Here's a sneak peek into the Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi
It could open to you before the year is out…
With the highly-anticipated opening of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi making waves in the UAE capital only last month, we now have our sights set on Zayed National Museum, which is slated for another exciting launch – possibly before the year is out. To feed your enthusiasm, here are 5 interesting facts about Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi. How your tour begins
teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi drew you in with dark, mysterious hues and incredible light shows that took some getting used to. At Zayed National Museum, you'll begin your tour at the 600-metre Masar Garden, which will introduce you to the nation's native plants. Much like teamLab, Masar Garden's exhibits will also be interactive, and you can expect to interact with and learn more about the Falaj irrigation system, which goes back almost 5000 years in time. There's also as many as 12 special animal-inspired sculptures that pay tribute to the fauna of the region. Journey back in time
And their focus shall be the rich history of the UAE, with special emphasis on the vision of the Father of the Nation, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. You'll also be educated on early human settlements that go back 300,000 years, and will have the chance to explore nature, trade, coastal life, language and traditions of the Emirates. These galleries will truly be a journey back in time.
See a Magan Boat from the Bronze Age
There's been much talk about this exhibit, and with good reason. A full-size reconstruction of a Magan Boat from the Bronze Age is one of Zayed National Museum's standout exhibits, and constructed with materials like reeds and palm-fibre rope, is undoubtedly going to be a major draw. The 18-metre Magan Boat comes to life following collaborative research conducted by Zayed University and NYU Abu Dhabi, and you'll be able to get a glimpse of early seafaring, a time-honoured occupation of the region. If you've wondered what the huge structures atop the building are…
Wonder no more. There's no way you've driven past Saadiyat Island without spotting these massive structures above the Zayed National Museum's construction, and we're told they represent the wings of a true regional icon, the falcon. The five massive steel structures pay tribute to falconry in the UAE, and will also act as wind towers – underscoring sustainability as a core component of the UAE's, and Abu Dhabi's strides forward.
Everyone's invited, and everyone's welcome
In addition to being a global masterpiece, Zayed National Museum is also big on inclusivity. Its design makes the structure accessible for all including people of determination and elderly members of society, fostering the spirit of community for visitors of all backgrounds and abilities.
Images: supplied
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Al Etihad
7 days ago
- Al Etihad
Step into the Bronze Age at Al Ain's Hili Archaeological Park
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Time Out Abu Dhabi
09-06-2025
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
These are the very best things to do indoors for summer in Abu Dhabi
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If we're talking indoor things to do, then we'd be remiss not not mention the capital's outstanding food scene. But let's face it Abu Dhabi's restaurant culture is constantly evolving, and for the average eater-outer, it can be difficult to keep up. A new restaurant here, a fabulous menu there… where to start? That's where we come in. Enter the Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards 2025 and our definitive guide to dining in the capital. Pick any, pick them all, just make sure you pick 'indoor' on the booking because it's about to get hot outside. Head to Clymb Abu Dhabi Who says you can't spike your adrenaline indoors? And there aren't many things better for that than conquering your fear of heights at the world's largest indoor skydiving flight chamber and the region's tallest climbing wall at CLYMB. Beginners can take a swing at three different walls during a 60-minute intro session, learning everything from bouldering basics to auto-belaying, with expert instructors at hand. 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Dhs150 for adults (18 and above), Dhs115 for teenagers (13-17) and Dhs50 for children (4-12). Saadiyat Cultural District, Cool down with some summer desserts Too hot to handle? Hawksbill Restaurant at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club has the sweetest solution. Whether you've just finished a round of golf or you're simply chasing dessert goals, their limited-time summer menu delivers chilled indulgence with a twist. Take your tastebuds on a ride with the matcha tiramisu – a refreshing spin on the creamy classic. Or opt for the showstopper: birds' nest kunafa, a crunchy kunafa nest filled with chocolate and pistachio ice cream shaped like bird eggs. It's part dessert, part work of art. If you're after something lighter (and Instagram-worthy), the poached pear with coconut yoghurt, granola and pomegranate is the way to go. The seasonal lineup is all about keeping it cool – and delicious. À la carte. Daily 7am-11pm. Hawksbill Restaurant, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Saadiyat Island. (056 660 8780). 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Summer in Abu Dhabi Psst: This is when summer officially starts in Abu Dhabi No complaints here Yas Waterworld's epic new expansion is opening this summer – including 12 new slides Weeeeee! 25 brilliant beach and pool day passes in Abu Dhabi Grab your SPF – a lush day by the water awaits
Al Etihad
01-06-2025
- Al Etihad
Guarding the tribes of Liwa Oasis: A look at the forts that watched over generations
