This historically important museum used to be a palace and private residence for the Founding Father of the UAE and the first President of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, before the ruling family moved to Abu Dhabi in the 1960s.
The original palace and residence started its transformation into a museum in 1998, before finishing in 2001, the year Al Ain Palace Museum officially opened its doors to the public.
This museum is also known as the Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum and the oldest building in the palace dates back to 1937.
When To Go
Open daily between 10am – 6pm, except on Fridays, when it’s open 2pm – 6pm.
Costs Involved
Entry is free for the public.
How To Get There
Al Ain Palace Museum is a short 5-10minutes walk from Al Ain Oasis.
It’s located along Hessa bint Mohammed Street within the Jahili area in the city of Al Ain.
Tips For Your Visit
There is car parking available near the front entrance of Al Ain Palace Museum.
It took us approximately 1 hour to explore Al Ain Palace Museum.
There isn’t a lot of shade outside in the gardens, so best to bring your hat and sunglasses.
What To Expect
Expect traditional Emirati influences throughout Al Ain Palace Museum, where a lot of the ancient building materials have been restored.
Barjeels, also known as ventilation structures, to beat the summer heat, can be seen throughout the palace museum.
Buildings have also been labelled for visitors, such as the ‘wood store’ below.
Don’t forget to check out the traditional well in the grounds of this palace museum.
You can also see a vintage Land Rover in the gardens near the entrance/exit of this palace museum. This was a similar car used by the late Sheikh Zayed during his lifetime.
Learn more about the UAE’s ruling family, by discovering the family tree of the Al Nahyan family.
What's Unique
Al Ain Palace Museum is an important historical site in the UAE (being home to the Founding Father of the UAE until the 1960s) and it is also one of the best reinstated museums in the UAE.
The Verdict
We really enjoyed learning so much about the history of the UAE’s ruling family at Al Ain Palace Museum.
The gardens throughout this palace are well looked after and it’s great to see such a historically important palace be restored so respectfully.
Sounds like fun? Don’t just take our word for it, experience it for yourself.
Be inspired to start or add to your very own bucket lists.
You can also click here for more unique bucket list ideas in the UAE!
Above prices & information correct as of December 2021.
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