Latest news with #DepartmentOfCultureAndTourism
The National
2 days ago
- General
- The National
How discovery of 2,000-year-old tomb transformed Al Ain Museum
is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Guided by UAE-based Dabbagh Architects' design vision and inspired by recent archaeological discoveries, the redevelopment promises an immersive visitor experience – including 'live archaeology' uncovered during the project's first phase. 'Al Ain Museum is a project we've been working on for some time,' says Sumaya Dabbagh, founder of the architectural firm commissioned by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi to conserve the museum's historic structures and lead a major expansion. A Saudi national raised between Jeddah and the UK, Dabbagh has built a reputation for designing culturally significant projects across the Emirates. Her firm worked on the Mleiha Archaeological Centre in Sharjah and the Mosque of Mohamed Abdulkhaliq Gargash in Al Quoz, the latter nominated for the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture. 'When you work on cultural projects, it's for a community,' says Dabbagh, who has been based in Dubai since the early 1990s, following stints in the UK and Paris. 'It allows us to respond to the site and its context to create something deeply rooted in place, expressed through materiality – but still distinctly contemporary.' The museum sits next to the 7,000-year-old Al Ain Oasis, a Unesco World Heritage buffer zone in Al Ain City 'We're super excited,' Dabbagh says. 'This went through two design iterations, beginning in 2018. When we started on site and began excavation during the first phase, we uncovered archaeological remains – so the project was paused for a year.' Originally opened in 1971 under the direction of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Al Ain Museum is the UAE's oldest. It was established to document the history of the region from the Stone Age to the founding of the nation, with a collection that includes flint tools, arrowheads and artefacts dating back to the sixth millennium BCE. 'The site has a long and rich history, and the new design responds directly to that narrative – to the context and memory of the place,' Dabbagh says. Two significant heritage structures form the core of the site: Sultan Fort, a mudbrick building dating from 1910, and the museum building itself. 'In 2021, the client returned with a request to expand the project further – with new galleries and a complete design update. Now we have 'live archaeology' incorporated into the site, which adds an entirely new dimension,' Dabbagh adds. 'Construction is set to finish in a few months, with the opening date to be announced soon.' Two major archaeological features have been discovered during excavation. The first is a funerary landscape, including a tomb estimated to be 2,000 years old. It is one of the few examples of pre-Islamic funerary architecture found in the region, providing new insight into Al Ain's ancient history. The second is an agricultural landscape comprising a network of aflaj – underground irrigation channels – dating to the early Islamic period (8th–10th century CE). The main falaj runs north to south across the site, while several smaller ones branch east to west, linking the system to the nearby oasis. 'These discoveries gave us an opportunity to integrate the findings into dedicated enclosed galleries,' Dabbagh says. 'They add depth and richness to the visitor journey.' The museum experience will be structured around two interactive pathways that trace different historical timelines. One begins with the archaeological journey – offering visitors a ground-level view of the live excavation. The other links the newly built galleries and existing museum spaces via an elevated route. Externally, these pathways are reflected through architectural choices. 'We used stone cladding in tones that echo the earthen material of Sultan Fort,' Dabbagh explains. 'The museum experience flows through two permanent collection galleries – simple, white-rendered volumes that mirror the original 1971 structure.' Additional facilities will include an educational studio, a public library and a cafe. Behind the scenes, the museum will also house a conservation lab for restoring artefacts and a large collection storage area. 'In honouring the site's memory, we wanted to capture the spirit of place,' Dabbagh says. 'We aimed to create continuity through a contemporary design language that respects the past – adding a new chapter to the Al Ain Museum's story for generations to come.'
Arabian Business
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Arabian Business
Zayed National Museum announces Abu Dhabi opening
Zayed National Museum will open its doors to the public this year. The UAE national museum announced its opening for December 2025 in Saadiyat Cultural District, Abu Dhabi, which houses one of the highest concentrations of cultural institutions globally. The Zayed National Museum will honour the Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his commitment to education, identity and belonging, the Abu Dhabi Media Office said in a statement. Zayed National Museum, the national museum of the UAE, has announced its opening in December 2025, in the heart of Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi, one of the highest concentrations of cultural institutions globally. Visit and follow them on @znmuae — Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (@dctabudhabi) July 10, 2025 New cultural landmark in Abu Dhabi The museum will operate through immersive exhibitions, active research, and public programming, building on Sheikh Zayed's vision and upholding the values he stood for, including humanitarianism and preserving legacy. The museum's collection features artefacts from across the UAE, including donations that speak to the heritage of the country, in addition to domestic and international loans. 'The cultural legacy of the UAE has been nurtured over decades, from the establishment of its earliest cultural institutions to today's expansive vision for cultural exchange and knowledge. Saadiyat Cultural District represents the next chapter in this national journey, curating world-class institutions that honour the past and engage the future. As the national museum of the UAE, Zayed National Museum is the legacy of our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan,' Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi said. 'It is a tribute to his boundless belief in people, in their ability to learn, to uphold the values of unity, compassion and national pride. This museum is more than a place of preservation; it is a promise to future generations, a beacon of our identity, and a space where our story is told not just through objects, but through emotion, memory and vision. This institution will carry our story forward for generations to come,' he added. Zayed National Museum to feature Norman Foster falcon-inspired design Sheikh Zayed held a conviction that an understanding of the past was essential to shaping the nation for the benefit of future generations. His passion for exploring the UAE's heritage and celebrating the influences that shaped Emirati culture led to the establishment of the country's first museum in Al Ain in 1971, followed by the opening of the Cultural Foundation in 1981. The museum's collection includes Palaeolithic, Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Age artefacts, many of which were uncovered by archaeological teams over half a century ago. These discoveries, from the world's oldest falaj irrigation system to traces of Bronze Age copper mining, stand as evidence of the ingenuity and resilience of the UAE's earliest communities and reflect Sheikh Zayed's commitment to bringing the nation's history to light. Museum highlights will include the Abu Dhabi Pearl, one of the world's oldest natural pearls, shedding light on the history of pearling in the Arabian Gulf; the Blue Qur'an, one of Islamic art's manuscripts; and a recreation of a Magan Boat, the outcome of the museum's first research partnership with Zayed University and New York University Abu Dhabi. Pritzker Prize-winning architect Lord Norman Foster of Foster + Partners designed the museum. The museum's design embodies the heritage of the United Arab Emirates, which is at the forefront of its sustainable design. Five steel structures rise above the museum and are inspired by the wing of a falcon in flight with falconry considered a practice that is part of Emirati culture. The museum will offer an inclusive and accessible experience that connects people across generations and geographies. Through its galleries, learning programmes and research, it will bring global perspectives into dialogue with the UAE's heritage and contemporary identity. From inspiring young people and engaging People of Determination and senior citizens, to driving international scholarship, Zayed National Museum will stand as a platform for cultural exchange and shared understanding. As part of Saadiyat Cultural District's mission to foster dialogue and promote cultural equity, Zayed National Museum will present collections and narratives that celebrate the region's heritage and represent Abu Dhabi's role as a crossroads of civilisations. It will stand alongside several cultural institutions within the District, including Louvre Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, the upcoming Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's role as a global meeting place for culture, ideas, and innovation.
