Today's Edition
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
Amid the rise of world-class cultural landmarks in Abu Dhabi, one institution will always hold a special place in the hearts of Emiratis – Al Ain Museum, the first museum ever established in the UAE. Its reopening in October 2025, following extensive redevelopment work, made the site a must-visit once again, whether for first-time guests or those returning to rediscover its rich legacy.
Those who recently toured the renovated premises were impressed and captivated.
“Walking through Al Ain Museum felt like travelling through time,” said Fakhra Alhosani, a visitor. “I felt proud of our heritage and how beautifully it has been conserved since each relic tells a tale of how our forefathers coexisted peacefully with the land.”
The Al Ain Museum, a significant cultural institution in Al Ain Region, has been described as the historic centre of the emirate.
The renovated museum - which now covers more than 8,000 sq. m. and offers a carefully curated narrative that combines collective memory with contemporary museology and innovation - serves as a gateway to understanding the story and the heritage of the region and the UAE.
Through immersive exhibits and carefully planned galleries, it transports visitors to the early days of Al Ain. Artefacts that are more than 8,000 years old provide insight into the life of the area’s earliest inhabitants.
Alongside archeological finds that demonstrate the resourcefulness and ecological practices of ancient civilisations, the museum also puts the spotlight on the development of the ancient aflaj irrigation system, one of the most significant technological and cultural advancements in the region’s history.
“What impressed me most is how the museum connects the past with the present,” said Shaikha Omar, another visitor.
With the informative and innovative exhibitions, younger generations can easily comprehend the significance of Al Ain and its place in world history, she added.
Adnan Al Ajami saw the museum in a different light as he observed how sustainability had long been interwoven with the traditions and community life in the region.
“I realised that sustainability is not a new notion for this region after seeing the old irrigation systems and archaeological findings. It was mastered centuries ago by our ancestors, and the museum portrays this in a compelling and motivational manner,” he said.
