This is the oldest museum in Al Ain and was built by the former President HH the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The museum contains artifacts dedicated to both the Ethnographical and Archaeological history of the region. Visitors will get an overall view of country’s 7500 years old traditions and culture.
Ethnographical section is focused on the history of UAE in the days before oil was discovered and used as a key economic driver. On display is objects catering to the many daily routine activities of the community, such as traditional education and teaching, recreational pastimes, house hold equipment, and professional gear such as those used for weaving, fishing and medical procedures. There are several more interesting relics exhibited in an educative fashion guaranteed to keep you occupied for quite a while. Traditional art forms and musical instruments are also present.
The Archaeological section displays objects right from Stone Age to Islamic period, definitely a treasure trove for the history buff. Several items are exhibited including age old tools such as those made of flint, stone, fine arrowheads. The section also contains artifacts from the grave at Hili and Umm an Nar, such as pottery, stone vessels, copper objects.
The items put on show here offer insights and evidence of the rich culture and bustling trading relations people in the region had with other communities around the world at the time. The museum is a significant attraction in Al Ain and provides you with much information about the history of this growing country.
Entrance fee of AED 3 is charged per adult and AED 1 per children under 10. The museum is closed on Mondays. Timings to visit are as follows:
Saturday to Thursday : 8.00 am – 7.30 pm
Friday 3.00 pm – 7.30 pm