Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
This Eid Al-Fitr, Zayed National Museum, the national museum of the United Arab Emirates, will present 'The Joy of Eid', bringing families and communities together through a vibrant public programme of cultural performances, interactive workshops and activities inspired by Emirati heritage.
In line with the Year of Family 2026, the programme highlights the values of solidarity and connection within families and welcomes visitors of all ages. 'The Joy of Eid' will feature cultural performances and experiences designed to bring loved ones together within the museum’s galleries and public spaces.
The programme will include a range of activities inspired by Emirati heritage, including traditional performance arts such as Al-Ayyala, Al-Harbiya and Al-Habbān, alongside live demonstrations led by Emirati practitioners showcasing heritage practices such as falconry, perfume making and weaving.
Visitors can also participate in interactive workshops and creative activities, experience traditional games, and attend documentary and cinematic film screenings highlighting the role of family in preserving memories and safeguarding heritage across generations.
The programme will also feature an interactive cooking experience inspired by traditional Emirati flavours, alongside Memory Corners, where visitors can capture personalised artistic keepsakes inspired by the spirit of Eid.
As part of 'The Joy of Eid', the museum will officially launch its quarterly access programmes - 'Beyond Sight' and 'Sensory Journeys' - reinforcing its commitment to accessible engagement for everyone.
On March 21, 'Beyond Sight' will present a dedicated programme for visitors with visual impairments which is also open to companions. Each session combines a 30-minute guided gallery tour with a one-hour interactive workshop. This inaugural session centres on Eid greeting cards, exploring the cultural significance of Eid Al Fitr, the concept of Sanaa, and its importance in Emirati heritage and traditions of hospitality in the UAE. Participants will create tactile, personalised greeting cards using natural materials such as dried herbs, flower petals and raised-pattern stamps.
On March 22, 'Sensory Journeys' will invite visitors with developmental and learning disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum, to take part in guided exploration and workshop engagement. Participants will design textured Eid greeting cards inspired by heritage traditions and sensory storytelling.
The programmes are part of Zayed National Museum’s ongoing commitment to making its galleries and workshops more accessible to the entire community, regardless of their access needs.
During Eid Al Fitr, the museum will operate from 10 am to 8 pm. Visitors can also enjoy the museum’s daily guided tours in English and Arabic throughout the Eid period.
Programme Timings
Traditional Performances: Together in Rhythm
Traditional performance arts from the United Arab Emirates including Al-Habbān, Al-Harbiya, Al-Ayyala and Shihhi-style sword Razfa. The performances present
rhythmic movements and cultural context associated with these traditions.
When: Throughout the day during the Eid Al Fitr period
Live Demonstrations: Reviving Heritage - Families in Motion
Live demonstrations led by Emirati practitioners presenting heritage practices such as falconry, weaving, perfume making and traditional hair braiding.
When: Throughout the day during the Eid Al Fitr period
Interactive Programme: Memory Corners
Stations where visitors receive personalised artworks created by a photographer, calligrapher and artist, presented as printed cards inspired by the museum and
Eid.
When: 11am - 8pm
Majlis Zayed National Museum: Sabahyat Al Eid
A programme presenting Emirati hospitality traditions and the preparation of Emirati coffee (gahwa), alongside traditional foods such as dates, jamee and luqaimat.
When: 10:30am - 8pm
Traditional Games
Heritage-inspired games presented in interactive zones designed for participation across different age groups.
When: 10:30am – 8pm
Interactive Workshops
Workshops based on Emirati heritage practices where participants engage with traditional crafts, skills and creative expressions under the guidance of cultural
practitioners.
When: 10:30am - 8pm
Film Screenings
A selection of documentary and cinematic screenings addressing family life, heritage and shared cultural memory across generations.
When: Throughout the day during the Eid Al Fitr period
Cooking Experience: Seven Flavours of the Emirates
A cooking session led by Chef Mariam Al Mansouri with Chef Hazaa and Chef Fadel presenting dishes inspired by Emirati culinary traditions.
When: Throughout the day during the Eid Al Fitr period
Beyond Sight Programme: Eid Greeting Card
Participants will create personalised greeting cards using natural materials such as dried herbs, flower petals and raised-pattern stamps.
When: Saturday, 21 March 2026, 5pm - 6:30pm
Sensory Journeys Programme: Eid Greeting Card
Participants will create personalised greeting cards inspired by heritage traditions and sensory storytelling.
When: Sunday, 22 March 2026, 5pm - 6:30pm
Tour: A Walk Through Our History
A signature guided tour exploring more than 300,000 years of UAE history, culture and stories while highlighting the values of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
When: Daily tours from 12pm - 1:30pm (English), 05:30pm - 7pm (Arabic)
Tour: A Walk Among Our Wings
A guided tour to explore the architecture of Zayed National Museum up close. Discover the building’s structural and aesthetic details, the intentions behind its design and the unique spaces that shape the museum experience.
When: Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 11:30am - 12:30pm (English), 4:30pm - 5:30pm (Arabic)
Workshop: Oasis Weaving
A family-friendly workshop inspired by traditional Emirati weaving practices, exploring communal life in the oases through hands-on making.
When: Saturday, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Workshop: Tree of Values
Participants will create a layered flower or tree collage where each petal or leaf symbolises a personal value. Inspired by Sheikh Zayed’s values of compassion and giving, this workshop transforms values like kindness and respect into art. Participants will cultivate a “value garden” that celebrates unity, generosity and growth, an inspiring gift of compassion to share with loved ones.
When: Saturday, 1pm - 2pm, and 6:30pm - 7:30pm