Arabian Business
02-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Abu Dhabi hotels generate $231m in April 2025 as tourism demand surges
Abu Dhabi's hospitality sector posted a strong performance in April 2025, generating AED847m ($231m) in total revenue, according to new data released by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi. The revenue breakdown included: AED540m ($147m) from room bookings AED256m ($70m) from food and beverage services AED51m ($14m) from other hotel-related services The emirate's hotels recorded an average occupancy rate of 87 per cent, with total guest nights surpassing 1.52 million across 172 hotel establishments offering 34,383 rooms. Abu Dhabi tourism boost The average revenue per available room (RevPAR) reached AED614 ($167), underscoring strong travel demand and healthy pricing power. In March 2025, the emirate's hotels welcomed approximately 531,000 guests, led by non-Arab Asian travellers (149,000) and closely followed by European visitors (148,000). UAE nationals made up 97,000 guests, reflecting a solid mix of international and domestic tourism. Five-star hotels attracted the highest volume of guests at 265,000, including 95,000 European travellers. Four-star hotels hosted 143,000 guests, while three-star and below properties received 63,000 guests. An additional 61,000 travellers stayed in hotel apartments, highlighting the emirate's wide range of accommodation options.
Zawya
02-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Hotel revenues in Abu Dhabi reach $231mln in April 2025
Hotel establishments in Abu Dhabi generated revenues amounting to AED847 million in April 2025, comprising AED540 million from rooms, AED256 million from food and beverage, and AED51 million from other services. According to preliminary data released by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and issued by the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi, hotels across the emirate welcomed approximately 531,000 guests in March 2025. The figures underscore Abu Dhabi's growing appeal as a global tourism destination, supported by a diverse range of accommodation options and elevated service standards. A total of 172 hotel establishments were in operation during the month, offering 34,383 hotel rooms. The total number of guest nights exceeded 1.52 million, with an average occupancy rate of 87 percent. The average revenue per available room reached AED614. Guests from non-Arab Asian countries topped the list with 149,000 hotel guests, followed by European visitors with 148,000, and UAE nationals with 97,000. The figures highlight sustained growth in the emirate's tourism sector and reinforce its status as a preferred destination for international travellers. By category, five-star hotels received the highest number of guests with 265,000, led by 95,000 European visitors. Four-star hotels hosted 143,000 guests, while hotels rated three stars or below received 63,000 guests. Additionally, 61,000 guests stayed in hotel apartments.
Arabian Business
12-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Abu Dhabi hotels generate $166m in March 2025
Abu Dhabi's hospitality sector recorded strong growth in March 2025, with total hotel revenues reaching AED611m ($166m), according to preliminary data from the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi (SCAD). The breakdown of revenue includes: AED345m ($94m) from room bookings AED228m ($62m) from food and beverage services AED38m ($10.3m) from other sources The emirate welcomed around 417,000 hotel guests during the month, highlighting Abu Dhabi's growing appeal as a premier global tourism destination. Analysts attribute the increase to the emirate's diverse accommodation options, luxury offerings, and consistently high hospitality standards. In total, 171 hotel establishments operated across the Emirate in March, offering 34,341 rooms. These properties recorded over 1.2m guest nights and achieved an average occupancy rate of 69 per cent. The average revenue per available room (RevPAR) stood at AED486 ($132). Abu Dhabi hotels Non-Arab Asian nationals led international arrivals, accounting for 152,000 guests, followed by European travellers at 123,000, and UAE nationals with 58,000 stays. Luxury hotels continued to dominate: Five-star hotels hosted 205,000 guests, including 78,000 Europeans Four-star hotels welcomed 119,000 guests Three-star and below properties recorded 54,000 guests Serviced apartments hosted 38,000 visitors This performance aligns with the 2030 Tourism Strategy, which targets: 39.3m annual visitors 178,000 new tourism jobs 50,000 hotel rooms across the emirate A total GDP contribution of AED90bn ($24.5bn) by 2030
