Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum in Al Ain was founded in the palace of the former UAE President, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Sheikh Zayed had lived in the palace from 1937 to 1966. In 2001 the palace was converted into a museum featuring an art gallery and a royal family tree.
Sheikh Zayed is a legendary person in the Emirates, his portrait can be seen not only in government institutions but also in shopping malls and hotels. He is the founder of the United Arab Emirates.
Sheikh Zayed was married nine times, but according to Islam regulations he did not have more than 4 wives. He brought up 19 sons that now work in government or do business. One of his sons, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is the President of the UAE since November 3, 2004. The tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa, was named after him.
Admission is free.
Sheikh Zayed Palace museum ©Yuriy Buriak
This Land Rover is one of the most important items of the museum. Sheikh Zayed witnessed the life of Bedouins while traveling by this car. ©Yuriy Buriak
Room where important contracts were signed ©Yuriy Buriak
©Yuriy Buriak
Getting there: We took a tour from Sharjah.
There's an international airport in Al Ain. Traveling distance by car is 150 km from Abu Dhabi, 120 km from Dubai. A comfortable bus ticket from the same cities costs only $5 (2 hours). Minibuses go to Al Ain from Dubai taxi park in Bar Dubai district. In Abu Dhabi buses depart from the bus station every hour. Buses to Al Ain leave every 45 minutes from Sharjah bus station and cost $7.60. In Al Ain the bus will take you to the bus station in the downtown, next to the Al Ain Oasis.
