Start up the engines, fellow car enthusiasts! If you’re gearing up for a trip to the Emirates, mark two unmissable spots on your itinerary: the Emirates Auto Museums. The ‘Off-Road History Museum’ and the ‘Emirates National Auto Museum’ aren’t just museums; they’re a journey through time, housing the awe-inspiring private collection of Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan.
Both museums are a testament to Sheikh Hamad’s passion for automobiles. The Abu Dhabi Sheikh is undoubtedly a true car fanatic, with his collection of 718 off-road cars even achieving the Guinness World Record for ‘biggest 4×4 collection in the world’.
Are you curious how the Sheikh got his nickname ‘the Rainbow Sheikh’ or what motorized treasures are to be explored inside his museums?
Buckle up for a unique ride through automotive history – this is one stop you can’t afford to skip.
OFF-ROAD HISTORY MUSEUM
| Address | XQRR+CPV – Al Shuwaib – Umm Al Quwain Rd – Al Husoon – Sharjah – United Arab Emirates |
| Opening hours | Daily 9 am – 4:30 pm |
| Visiting time | 1-2h |
| Entry tickets | AED 55; children <10 years old enter for free |
| Contact | 📞 +971 55 725 7106 |
| Website | http://www.enam.ae/offroad.php |
About a one-hour drive from Dubai, in the heart of Sharjah, lies a captivating haven for automotive enthusiasts – the Off-Road History Museum. Sheikh Hamad’s private collection holds over 530 vehicles, each one telling a unique story of how off-road rides have transformed over the decades.
The Museum is split into three main sections: modified, civilian, and military vehicles. From vintage classics to modern marvels, the Museum will allow you to walk through the evolution of iconic car brands like Land Rover, Jeep, Toyota, and many more.
When you enter the Museum, you’re greeted by the world’s first 4WD vehicle and Sheikh Hamad’s statement: “It’s not an off-road vehicle if it doesn’t have a front solid axle.” Spoiler alert: This slogan will be repeated throughout the museum and immediately explains why you won’t find most of the latest Land Rovers, Jeeps, or Toyotas in his collection.
Whether your heart beats faster for off-road adventures or you enjoy looking at awesome cars, the Off-Road History Museum is an unmissable stop on your journey through Sharjah.
EMIRATES NATIONAL AUTO MUSEUM
| Address | South of Abu Dhabi, Hamim Road, Off E11, Al Dhafra – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates |
| Opening hours | Daily 9 am – 5 pm |
| Visiting time | 1-2h |
| Entry tickets | AED 50; children <10 years old enter for free |
| Contact | 📞 +971 50 279 2620 |
| Website | http://www.enam.ae/ |
The Emirates National Auto Museum can be found in Al Dhafra, which is only a short 45-minute drive away from Abu Dhabi city. Don’t worry; you won’t be able to miss it since there’s a giant Land Rover placed outside to welcome car enthusiasts to the pyramid-shaped Vehicle Valhalla.
The Museum displays a collection of 200 cars, including classic American cars, military cars, and off-road vehicles, curated and restored by Sheik Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan from Abu Dhabi.
Before entering the pyramid, you’ll be greeted by the world’s largest Jeep, 4 times as large as the original. In 2010, it was awarded the title of the ‘largest motorized model car’ by the Guinness World Records.
Fans of the popular series ‘Top Gear’ might recognize the 6.1m (20ft) high Jeep from its feature on the show, but the Museum holds two other models viewers might recognize: a modified 8×8 Nissan Patrol and a Mercedes Benz Monster Truck.
But there are other world record holders to be spotted here. Next to the upscaled Jeep, you’ll find the largest two-wheeled five-story caravan. At 20m long, 12m wide, and weighing over 120 tons, it holds eight bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and four garages.
Inside the pyramid, you’ll find two stories packed with cars, from the oldest steam-powered Mercedes dating back to 1885 to Sheikh’s show-stopping rainbow collection of Mercedes 500 SELs, a different color for each day of the week. These colored cars gave Sheikh Hamad the nickname of ‘Rainbow Sheikh.’
SUMMARY
At first glance, the Off-Road History Museum and the Emirates National Auto Museum may seem a bit dated, but you’ll soon find these museums are more than just hangars for metal and rubber. They’re a reminder that every car, every design, and every innovation tells a story – a story of exploration, passion, and the relentless pursuit of pushing boundaries.
If you find yourself in Sharjah or Al Dhafra, these museums are a must-visit, promising a journey through time on wheels. Whether you’re a fan of off-road adventures, classic American muscle, or luxury Mercedes vehicles, there’s something for everyone in these museums.
Are you inspired to visit?
Remember to tag us @planetdoe in your posts and share the tales you uncover on your visit!
