The Perfume Museum in Dubai, also known as the Perfume House, is one of the leading cultural institutions located within the historic Al Shindagha Museum. It blends living heritage with a contemporary sensory experience. Its role is not limited to showcasing historical artifacts but offers a comprehensive vision of the deep connection between humanity and the scents of life across centuries. The museum illustrates how perfume became an integral part of the social and cultural life in the Gulf region. This landmark was selected by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, as part of the project to protect heritage sites and modern buildings in Dubai. The Perfume House is situated in the historic Al Shindagha district, an area that Dubai has been preserving as a vital heritage site reflecting the traditional lifestyle before the modern construction boom. The museum's creation is part of the emirate's efforts to enhance awareness of its authentic cultural heritage and preserve its components. It was opened after the conversion of the house of Sheikha Sheikha bint Saeed bin Maktum Al Maktum into a cultural space showcasing the history of perfume making and its use in traditional life. The name 'Perfume House' is linked to the personality of Sheikha Sheikha bint Saeed, who was one of the first to be interested in collecting traditional perfumes. Her home played a significant role in documenting this sensory heritage through a collection of artifacts and tools. The idea for the museum was inspired by this approach, creating a place that preserves the cultural heritage related to perfume and presents it to visitors from within and outside the UAE in line with modern museum standards. A Connection to Hospitality In Emirati and Gulf culture, perfume has always been more than just a scent. It has been tied to hospitality and generosity, part of welcoming and celebration ceremonies. The use of 'bakhoor' (incense) and 'oud' (agarwood) became a welcoming ritual practiced at social and official occasions. The Perfume Museum's goal is to recount this heritage not only through static exhibits but also through sensory experiences that allow visitors to discover the scents and ingredients that formed the basis of traditional perfume making. Among the historical exhibits in the Perfume House are ancient tools and incense burners showing methods for extracting and blending aromatic oils, alongside a valuable historical collection of raw materials such as amber, frankincense, and oud. One of the most prominent pieces is an archaeological incense burner reflecting the era of deep perfume use in the region. The museum also highlights a massive piece of oud that is one of its most eye-catching exhibits and was part of Sheikha Sheikha's personal collection, demonstrating the level of attention people have given to this art form through generations. The Perfume House contains over 70 artifacts, the most notable of which is an incense burner dating back 3,000 years, discovered at the 'Saruq Al-Hadid' archaeological site in Dubai. A Complete Experience The Perfume House aims to make visiting a complete journey, where exhibits are accompanied by visual and audio guides introducing visitors to the origins of ingredients and their historical uses. Furthermore, the museum's administration organizes educational workshops and interactive sessions during certain seasons, offering visitors a chance to contemplate the art of traditional perfume and experience it practically, as well as to demonstrate how this art is woven into the Emirati cultural identity. Since its opening, the Perfume House has become a significant stop within the Al Shindagha Museum as part of a heritage preservation project that conserves old buildings and revitalizes them with cultural and educational functions in Dubai. Interest in it has grown with increasing global awareness of intangible heritage, especially traditional crafts like perfume making, which is a vital part of Arab heritage. A visit to the Perfume House in Dubai today is a unique cultural and sensory experience, taking the visitor back to the atmosphere of past daily life, where scents were an integral part of family and social space. This heritage is still cherished in the heart of a modern city confidently looking to the future. The museum also reflects the role of women in knowledge transfer and heritage preservation. Sheikha Sheikha bint Saeed played a prominent role in establishing and preserving the heritage of traditional perfume making, which is now presented to a wide audience interested in heritage, culture, and senses. Historical Roots The Perfume House in Dubai stands as a prominent landmark on the map of museums that celebrate sensory heritage. It brings the past and present together in one experience, telling the story of scents that have accompanied humanity through time, carrying deep meanings of hospitality, beauty, and intercultural connection. If Dubai is known for its modern character and towering skyline, the Perfume House is a reminder that in its historical roots there is an aroma no less significant than any modern achievement, and that cultural heritage continues to evolve creatively to keep pace with the age, elevating the value of identity awareness.
