Discover 8,000 years of history at the Al Ain Museum.
Get ready for some culture in the capital. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has announced that the Al Ain Museum is set to reopen. On 24 October, the museum will welcome visitors following a redevelopment, and it will span more than 8,000 square metres.
Designed by Dabbagh Architects, the Al Ain Museum retains its original structure while incorporating new additions. Originally established in 1969 by the Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, significantly, the museum was the first of its kind in the UAE. It celebrates the history and heritage of the Al Ain Region.
The collection explores human habitation in the Al Ain Region and features archaeological artefacts dating back over 8,000 years. Keep an eye out for newly discovered archaeological sites, unearthed during the redevelopment process. Among the highlights is the ancient aflaj irrigation system. The system enabled sustainable agriculture and made long-term settlement in the region possible.
H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The reopening of the nation’s first museum marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to continue this legacy by preserving and sharing the cultural heritage of the UAE. Through its invaluable collections and dynamic new visitor experience, this institution will connect visitors, both local and international, to the deep roots of Al Ain Region’s history and its integral role in shaping the identity of our nation.”
Omar Salem Al Kaabi, Director of Al Ain Museum,added: “Al Ain Museum serves as the gateway to understanding the cultural and archaeological significance of Al Ain Region. It offers visitors essential historical and interpretive context that brings to life the UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering insight into the outstanding universal value of the historic locations that surround it and their contribution to our collective understanding of human history.”
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GO: Visit https://dct.gov.ae for more information.