Al Ain Museum has announced a diverse cultural and celebratory program in honor of Eid Al Adha, featuring a range of interactive workshops and family activities inspired by Emirati heritage. The program offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy meaningful moments that combine entertainment and learning in an atmosphere reflecting the spirit of Eid and its deeply rooted values.
The museum is inviting families and visitors from across the community to take part in the Eid celebrations while exploring its historical collections, which tell important chapters of Al Ain’s history and cultural significance. The program is designed to suit all members of the family through activities that bring together creativity, knowledge, and direct engagement with elements of local heritage.
The celebrations begin on Friday, May 22, with the “Eid Preparations” workshop, held from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. The workshop gives participants the chance to decorate a mabkhara and a money box in preparation for Eid, reflecting the warm atmosphere of traditional Emirati homes as they get ready for the occasion. It also introduces children to familiar heritage elements in a simple and enjoyable hands-on way.
The Eid program continues on the first day of Eid, Wednesday, May 27, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a series of creative workshops focusing on hospitality, majlis traditions, and heritage symbols. Activities include the “Design Your Cup” workshop, which introduces participants to hospitality items and their importance in Emirati majlis gatherings, as part of the social customs associated with generosity and welcoming guests.
The program also features the “Al Takiyya Patterns” workshop, where participants design keychains inspired by traditional family gatherings. In addition, children can take part in “Colors from Heritage”, an activity that allows them to color drawings of the khanjar and henna patterns while discovering heritage symbols connected to Emirati identity.
As part of the celebration of traditional performing arts, the first day of Eid will also feature a live performance of the authentic Emirati Al Ayyala art form, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The performance offers visitors the chance to enjoy one of the most prominent traditional arts associated with national and social occasions, further enriching the festive atmosphere of Eid.
Over three days, from May 27 to 29, the museum will present the “Eid Giveaways” activity, giving visitors the opportunity to discover gifts inspired by the heritage of Al Ain. These include ceramic cups and Arabic coffee blended with cardamom and saffron, in a gesture that reflects Emirati hospitality and the spirit of sharing and connection during Eid.
The “Eid Giveaways” activity will welcome visitors on the first day from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and on the second and third days from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., offering families greater flexibility to choose a suitable time for their visit.
The program carries special significance as it is being held at Al Ain Museum, which was established in 1969 under the directives of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace. As the oldest museum in the UAE, Al Ain Museum serves as a key institution in preserving national heritage and safeguarding Emirati identity through its archaeological and historical collections, which trace the story of the region from the Stone Age to the establishment of the Union.
