ADACH unveils plans for Al Ain National Museum

The AANM forms part of the Al Ain Oasis Cultural Quarter Master Plan and is located within the centre of downtown Al Ain within an Eastern Cultural Campus that is a flagship cultural quarter for Al Ain. It will celebrate the heritage and culture of the city – at the point where the city and nature meet at the edge of the Al Ain Oasis.

Hili Archaeological Park is an internationally significant archaeological site, comprising unique Bronze Age, Iron Age and Islamic remains. The project will protect and preserve the site and its archaeology, and create a centre of learning and discovery where visitors will engage with the history of the site, the early roots of the UAE, the lives of the people who inhabited this landscape, and how the work of archaeologists and the late Shaikh Zayed (May God Bless His Soul) uncovered Hili’s rich history.

The Chairman of ADACH, Shaikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan stated ‘These are two very significant projects, that are drawing on the resources of this country’s heritage and protecting them. The Al Ain National Museum will provide the intellectual foundation of a Cultural Quarter. Hili Archaeological Park will enclose some of the most important Bronze and Iron Age tombs, settlements and falaj systems found in the United Arab Emirates.

‘The World Heritage Site status that was awarded to Al Ain recently is further testament to Abu Dhabi continuing to be developed as one of the main international centres of culture by embracing and valuing its cultural diversityand making it an attractive visitors destination.

Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Advisor for Culture and Heritage in the Court of His Highness the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Director General of ADACH, said ‘These two landmark projects cultivate Cultural Heritage promotion and development which will be at the forefront of our plans. ADACH aims to diversify the economy and drive development in the emirate.

‘Hili Archaeological Park, the surrounding landscape and the new Al Ain National Museum will be the focus of heritage learning, enjoyment and events for residents and visitors and will be the central place for understanding and engaging in the city’s rich past, vibrant present and exciting future. These developments will be gateways to the internationally significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Al Ain including the Oasis itself.’

Dr. Sami el Masri, Deputy Director-General for Arts, Culture and Heritage and Director of Strategic Planning and Development at ADACH, said ‘The Al Ain National Museum project will revitalise thisinstitution in ADACH’s Museum Department and be the anchor for the Eastern Cultural Campus. It will be an exemplary modern, urban, archaeology and cultural history museum. The museum will be the centre of the cultural life of the city – and a gateway to its many treasures and stories.

‘The strategy of ADACH is to protect and maintain Abu Dhabi’s resources and ensure and reinforce the role of culture and heritage as both an important educational and cultural tool. ADACH is as much about the present and the future as it is about the past.