Qasr Al Muwaiji celebrates its first anniversary as a museum

Qasr Al Muwaiji is celebrating its first anniversary with various events for its visitors on 16th and 17th December. As the birthplace of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the programme of Qasr Al Muwaiji’s first anniversary will create a traditional Emirati atmosphere with a series of cultural live shows, traditional games and artistic family workshops for all ages.

Last year, having been the home of the Al Nahyan family, Qasr Al Muwaiji opened its doors as a museum to share stories from the eras it lived through with the UAE and the world, marking the profound symbolism in the inauguration of the century-old fort for the first time after over 60 years.

Since it was built in the early 20th century by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Khalifa, the son of Zayed the First, Qasr Al Muwaiji was linked to the history and political succession of the Al Nahyan rulers in Al Ain, as it was used as a Diwan (a council or seat of governance) in society, and as a place for the community to meet. Due to this valuable function it occupied in history, the fort’s Majlis will welcome visitors to experience traditional Emirati gatherings and share stories, to the chants of Al Ayyalah, which was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2014. Additionally, a police unit dressed in the old style uniform and logo will tour the palace throughout the celebrations, to acquaint the public with the duties and tasks commended to the police in the old days, and to further expand on the public’s knowledge about Qasr Al Muwaiji’s historic function as a defense fort.

Inspired by the inherited love of Sheikh Khalifa for falcons and falconry, another practice on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage for Humanity in 2016, the event will present a live demonstration. A Poetry Evening will also be featured by the Poetry Academy, in appreciation of Sheikh Khalifa’s great passion for poetry. As an integral part of Bedouin culture, a Rababah (a traditional fiddle) musical evening is planned during the celebrations in the courtyard of the palace.

Qasr Al Muwaiji is one of the most significant cultural destinations in Al Ain, and is one of the oldest historical monuments in the UAE. It embraces an exhibition of photographs and quotes, entitled, 'President of the Nation', which recounts the history of the building and its many residents and the wider history and archaeology of Al Ain City.