1 June 2025 23:47 RAJEEV CHERIAN (LIWA OASIS, AL DHAFRA REGION)Amid the orange-red desert plains and lush palm groves of the Liwa Oasis lies a series of historical forts and towers, keeping a timeless watch, safeguarding the surrounding settlements, and bearing witness to the lives of on the northern edge of the Rub' al Khali - also known as the Empty Quarter, the world's largest uninterrupted desert - about 250km south of Abu Dhabi, Liwa Oasis is the ancestral home of the revered Bani Yas tribe, the principal tribal confederation of Al Dhafra, comprising 20 region is home to many forts and watchtowers, built by the Bani Yas and Manaseer tribes to safeguard their wells, oasis, livestock and settlements. From these structures, men stood watch over the surrounding landscape. These fortified structures - made of stone, palm trunks and gypsum - also served as a place to store supplies and refuge for people during harsh the 1980s, under the directives of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the forts and towers were restored to preserve the rich architectural heritage of the country. Here is a closer look at Liwa Oasis' fortresses - the monuments that embody the heritage and lives of bygone generations. Al Dhafra Fort Before exploring the historical sites of Liwa, begin your journey at Al Dhafra Fort for an introduction to the region's history, traditions, local communities, and natural in 2017, the fort - which also houses a museum - serves as a cultural gateway to Al Dhafra. It offers rich insights into the region's historic forts and watchtowers, while also preserving a wealth of heritage and cultural knowledge. In addition to its exhibits, the site regularly hosts community and cultural events. Dhafeer Fort According to oral history, Dhafeer Fort was built in 1915 by the Bani Yas tribe during the rule of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed bin Khalifa, reads an information board set up by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT) at the site.'Historic routes through the Liwa Crescent passed through the settlement, 'mahadhar', of Dhafeer, which in the 1950s consisted of 12 traditional 'arish' houses made of palm fronds and beams,' it to other defensive structures in the region, Dhafeer features a stone watchtower surrounded by a low enclosure wall where animals could be corralled in case of an into ruins in the 1950s, the building was rebuilt in 1996 using mudbrick to distinguish the new construction from its earlier form. Al Meel Al Meel Fort was constructed at the site of an earlier fort built to defend the major 'mahadhar' of Sha and its surrounding palm groves. This is one of the important settlements in the eastern part of Liwa crescent inhabited all year round, according to information displayed at the to oral history recorded in 1955, the earlier fort is thought to have been built by the Bani Yas tribe during the reign of Sheikh Mohammed bin Shakhbut bin Dhiyab between 1816 and original structure did not survive and it was rebuilt in the present form upon the directives of Sheikh Zayed in the 1980s. Yabbana This fort marks the easternmost point of the Liwa Crescent. It was constructed to defend the eastern approaches to the important settlements - or 'mahadhar' - of Thrwanniya and Nashshash, along with their palm groves, according to the information board at the is believed that the earlier fort at the site was built around the end of the 19th century. The remains of an earlier enclosure showed the fort was built of stone quarried from the immediate original structure did not survive, but it was rebuilt in the present form at the direction of Sheikh Zayed between 2000 and FortInhabited all year round, Mezaira'a was one of the major clusters of settlements with palm groves in the central part of the Liwa Crescent, according to the there were no actual remains, the fort was constructed in its present form in recognition of the historic significance of the place at the direction of Sheikh Zayed and with the help of the Liwa Municipality in the 1980s. Qutuf Watchtower According to oral history, the Qutuf Watchtower was built around 1920 by the Bani Yas tribe. It guarded the southern approaches to the important group of settlements inhabited all year round in the central part of the Liwa original structure featured a round tower built from plastered rubble. It also featured a stoned enclosure for holding camels. The tower and courtyard were rebuilt around 1990. Al Marya Al Gharbiya Tower Al Marya Al Gharbiya Tower was part of a network of towers guarding settlements in the western part of Liwa, according to the was built by a Baluchi mason around 1895-1905 by the order of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, who was the Ruler of Abu Dhabi from 1912 and 1922, as per oral original tower is shown in one of the archival photographs of Liwa taken by British explorer and author Wilfred Thesiger in the late featured a watchtower with two tiers of gun loops for the defenders, reads an inscription at the tower was rebuilt and the current enclosure was added in the mid-1990s. Hosn Al Dhafra Hosn Al Dhafra or Hosn Al Sirra is located close to Al Dhafra Fort. The site was seasonally inhabited between 14th-15th centuries and 18th-19th centuries, based on archaeological excavations and surveys.'The site is of unique importance as it dates to before the move of the Bani Yas tribes from Al Dhafra to the coast,' reads an inscprition at Al Dhafra Fort. Umm Hisn Tower Built by the Manaseer tribe between 1883 and 1890, the Umm Hisn Tower served as a defence outpost guarding the western approaches to Liwa. The structure - made of limestone slabs - also features enclosures for animals. Taraq Watch Tower Believed to be built by the end of 19th century, Taraq Tower is four metres in diametre with a full height of five metres. Taraq Tower is an intact authentic structure, according to the DCT. Mougab Tower Built during the reign of Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan (1922-1926), the Mougab Tower guarded Liwa from the west. Fallen into ruins in the 1950s, the tower was restored in 2005. Among the other notable historical landmarks in Liwa Oasis are the Khannour Fort and Al Hayla Tower.
