SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
For the UAE's museums, the objective of preserving history comes with a mission of sparking renewed appreciation for the treasures of the past - particularly among digital natives, whose reality looks nothing like the one those relics come from.
Al Ain Museum makes a conscious effort to engage the youth through interactive programmes, said Dr Khawla Al Marri, its Education and Community Section Head.
"We believe that heritage is best understood when it is experienced rather than simply observed," she told Aletihad. "Every programme we develop is designed to encourage curiosity, participation, and meaningful connections with the stories, traditions, and people that have shaped the UAE."
The museum pairs historical knowledge with hands-on learning through workshops, storytelling, guided tours and cultural demonstrations.
It also works closely with schools, universities, cultural practitioners and local communities to ensure its programmes remain authentic and relevant to younger generations.
"Rather than presenting heritage as something from the past, we aim to show its continued relevance in everyday life, inspiring young people to see themselves as custodians of the nation's cultural legacy and active participants in preserving it for future generations," Dr Al Marri said.
Youth participation has been growing since the museum's reopening, she said, with thousands taking part in school visits, workshops, cultural programmes and community events.
"Young people continue to make up a significant proportion of participants across our public programmes, reflecting a growing interest in engaging with the UAE's cultural heritage," she added.
Every programme, she noted, is developed with heritage specialists and rooted in accurate historical research.
Such activities, she added, help strengthen the youth's sense of identity and belonging while deepening their appreciation of the local culture and the UAE story.
Omar Al Kaabi, Director of Al Ain Museum, said young people are at the heart of preserving the UAE's cultural heritage.
"The youth are the future preservers of our cultural heritage, and museums have an important responsibility to inspire their curiosity and strengthen their connection to the stories that have shaped our nation," Al Kaabi said.
"By engaging younger generations today, we are helping ensure that the UAE's rich heritage continues to be understood, valued, and preserved for generations to come.
Shama Saeed Jemai, Cultural Guide at Al Shindagha Museum in Dubai, agreed that museums help connect young Emiratis to their roots.
In support of that mission, the museum holds weekly workshops on Emirati coffee and traditional hospitality, weaving Talli bracelets, making prayer beads, and crafting perfume.
Daily guided tours and hands-on cultural experiences also help bring the UAE's history and traditions to life for younger generations, Jemai said. "Through these experiences, museums help preserve Emirati heritage and pass it on to future generations."