On the edge of Al Ain Oasis, this museum showcases the city's unique heritage and history. It is housed in the same compound as the Sultan Bin Zayed Fort (also known as the Eastern Fort), which was built in 1910 and is very well preserved.
Divided into three main sections - archaeology, ethnography and gifts - its presentations illustrate various aspects of UAE life and include an interesting collections of Bedouin jewellery, musical instruments, weapons, and a reconstruction of a traditional majlis.
The archaeology displays are extensive, and include many artefacts from the nearby Hili Gardens so it is helpful to visit the museum before the gardens.
Some of the displays, such as the one from Garn Bint Saud (12 kilometres north of Hili), date back to the first millennium BC. The gifts section houses an unusual collection of gifts that Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan received during his lifetime. It includes golden swords, silver daggers and a golden palm tree. Displays are labelled in English and Arabic.
Entrance fees: AED 3 (US$ 0.8) for adults; AED 1 (US$ 0.2) for children under 10
Opening Times: Daily 8am to 7:30pm, except Monday (closed); Friday - 3pm to 7:30pm.
Where: near Al Ain Oasis
Telephone: +971 3 764 159