AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
A trip to the Zayed National Museum is not a history lesson - it is an experience in which visitors can actively engage with heritage, Nassra Al Buainain, Director of the Learning and Public Engagement Department said.
The UAE's national museum is currently hosting its April 2026 Learning and Public Engagement programme, which consists of a schedule of tours, workshops and interactive experiences aimed at enriching the public's knowledge of the country's history, culture and legacy.
Visitors of all ages are encouraged to interact with the cultural narrative of the UAE through the workshops and tours.
April Workshops and Tours
To mark World Autism Awareness Weekend (April 2–5), the museum arranged an inclusive programme for visitors on the autism spectrum and their families, featuring sensory-friendly activities, panel discussions, and film screenings.
Quiet Mornings (9am–11am daily) caters to visitors with sensory sensitivities, enabling them to explore the galleries in a calm environment.
Al Dhuha Hour, a monthly programme for senior citizens and those living with dementia, offers guided tours with creative workshops like botanical eco-printing.
Among the learning programmes is the "Oasis Weaving" workshop, where traditional Emirati weaving techniques are shared.
"Create your Calming Necklace" is a hands-on session incorporating traditional herbs and natural ingredients.
"Design your Porcelain Fruit Bowl" is a creative workshop inspired by the museum's collections.
"Build Your Museum" is an educational activity for families to explore museum design.
In an interview with Aletihad, Al Buainain said the programme's focus is on engaging the younger generations. She said participants can actively create and interpret historic crafts and architecture through the workshops. "Heritage is lived and personally understood, not just observed," she said.
From Museum to Community
With the "From Museum to Community" campaign, the museum is extending its influence outside its physical location. Through a series of public dialogue sessions, the programme connects the public with cultural experts who bring stories to communities, highlighting the experiences, knowledge and discoveries that have helped shape the nation's story and enrich the museum's galleries and collections.
The sessions highlight archaeological discoveries and their place in the national narrative, showing how scientific research and curatorial interpretation work together to present a deeper understanding of the UAE's history, landscapes and cultural identity.
Al Buainain explains: "From Museum to Community begins with a simple idea: that the museum's story does not belong only within its walls. Instead, it travels, carried through conversations, shared experiences and dialogue across the Emirates.
"By hosting sessions in cultural institutions across different cities, the programme brings together communities, researchers and cultural practitioners in spaces that are familiar to them.
"Here, discussions unfold around history, heritage, identity and lived experiences, allowing people to see how their own stories connect to the wider national narrative.
"The impact lies in this shift, from presenting history to sharing it. By meeting people where they are, the initiative opens the museum to new audiences, creating a more inclusive and participatory cultural dialogue across the UAE."