Naif Museum, Former police headquarters and prison in Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The Naif Museum is a former police headquarters and prison located in Deira, Dubai. The building now houses collections including archival footage, photographs, uniforms, medals, vehicles, and historical documents related to the police force.
The building was constructed in 1939 as Dubai's main prison and police headquarters, serving these purposes for several decades. In 1997, it was officially converted into a museum under the directive of Sheikh Mohammed.
The displays show how law enforcement shaped Dubai's growth from a small fishing settlement into a modern city. Visitors can see the role that policing played in the city's development and changing society.
The museum sits on Naif Street in the Deira district and is open during both afternoon and evening hours. Entry is free, making it an accessible way to explore Dubai's police history and the city's evolution.
The building was constructed using Al Madar clay, a traditional Middle Eastern material that gives the structure its distinctive yellow color. This local building material itself reflects the construction methods and resources available to Dubai at the time.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
