Zayed National Museum Launches Archaeology Experiences and Workshops for September & October 2026
Abu Dhabi’s Zayed National Museum is taking visitors thousands of years into the UAE’s past with a new programme of archaeology-focused experiences running throughout September and October 2026.
The programme combines guided tours, archaeological activities, creative workshops and inclusive experiences, giving adults, families and younger visitors different ways to discover how early communities lived, worked, travelled and communicated.
Rather than experiencing archaeology only through objects displayed inside galleries, several of the activities invite visitors to get hands-on-whether that means attempting an excavation, experimenting with one of the world’s earliest writing systems or learning how palm fibre’s were once transformed into rope.
Discover the UAE’s Ancient Past Through Archaeology
At the centre of the programme is a thematic tour titled Archaeology: Traces of the Past.
The experience explores how archaeologists use evidence including ancient settlements, tools and traces of historic environments to reconstruct the lives of early communities.
Visitors will also learn about the commitment of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to protecting the nation’s heritage and supporting archaeological exploration.
It’s an opportunity to look at archaeological objects not simply as artefacts, but as clues that can reveal how people interacted with their environment thousands of years ago.
Try an Archaeological Excavation at Treasures Beneath the Sand
Ever wondered what it feels like to uncover something during an archaeological excavation?
The Treasures Beneath the Sand workshop introduces participants to the excavation process while exploring the historical significance of jewellery in ancient societies.
Participants will search through a sand-filled excavation box for shells and stones, before transforming their discoveries into a wearable keepsake inspired by archaeological objects.
The combination of excavation and craft makes this one of the programme’s particularly accessible activities for anyone curious about how archaeological discoveries are made.
Experiment with Ancient Writing Using Clay
Another hands-on workshop, Ancient Impressions, introduces visitors to cuneiform, one of the earliest known writing systems.
Using clay, participants can explore how symbols were once used to record names, stories, trade and aspects of everyday life.
The activity also looks at something we now largely take for granted: the importance of writing in allowing knowledge, experiences and stories to survive across generations.
Create Your Own Memory Cup
History becomes more personal through The Memory Cup, a workshop inspired by an ancient cup within Zayed National Museum’s collection featuring illustrations of a falaj.
Participants will hand-shape their own cup using air-dry clay before decorating it with drawings, patterns, symbols and words inspired by a personal memory.
It’s an interesting connection between past and present-using an archaeological object as inspiration to consider how everyday objects can carry individual stories and memories.
Learn Ancient Rope-Making Techniques
The museum’s From Fibre to Voyage drop-in workshop takes inspiration from the Zayed National Museum’s Magan Boat.
Visitors will use traditional techniques to make a miniature rope while discovering how natural materials—particularly palm fibres-were transformed into strong ropes in the past.
The activity connects traditional craftsmanship with the wider story of travel and maritime life in the region.
Explore UAE History with an Emirati Museum Expert
Alongside the archaeology programme, visitors can join the museum’s ongoing UAE History Tour, led by a Senior Emirati Museum Experience Expert.
The experience offers a more personal narration of the country’s history and cultural heritage.
Other continuing programmes include Quiet Morning, Al Dhuha Hour and A Walk Through Our History, with the latter also available in Emirati Sign Language.
Inclusive Museum Experiences This September
Accessibility also forms an important part of the programme.
On 19 September, Beyond Sight will combine a guided gallery experience with a tactile creative activity specifically designed for visitors who are blind or partially sighted. Participants can attend independently or alongside family and friends.
Then, on 27 September, Sensory Journeys will welcome visitors with developmental and learning disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum, together with their companions.
The multisensory experience will use mosaic-making as a hands-on way to explore creativity and the museum.
Add Zayed National Museum to Your Abu Dhabi Cultural Calendar
The programme runs throughout September and October 2026 at Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District. Individual activity dates, timings, ticket prices and booking information are available through the museum’s official programme.
News Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office
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