Museums in the UAE: Inside the Museum of the Poet Al Oqaili in Deira

  • The Museum of the Poet Al Oqaili is in Al Ras, Deira, in Dubai. All photos: Victor Besa / The National
    The Museum of the Poet Al Oqaili is in Al Ras, Deira, in Dubai. All photos: Victor Besa / The National
  • You must make your way through narrow alleyways in Grand Souq Deira to find the museum
    You must make your way through narrow alleyways in Grand Souq Deira to find the museum
  • The museum is in the former home of Saudi poet Mubarak Al Oqaili
    The museum is in the former home of Saudi poet Mubarak Al Oqaili
  • It was built in 1923 using traditional construction materials such as coral, sarooj and palm tree trunks
    It was built in 1923 using traditional construction materials such as coral, sarooj and palm tree trunks
  • A desk used by the poet is on display
    A desk used by the poet is on display
  • Handwritten works by Al Oqaili
    Handwritten works by Al Oqaili
  • The museum has nine wings set around the inner courtyard
    The museum has nine wings set around the inner courtyard
  • The poet's collection of china plates is on display
    The poet's collection of china plates is on display
  • The poet's gun
    The poet's gun
  • The key to his treasury
    The key to his treasury
  • Persian rugs once owned by the poet
    Persian rugs once owned by the poet
  • The kitchenware he used
    The kitchenware he used
  • His quill and ink bottle
    His quill and ink bottle
  • The museum is a great pit stop while taking a tour of Deira's many attractions
    The museum is a great pit stop while taking a tour of Deira's many attractions