This time, this trip was all for my husband. He had been browsing through travel spots in Abu Dhabi when his eyes lit up. He came across the Emirates National Auto Museum. Without a doubt, he told me, “We’re going.” I could see the excitement all over his face.
The Emirates National Auto Museum is a national automobile museum in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The museum is located in Al Dhafra about 45 kilometres (28 mi) south of the city of Abu Dhabi The museum has a collection of around 3000 cars belonging to Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan in a pyramid-shaped building. Wikipedia
All car photo captions are museum sourced
Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan with the largest model of a Willys jeep, 2009. Wikipedia
A Mercedes-Benz atop a massive chassis. Wikipedia
We arrived at exactly noon. The sun was intense. The air felt like it was fresh from the oven. At the gate, we paid 55 AED each. The guard warned us that not all the air conditioners inside were working. My husband didn’t even blink. “No problem,” he said, too delighted to care. As we drove into the ample parking lot, I saw that there were only three other cars parked. I knew we were about to face the sun so I quickly put on some sunscreen. A girl’s got to be prepared! Even before entering the museum itself, we were greeted by some jaw dropping outdoor displays. My husband’s eyes sparkled as he pointed them out one by one. Right next to the parking area was the famous Giant Globe Caravan. This huge spherical caravan is made to look like Earth. An awestruck piece of art that makes every visitor stop and stare. Then came the Willys Jeep and the Dodge Power Wagon house. My husband couldn’t stop pointing things out with a grin on his face. We were in awe of their size. We took a bunch of photos, especially striking poses in front of these giant trucks. We rushed to the entrance, protecting ourselves from the heat. Right at the front door, a Mercedes-Benz on top of a big chassis welcomed us. An impressive sight that made us both stop and stare.
1915 Ford Model T Brass-Era
1936 Ford Model 48
1936 Ford Model 68 DeLuxe
We stepped inside and that’s when the real magic began. It was a car lover’s paradise. The museum was packed wall to wall with vintage beauties, luxury classics, rare models and custom masterpieces. My husband was all smiles. Clearly in his happy place. He turned to me and said, Let’s do it row by row. We can’t miss even one!” He didn’t want to miss any item. I could see how much he was admiring every minute of it. Some of the vehicles had labels showing the name, model, and year, which made it even more interesting. But there were others without any details, so I ended up paying extra attention to the ones I liked that had labels, just so I could remember their names.
Dodge Special Roadster 1925
Chrysler 1928
These two cars instantly caught our attention. Both are made in the USA. It was awesome to see how well they were preserved. Showcasing the elegance and strength of American engineering from nearly a century ago.
This massive truck is a replica of a 1950s Dodge Power Wagon. It was towering, almost like a building on wheels and definitely one of the most eye catching displays in the museum. I was so amazed that I immediately told my husband to take a photo of me under this giant truck. Standing beneath it made me feel so small, but it was such a fun.
Dodge Royal Lancer 1955
Buick Super 1956
Imperial Crown Coupe 1964
Ford Thunderbird 1962
A stunning lineup of cars made in the USA from 1955 to 1964. It was amazing to see how the designs evolved year by year.
Cadillac Deville 1968
Cadillac Eldorado 1974
Cadillac Eldeora 1974
Further along, an impressive line of Cadillacs. Each one looked like it rolled straight out of a vintage movie. My husband and I took our time admiring them. Drawn to their timeless appeal and classic American skill.
Lincoln 1989
Mercedes Benz 180 1956
Mercedes SEL300 1970
Mercedes 500SEL 1983
A lively row of Mercedes-Benz cars from Germany. Each one is in a different bright color. It was impossible not to be drawn in by their impressive looks and perfect style.
Mercedes 1885 and Super Kenworth 953 1977
Porche Boxster 1996
Rolls Royce Corniche 1984
Rolls Royce Phantom 6
A classy Rolls Royce promptly draws attention with its glossy lines and chrome details. Well sophisticated exhibits the ideal blend of craftsmanship and class.
Meserati Shamal 1991
Citreon 1947
Pontiac Firebird 1967
Pontiac Trans M 1979
Nissan Datsun Coupe 1981
An eye catching line of red GMC trucks, their vibrant color making them impossible to miss. Each truck showcased the perfect blend of rugged strength and bold style.
Shoujaa 2000 1988
Among the collection, this stood out with its unique style. It gave off a futuristic yet tough vibe.
Plymouth Prowler 1998
Volkswagen Beetle 1963
Volkswagen 1975
Mini Cooper 1997
Fiat 500 Maria 1973
Jeep 1944
Erad Junior 1963
Honda 600 1972
After our tour of the ground floor, we went up to the second floor. The cars were all small and absolutely adorable. Each one with its own quirky charm. It felt like wandering into a toy car showroom. The second floor brought a fun twist to the whole experience.
The Emirates National Auto Museum was a memorable visit. We admired all the different types of cars. From massive trucks to adorable small ones. My husband had the best time. It was a day well spent and one we’ll gladly look back on again and again.
Photos taken using Samsung S25 Ultra
Collage using Canva
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