Zayed National Museum to explore archaeology and UAE’s ancient past through September and October 2026 programme

Zayed National Museum will explore the archaeology and ancient history of the UAE through a programme of public activities throughout September and October, including guided tours, hands-on workshops and access programmes.

The programme’s thematic tour, Archaeology: Traces of the Past, reveals how ancient settlements, tools and traces of past environments help archaeologists reconstruct the stories of early communities. Visitors will discover how people lived, worked and interacted with the world around them, while learning about the commitment of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to preserving the nation’s heritage and supporting archaeological exploration.

In the workshop Treasures Beneath the Sand, participants will be introduced to the process of archaeological excavation while exploring the historical significance of jewellery in ancient societies. They will excavate shells and stones from a sand-filled excavation box before transforming their discoveries into a wearable keepsake inspired by archaeological objects.

The hands-on workshop Ancient Impressions introduces participants to cuneiform, one of the world’s earliest writing systems. Using clay, participants will explore how symbols were used in ancient civilisations to record names, stories, trade and everyday life, while discovering the role of writing in preserving knowledge and experiences across generations.

Inspired by an ancient cup in the museum collection featuring falaj illustrations, The Memory Cup workshop invites participants to handshape their own cup using air-dry clay before decorating it with drawings, symbols, patterns and words inspired by a personal memory.

The drop-in workshop From Fibre to Voyage is inspired by Zayed National Museum’s Magan Boat. Using traditional techniques, participants will craft a miniature rope while learning how natural materials, particularly palm fibres, were transformed into strong ropes.

Alongside the archaeology-themed programme, the UAE History Tour led by a Senior Emirati Museum Experience Expert will continue, offering visitors a personal narration of the UAE’s history and cultural heritage. These experiences run alongside the museum’s ongoing Quiet Morning, Al Dhuha Hour and A Walk Through Our History, which is also available in Emirati Sign Language.

The programme will also include two quarterly access programmes. Beyond Sight, on 19 September, combines a guided gallery visit with a tactile creative activity for visitors who are blind or partially sighted, whether attending independently or with family and friends. Sensory Journeys, on 27 September, invites participants with developmental and learning disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum, and their companions to explore mosaic-making through a multisensory hands-on experience.

Full details and timings are available in the programme table below. For ticket prices, timings and bookings, visit zayednationalmuseum.ae.