Al Ain National Museum

On the edge of Al Ain Oasis, this museum was opened in 1971, and is the showcase for the city’s unique heritage and history. It is housed in the same compound as the Sultan Bin Zayed Fort (also known as the Eastern Fort), which was built in 1910 and is very well preserved.

Divided into three main sections – archaeology, ethnography and gifts – its presentations illustrate various aspects of life in the UAE and include an interesting selection of photographs, as well as Bedouin jewellery, musical instruments, weapons, and a reconstruction of a traditional majlis.

The archaeology displays are extensive, and include many artefacts from the nearby Hili Gardens, so it is helpful to visit the museum before the gardens. Some of the displays, such as the one from Garn Bint Saud (12 kilometres north of Hili), date back to the first millennium BC. The gifts section houses an unusual collection of gifts that Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan received during his lifetime. It includes golden swords, silver daggers and a golden palm tree, among others. The labelling on all displays is in English and Arabic.

Timings:

8.30am - 7.30pm (Saturday - Thursday)
3pm -7.30 (Friday)
Closed on Monday
Entrance: AED 3 (Adults); AED 1 (Children under 10 years old)
+971 3 764 1595, aam.gov.ae

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