AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
Zayed National Museum has made a comprehensive commitment to inclusion by announcing a wide range of accessibility initiatives aimed at making sure that all visitors, regardless of ability, feel valued, accepted, and able to participate completely in the UAE’s national museum.
The mission of Zayed National Museum was highlighted by Amna Al Hammadi, Community Engagement Lead – Learning and Public Engagement: “Zayed National Museum is committed to ensuring that every visitor feels welcome and able to engage fully with the museum.”
The museum, which is scheduled to open in December 2025 in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District, is launching numerous innovative programmes and services that address a variety of needs in order to fulfill this vision.
The specially created “Calm Room”, a peaceful, secure area intended to help guests – including those who are neurodivergent – manage sensory overload, is one of the most noteworthy features.
The museum also hosts “Quiet Mornings” on the first Sunday of every month, a facility that lowers sound and lighting levels to create a calm, sensory-friendly space.
“Al Dhuha Hour”, which is offered every other Monday, is a programme that offers learning activities to senior persons, especially those suffering from dementia.
People of Determination accessibility is ingrained in the museum’s culture. Zayed National Museum is the first museum in Abu Dhabi to provide Emirati Sign Language tours, conducted by sign language experts. Visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing can discover the museum’s rich cultural content in an inclusive environment thanks to the special tours.
Other initiatives include “Sensory Journeys”, which involve people with intellectual disabilities and their families in practical activities, and the “Beyond Sight” programme, which offers tactile tours and multi-sensory seminars for guests with visual impairment.
A wide range of resources, such as sensory kits, a sensory map, an access guide, videos with captions, and publications in braille, are provided at the museum to help all visitors.
“When taken as a whole, these steps guarantee that the museum provides everyone with an enjoyable and educational experience,” Al Hammadi stated.
Working with a broad network of collaborators in the UAE is essential to the museum’s success. Al Amal Hospital, Al Karamah Training Institute, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, the Ministry of Family, the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Special Needs, the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination, the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an, and the Department of Community Development are a few of these partners.
Al Hammadi explained: “Working with specialised organisations is essential to providing insights on essential requirements specific to People of Determination.
“Accessibility is a fundamental component, not an afterthought. Every employee at Zayed National Museum is trained in inclusive visitor engagement, sensory awareness, and Emirati Sign Language. This guarantees that every member of the team is prepared to serve guests with visible and invisible disabilities in a professional and caring manner.
“Our objective is to establish a setting where each employee actively contributes to making the museum inclusive and accessible to everyone.”
The late founder of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s leadership was based on inclusivity and compassion, and Zayed National Museum continues his legacy.
Al Hammadi stated: “It is our duty to make sure that everyone, without exception, has the opportunity to learn about and participate in the history and culture of the country.”
“People of Determination, their families, educators, and other community stakeholders will continue to work closely with the museum to co-design and improve its programmes going forward.
“Plans call for the introduction of new assistive technology, the growth of customised tours, and continual assessment to guarantee that accessibility stays at the forefront of the tourist experience.”