Jump into the UAE’s history at the captivating Al Ain National Museum
If you have always wanted to explore the origins of Al Ain and how it evolved into the charming city it is today, drop by the Al Ain National Museum. The facility houses artefacts and exhibits that date from the Stone Age up to the formation of the UAE. From historical displays to ticket prices and more, here is everything you need to know about the Al Ain National Museum.
About Al Ain National Museum
Al Ain National Museum is the oldest museum in the United Arab Emirates. It was established in 1969 under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and was officially inaugurated in 1971 by His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan.
One of the museum’s major attractions is the remarkably impressive Sultan Fort. Built in 1910, this imposing mud-brick structure stands testament to the growing influence of Al Ain’s ruling Al Nahyan family at the time. It’s no coincidence that the fort and museum are located near beautiful Al Ain Oasis.
The other main exhibits in the museum were discovered during the many oil exploration projects that took place in the region during the 1950s. A number of the major archaeological sites represented at the museum include:
- Hafeet Mountain
- Al Hili
- Bida Bint Saud
- Umm an-Nar Island
The Bida Bin Saud site is also one of the UNESCO Heritage sites in the UAE.
Museum Sections
The museum is divided into three main sections — Archaeology, Ethnography and a Gifts Gallery.
Archaeology
The Archaeology department at the museum features exhibits in chronological order — starting with the Stone Age. This is followed by the displays that show the region as it was during the Bronze Age, Hellenistic eras and the Islamic ages. An example is the imported 5,000-year-old Mesopotamian pots that were originally found in tombs excavated in Jebel Hafeet.
The section also depicts the rise of the Bronze Age when large mud-brick structures were built in Hili nearly 4,500 years ago. Among these is an ancient society that featured several tombs built above ground. An example is the famous Grand Tomb located in the Hili Archaeological Park, which is one of the archaeological sites in the UAE as well. Many objects from these tombs are on display in the museum.
Pottery dating back 3,000 years is displayed in the Archaeology department as well. These vessels are from a time when the Falaj irrigation system was primarily used to supply water to crops.
The section also has ancient jewellery that was found in a tomb in Al Qattara, as well as a number of bronze and copper weapons. The tools give visitors a rare glimpse into metalworks during the era.
Ethnography
The Ethnography department at Al Ain National Museum illustrates the life of the region’s inhabitants before the discovery of oil in the UAE. The area highlights the different phases of a typical resident during that time, such as birth, education, marriage and work life. Also on display here are historical manuscripts, cosmetics and traditional clothing, as well as old copies of the Holy Quran.
Gift Section
The Gifts Section displays works of art and intriguing artefacts gifted to the UAE from countries around the world. One of the notable exhibits is a moon rock gifted to the museum by NASA following the historic Apollo 17 moon landing.
Additionally, the gallery features silver daggers, gold swords, a golden ship, guns and other precious gifts that were presented to His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan by the ambassadors and presidents of different countries.
The impressive collection also includes gifts presented by Arab sister states too. Several metallic objects, glassware, pottery and porcelain objects that date back to the Mamluk era.
The museum also features an Oil Gallery. It displays images that depict the country’s heritage treasures and the early days after the discovery of oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Al Ain National Museum opening hours?
Al Ain National Museum is open daily from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm.
Where is Al Ain National Museum located?
The museum lies at the heart of Al Ain city in the Al Murabba neighbourhood on Sheikh Zayed Road.
We hope our guide to Al Ain National Museum will help you make the most of your visit. If you’re looking for an escape from the city, why not head on a day trip to Al Ain from Dubai? And while you’re there, check out these free things to do in Al Ain!
