His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the representative of the Abu Dhabi ruler in the Al Ain region, was present at the reopening ceremony of the Al Ain Museum, which has undergone extensive renovations to preserve its historical and cultural significance. The museum now features new facilities and exhibition halls equipped with the latest interactive technologies in line with the highest standards of historical museums.
The inauguration event was attended by His Highness Sheikh Surour bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, His Highness Dr. Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Advisor to the President of the State, and Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairwoman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.
Also present were retired Major General Sheikh Saeed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Chairman of the National Anti-Drug Council, the supervisor of heritage in the Abu Dhabi Police, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Excellency Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, along with several dignitaries and officials.
His Highness took a tour of the museum’s facilities to explore the key exhibits and archaeological collections that showcase the customs and traditions of the region from ancient times, including agricultural tools, traditional fishing equipment, and other activities practiced by ancestors.
The museum’s archaeology halls take visitors on a journey through time, showcasing ancient human settlements discovered through artifacts dating back thousands of years. These include ceramic pots, iron arrows, and daggers found in the burial mounds of Jebel Hafeet and Al Qattara.
His Highness listened to explanations regarding the critical phases of the renovation and redevelopment project, which expanded the museum’s area from 1,200 square meters to 8,000 square meters.
Post-renovation, the museum features 10 main halls equipped with audio-visual and interactive display technologies. Additionally, it offers new facilities for visitors and researchers, including a research center, preservation and restoration laboratories, interactive educational spaces, a reading room, a café, a shop, and a room for temporary exhibitions.
Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasized that the Al Ain Museum is among the most prominent cultural institutions in the region’s history, being the first museum in the United Arab Emirates.
He noted that the museum’s reopening following its redevelopment embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the State, may God protect him, in continuing the path laid by the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace, in safeguarding and preserving our cultural identity and rich heritage for future generations.
His Highness praised the efforts made by the relevant cultural and heritage sectors to protect historical landmarks of national significance, which reflect the heritage and civilization of the ancestors. He highlighted the importance of documenting and preserving the national heritage to connect the past with the present and future, instilling awareness of its historical value and cultural symbolism in the hearts and minds of the nation’s youth.