Al Mahata Museum
This museum has to be on the top of your list with airplanes to explore. It was the first airport in the region, built in 1932 and then turned into a museum highlighting the history of flight in the UAE and the region. You can explore two aircraft mockups (passenger and cargo) after which you walk down a hallway filled with unique collectibles that narrate the history of aviation used on ground and air.
Knight D enjoyed seeing the aircrafts and a little curiosity around the equipment showcased. We spent 2 hours over here. Not crowded at all so you can explore at your own pace.
Entry fees: Children (under 2 years): Free Children (2-12years): 5.00AED Adults (13+ years): 10.00AED
Additional information:
Parking available inside the compound (inform the security you are a visitor)
No cafeteria
Toilets available at the exit only
No food is allowed (I suggest you carry some water and pack some snack to munch in the car)
Timings: Saturday to Thursday : 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
What to expect?
As you enter get set to see an aircraft parked in-front of you. You first enter the hanger that holds aircrafts from different eras. There are sign boards giving the aircraft registeration model and its history.
You then get to climb up a fleet of steps to see a cabin of Gulf Aviation aka Gulf Air. You have a window to see the bottom of the aircraft, doors and cockpit. This is the same aircraft you see when you enter the museum. Amazing right?
Moving onwards from the aircraft museum you get to see the engine, fuel tanks and so much more. You then enter a passage filled with exhibits about Al Mahata Airport, equipment used as a pilot, including safety equipment. Each exhibit is well labelled and tell you all the information you'd like to know.
Further more there is a small exhibit about Air Arabia with an opportunity to take pictures. There are exhibits that talk about how man got curious about birds and decided to try creating wings, the history behind wright brothers, and end with an interactive winding of an engine.
Its truly a day well spent with so much information and new things to learn. Kids above 7yrs will enjoy the small exhibits whilst younger kids would enjoy the aircraft hanger and run through the rest. Which is fine coz this gives them an opportunity to learn so much about aviation. Being an ex-crew I felt like I belonged to this place even more when I seen Gulf Aviation aka Gulf air.
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