-shaped windows; and fantastic panoramas over modern Dubai. Lastly, visit the shop to pick up stylish Museum of the Future-branded gifts that make perfect souvenirs.

Ways to explore

Tickets to the Museum of the Future grant full access to all of the permanent exhibitions and interactive experiences, set across multiple levels. Immerse yourself in movie-set-like spaces, where you can learn about climate change solutions, space exploration, and the future of wellness. Take a virtual journey through the Amazon rainforest, browse a DNA library of thousands of species, and try out transformative technologies.

Several Dubai sightseeing tours combine a visit to the Museum of the Future with nearby attractions such as the Blue Mosque, the Dubai Frame, and Burj Khalifa.

Accessibility

The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, and free wheelchairs are available; tickets are free for disability cardholders. All audio content has English and Arabic subtitles

Age limits

None; admission is free for children under 4. The “Future Heroes” interactive exhibition is designed for kids.

What to pack

Your ticket or e-ticket, phone/camera, reusable water bottle

What to wear

Comfortable clothes and shoes that allow free movement (so you can fully enjoy the interactive experiences); modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees is recommended in Dubai (especially for women)

Not allowed

Large bags or suitcases, food or drink (in the exhibition areas), flash photography, tripods or selfie sticks

Amenities

Gift shop, restrooms, prayer rooms, free Wi-Fi

Address

The Museum of the Future is located next to the Jumeirah Emirates Towers and Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai’s Financial District. It’s easy to reach by car, taxi, or public transportation.

Driving

It’s much more convenient to take a taxi or use a rideshare service to get around in Dubai. If you must drive, take exit 51 off Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), signposted for the Emirates Towers. There’s limited parking and valet parking on-site, both charged by the hour.

Public transportation

The easiest way to get to the museum is by train. Take the Metro Red Line to Emirates Towers station, then follow the link bridge to the museum entrance. Buses 27, 29, and X22 also stop outside the Emirates Towers.

Best times to visit

Timed-entry tickets start at 9:30am, and the first admission of the day means the fewest crowds—you might even have some of the exhibitions to yourself. The last entry is at 7pm, but with just two hours before the museum closes at 9pm, you might find yourself rushing to fit everything in.

Best days to visit

To bypass the crowds, plan a midweek visit and avoid busy weekends and holidays. Tuesday and Wednesday tend to be the quietest days.

Best months to visit

Note that during the peak tourist season (November to March), the exhibitions are likely to get crowded and lines are common. Summer (June to August) is a great time to avoid the crowds, and the air-conditioned museum provides welcome relief from the heat.