The Shindagha Museum in Dubai has launched an innovative Eid celebration called “Eidiya Path,” offering visitors an interactive journey through Emirati heritage during the festive season. The experience transforms a traditional museum visit into an engaging treasure hunt across 17 historic houses, where families can explore cultural artifacts while participating in the cherished tradition of giving Eidiya, or Eid money gifts to children.
According to the museum, visitors receive a map featuring 17 images of heritage items distributed throughout the museum’s various houses. Participants must locate each artifact, identify it by name, and complete the journey to receive a special gift, combining education with entertainment during Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
Interactive Heritage Experience at Shindagha Museum
The journey begins at the visitor center, where guests experience traditional Emirati hospitality infused with festive atmosphere. The first stop showcases Dubai’s origins, featuring metal statues and artifacts that tell the story of the city’s early development. Subsequently, visitors explore the Saruq Al-Hadid exhibit, which reveals ancient connections between local inhabitants and major civilizations including India, Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Syria.
The Traditional Crafts house demonstrates how Dubai’s diverse environments—coastal, mountainous, and desert—shaped local industries. Here, visitors discover tools like the spinning wheel used to transform animal wool into thick threads suitable for weaving. Meanwhile, the Beauty and Adornment house celebrates the rich variety of traditional Emirati clothing and accessories that express local identity and values.
From Ancient Medicine to Royal Heritage
The Folk Medicine house highlights how traditional healers provided healthcare to local communities through their knowledge of medicinal plants. Visitors encounter historical medical instruments, including the “maysam,” metal rods once heated and used to cauterize affected areas for treating ailments and sterilizing wounds. Additionally, the Perfume house offers insights into traditional fragrance preparation, featuring a piece of oud wood from the personal collection of the late Sheikha Sheikha bint Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum.
A centerpiece of the Eidiya Path experience is Dar Al Maktoum, a historic mansion that served as both residence and seat of governance for Dubai’s ruling family. According to the museum, four generations of rulers who lived in this house contributed to transforming Dubai from a small settlement into a modern global city during the first half of the 20th century.
Cultural Treasures Along the Eidiya Path
The Faith and Life house illustrates how Islamic teachings shaped Dubai’s identity and strengthened community bonds. Visitors learn about traditional items like the white agal, worn by notables and religious scholars including judges and teachers. In contrast, the Contemporary Dubai house chronicles the city’s dramatic economic and urban development, showcasing its evolution from a fishing village to a cosmopolitan metropolis that honors its heritage while embracing modernity.
The journey continues through exhibits on community and environment, exploring traditional arts, water resources, plants, animals, trade, and transportation. The Traditional Foods house presents the diversity of Emirati cuisine, highlighting local hospitality and culinary heritage through aromatic spices and authentic recipes.
Maritime Legacy and Educational Goals
The final stop features the Marine Life pavilion, transporting visitors to early 20th-century Dubai when the pearl trade flourished. The exhibit demonstrates the skills and characteristics necessary for success in a sea-dependent economy, according to museum officials. This comprehensive tour through all museum houses provides families with deep insights into Emirati culture while maintaining festive traditions.
The Eidiya Path initiative preserves the custom of elders giving money to younger family members, especially children, during Eid celebrations. By combining heritage education with this beloved tradition, the museum creates a memorable experience where children can “hunt for treasure” while learning about their cultural roots. The interactive format ensures that young visitors receive varied and exciting prizes upon completing their exploration.
The museum has not announced a specific end date for the Eidiya Path experience, though such seasonal activities typically run throughout the Eid holiday period. Families interested in participating can expect the program to continue while festive celebrations remain active across Dubai’s cultural institutions.
