The Al Ain Museum now spans over 8,000 square meters. SUPPLIED

The Al Ain Museum, the UAE’s first museum, has officially reopened — unveiling a modern transformation that celebrates both heritage and innovation. Founded in 1969 by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the museum stands proudly beside Sultan Fort, preserving the story of the nation’s cultural heart. Redeveloped by Dabbagh Architects, the museum now spans over 8,000 square metres, offering an immersive experience that connects visitors to Al Ain’s UNESCO World Heritage sites and ancient traditions. Inside, visitors can explore more than 1,800 artefacts, tracing the journey of human civilisation in the region — from prehistoric settlements to the rise of the oasis community. The museum’s galleries include: • Palaeolithic Gallery: Showcasing stone tools over 10,000 years old. • Neolithic to Iron Age Gallery: Revealing burial rituals and desert innovations. • Aflaj & Wells Gallery: Highlighting the ancient irrigation system that sustained life. • Archaeological Tombs Gallery: Displaying excavated relics and ceremonies. • Islamic Period Gallery: Showcasing artefacts from Al Ain’s trade and cultural evolution. Visitors can also enjoy temporary exhibitions, educational workshops, a café, and a retail shop — making the museum a lively cultural hub for all ages. Tickets start at Dh47.25 for adults, with free admission for youth under 18. Guided tours are available, and discounts apply for Fazaa, Esaad, and ICOM members. Open daily from 9am to 7pm, the Al Ain Museum invites residents and tourists alike to rediscover the roots of Emirati identity — and the vision of Sheikh Zayed that brought history to life. ICA/Expat Media
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