Al Ahmadiya School, established in 1912, was Dubai's first formal school. The building, a two-storey structure in the Al-Ras area of Deira, was restored in 1995 and now serves as a museum of education. Adjacent to it is the Heritage House, a traditional merchant's home that gives a sense of how Deira's wealthy families lived in the early twentieth century.
The two buildings together make for a worthwhile 45-minute visit and are almost always uncrowded. The restored interiors include original classroom furniture, a library, and domestic rooms with furniture and objects from the early 1900s. Entry is free, making this an excellent addition to a Deira souk walk.