Shopping at the Antique Museum in Dubai’s Al Quoz: a retail treasure trove

Have you visited this sprawling warehouse outlet, often described as a cross between a thrift store and a museum?

A portrait of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, made by Indian artist Nisar Ibrahim using 6,800 screws. The piece is on display at the Antique Museum in Al Quoz, Dubai, and costs Dh35,000 ($9,530). Pawan Singh / The National

Metal pots from India, Iran and Afghanistan. They are more than 150 years old and cost from Dh50 to Dh20,000 at the museum. Pawan Singh / The National

Moroccan lights worth between Dh50 and Dh3,000 on display at the museum. Pawan Singh / The National

A statue from Thailand worth Dh1,850. The museum imports and deals with a wide range of products from 27 countries. Pawan Singh / The National

Silver bangles from Oman that cost at least Dh200. The museum offers a vast array of crafts made by women. Pawan Singh / The National

Red Indian statues from Thailand, priced from Dh1,000 to Dh3,000. The museum is 26 years old and run by Fakih Group of Companies. Pawan Singh / The National

The museum spans about 7,000 square metres. Pawan Singh / The National

A Buddha statue from Thailand that costs about Dh9,500. The museum also offers items such as traditional gifts, souvenirs and handicrafts. Pawan Singh / The National

Items from 27 countries are on display at the museum. Pawan Singh / The National

Statues from China on display at the museum. They are priced from Dh3,000 each. Pawan Singh / The National

A vintage opaque projector from India is among the items there. Pawan Singh / The National

The museum's handmade Moroccan lamps cost between Dh1,000 and Dh5,000 each. Pawan Singh / The National

A teak wood horse from Thailand, priced at Dh44,500. Pawan Singh / The National

Indian Guard statues from Rajasthan, India, are priced from Dh3,000 to Dh15,000. Pawan Singh / The National

Statues from Thailand, which carry price tags that start at Dh1,650, are among the antiques on display. Pawan Singh / The National

The museum also has a collection of lamps from Turkey that cost between Dh50 and Dh6,000. Pawan Singh / The National

An elephant statue made from camel bone. The piece, from Rajasthan, is priced at Dh120,000. Pawan Singh / The National

Dubai has no shortage of unique shopping destinations. From the world’s biggest mall to the souks in Old Dubai, it’s the versatility that makes it a shopper’s paradise.

While most of the city's retail destinations are well known, there are still some hidden gems waiting to be explored. Case in point, the oft-unheard-of Antique Museum.

One clear sign that it's a special find is the fact that it’s withstood the test of time; it's celebrating its 26th anniversary on Tuesday, September 7.

Despite its intriguing name, the Antique Museum, located in Dubai’s Al Quoz, is less of a museum and more of a vast storage facility and retail space, featuring a wide and eclectic range of unique goods. It's run by the Fakih Group, and you can find everything from handcrafted furniture to souvenirs.

Although the space is spread across an impressive 72,000 square feet, the exterior of the venue is rather unassuming; so much so that you might miss it, unless you know specifically where you’re going.

However, once you actually make your way inside, you’ll find a mix of curiosities and trinkets that take hours to browse through. According to sales supervisor Rajesh Rakesh Vas, there are products from more than 27 countries available in the space, with most of them purchased outside the country.

There are plenty of unique regional products on offer as well. Vas points to the collection of antique Iranian and Emirati coffee pots as an example. Some other bestsellers include a wide selection of Arabesque lamps and handcrafted furniture, such as an Omani cabinet. There are vases, frames, sculptures and several other home decor items, while tourists may also benefit from browsing the range of souvenirs.

For a look at some of the unique products available, with prices, scroll through the gallery above.

The sales staff are enthusiastic and insist on showing you around the sprawling, well-stocked space, offering a history on the products available.

If you’re planning a visit, best to have a clear idea of what you’re on the lookout for, or be open to the fact that you’ll have to browse for quite a while to find real steals. Finally, don’t be afraid to haggle at the venue. Unlike a lot of commercial outlets in the UAE, customers have a say in the prices over at Antique Museum.

The Antique Museum's location:

Open daily, 9am-8.30pm; Al Quoz, Dubai; 04 347 9935; fakihonline.com