Al Ain Museum is preparing to receive its visitors starting October 24
Al Ain, October 15 / WAM / The Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi announced today the reopening of the Al Ain Museum, which will receive visitors starting on October 24, after a comprehensive redevelopment, making the museum’s area exceed 8,000 square metres, while preserving the original building to form an essential part of the new architectural narrative.
The museum was established in 1969 by the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, “may God rest his soul,” and it is considered the first museum in the UAE and the primary reference for the antiquities and rich cultural history of the Al Ain region.
His Excellency Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi, said that the Al Ain Museum has a unique place in our memory, and through it we honor the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, “may God rest his soul,” and his values represented in the necessity of preserving our past, drawing inspiration from it in our present, and motivating future generations to continue the journey in the future.
He added that its reopening represents a pivotal step in our ongoing efforts to continue this legacy by preserving the country’s cultural heritage and sharing it with the world.
He stated that through its valuable collections and our keenness to provide a new experience for visitors, the museum will connect its audiences of all cultures with the deep roots of the history of the Al Ain region and its integral role in shaping our national identity.
The museum’s collection and narrative showcase the history of human existence in the Al Ain region, as the museum includes artifacts dating back more than 8,000 years, and a collection of material cultural collectibles that shed light on the customs and practices of the population, in addition to exhibitions that explore the rich cultural heritage of the region up to the present day.
Omar Salem Al Kaabi, Director of Al Ain Museum, said that the museum is a gateway to understanding the cultural and archaeological importance of the entire Al Ain region, as it provides visitors with a basic historical and interpretive context that brings life to Al Ain’s cultural sites included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and a clear vision of the unique universal value of the historical sites surrounding it, and their contribution to enriching our collective understanding of human history.
He added that the museum’s vision is to be a starting point for a broader journey, inspiring visitors to discover historic buildings, oases, ancient cemeteries, and architectural landmarks in Al Ain with a deeper awareness of their established value in human history and local heritage.
The Al Ain Museum includes new archaeological sites that were discovered during the redevelopment work, which underwent careful excavations and were carefully preserved, becoming a pivotal element in the visitors’ experience.
One of the most prominent narratives presented by the museum is the focus on the development of the Aflaj system, which is considered one of the greatest technical and cultural innovations in the history of the region. This system contributed to achieving sustainable agriculture, allowed for the establishment of stable communities in Al Ain, and paved the way for its transformation into a vital and cultural center in the heart of the desert.
The Al Ain Museum houses Fort Sultan, also known as the Eastern Fort, at the eastern edge of the Al Ain Oasis. It was previously located in the heart of the old village, or Haret Al Sharq, which took an alternative name inspired by the fort, “Haret Al Hosn.” It was built in 1910 by the son of Sheikh Zayed the First, Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed, who ruled Abu Dhabi from 1922 until 1926.
It also contains a wide range of artifacts spanning thousands of years of human presence in the region, and is a vital center for archaeological research, study, and education.
The museum includes a research center dedicated to supporting interdisciplinary research, studies, and preservation efforts, in addition to an educational space designed to host interactive workshops and practical educational activities, allowing visitors of all ages the opportunity to interact directly with the region’s cultural and historical heritage.
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