Zayed National Museum is participating in this year’s Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (29 April – 5 May, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre) with talks, workshops for children and interactive experiences that bring the history of the UAE and memories about Sheikh Zayed to life, offering visitors a glimpse of what to expect when the museum opens on Saadiyat Island.
The Zayed National Museum stand includes an interactive recording element that invites visitors to share their memories of Sheikh Zayed, Founding Father of the UAE, through video messages, and voice recordings.
Through a range of hands-on activities led by educators from Zayed National Museum, participants will explore the history of the UAE and its land as well as explore the architecture of Zayed National Museum, whose design was inspired by the landscape of the UAE and the wings of a falcon.
Visitors to the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair will have the opportunity to hear more about the Zayed National Museum in a panel discussion called ‘Preserving Heritage: The Role of Zayed National Museum in Celebrating UAE’s History’. The session – which takes place on 5 May at 4pm at the Saadiyat Cultural District Stand, in Hall 8 – features Dr. Peter Magee, Zayed National Museum Director, Fatema Abdulla Alhammadi, Curator at Zayed National Museum, Nassra Hasan Albuainain, Interpretation Section Head at Zayed National Museum and will be moderated by Alia Saeed Al Shamsi, Cultural Programming Manager at Zayed National Museum.
A panel discussion featuring Dr. Peter Magee, the Director of Zayed National Museum, Dr. Timothy Power Professor, Archaeologist and Historian United Arab Emirates, Associate Professor at Zayed University, Eric Staples, Professor and Historian at Zayed University and Noura Al Hamili, Archaeologist at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, will be held on 5 May (6pm, Memphis Stage, Hall 10). In ‘Expanding Circles of Connection: From Abu Dhabi to the World’, archaeology specialists and leaders in the museum sector will explore the rich tapestry of the UAE’s archaeological heritage and its global significance, as they share their insights, discoveries, and narratives that transcend borders.
Amna Al Hammadi, Audience Engagement Lead at Zayed National Museum, said: “Many people have their own cherished memories of Sheikh Zayed and we’re excited to give them a platform to share these special stories. Zayed National Museum exemplifies Sheikh Zayed’s deep love for people, nature, archaeological discovery and the preservation of Emirati traditions. We hope the activities at our stand at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair help people discover more about our country’s history and ignite curiosity in a new generation.”
Visitors can discover more about the Zayed National Museum at stand 8C05.
Zayed National Museum is the United Arab Emirates’ first national museum celebrating the country’s rich, long history and culture alongside the life, values and legacy of its Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Visitors to the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair will have the opportunity to learn more about the striking architecture of Zayed National Museum, designed by celebrated architecture firm Foster + Partners, which is currently under construction on Saadiyat Island.
