Al Ain Museum

The oldest museum in the UAE, Al Ain Museum was founded in 1969 under the guidance of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Charting the history of Al Ain from the Stone Age through to the foundation of the United Arab Emirates, the museum houses artefacts discovered in the many archaeological sites scattered throughout the region, including flint tools and arrowheads dating to the sixth millennium BCE.

From 1969–70, a temporary exhibition was displayed in Sultan Fort while the purpose-built museum was constructed. The museum was inaugurated on 2 November 1971 by His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in the Eastern Region.

Sultan Fort, also known as the Eastern Fort, lies at the eastern edge of Al Ain Oasis and once lay at the heart of the former village, or hara, of Al Ain, which also took its alternative name of ‘Haret Al Hosn’ from the fort. It is one of a number of historic buildings associated with the increased influence of the ruling Al Nahyan family in Al Ain from the end of the nineteenth century onwards. The fort is a well-preserved mudbrick structure with towers at three of the corners and a gate in the southern façade. It was built in 1910 by the son of Sheikh Zayed the First, Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed, who was the ruler of Abu Dhabi from 1922–26. It now lies within the grounds of Al Ain Museum and forms one of its major attractions.

The museum showcases a rich collection of artifacts that reflect the artistry and cultural heritage of our region. Among these treasures, visitors can admire exquisite gold, electrum, and silver jewelry, each piece telling a unique story of craftsmanship and history.

Last Modified - 16/01/2026