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Al Ain Palace Museum

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ATTRACTION GUIDE · AL AIN

Al Ain Palace Museum

The former family home of Sheikh Zayed, founder of the UAE, beside the palm oasis.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps
Time needed
1 hour
Entry
Free
Best time
Morning or late afternoon
Area
Al Ain Oasis

The former home of Sheikh Zayed.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: Al Ain Oasis, Al Mutawaa, Al Ain

  • In Al Ain: On the edge of Al Ain Oasis in the city centre.
  • From Abu Dhabi or Dubai: About 1h30 by car.
  • On foot: Walk from the oasis entrance.

The story of the Al Ain Palace Museum

Built in 1937, this palace was the home of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his family while he was ruler's representative in Al Ain, until he became Ruler of Abu Dhabi in 1966.

Its courtyards, majlis rooms and family quarters show simple, traditional life of the time, and the museum tells the story of the man who founded the United Arab Emirates in 1971.

Best time to visit

Best season

October to April.

Best time of day

Morning or late afternoon.

Opening

Usually closed on Mondays; check before visiting.

Tips before you go

  • Learn about the founding father of the UAE.
  • Pair it with a walk through the shaded Al Ain Oasis next door.
  • Look for the old majlis where Sheikh Zayed received guests.

Best hotels near the Al Ain Palace Museum

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

Al Ain Rotana

Central hotel with gardens and pools.

See prices

Danat Al Ain Resort

Resort hotel with family facilities.

See prices

Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet

Mountain hotel near the summit of Jebel Hafeet.

See prices
All hotels near the Al Ain Palace Museum

What's around the Al Ain Palace Museum

  • Al Ain OasisPalm oasis with falaj irrigation.
  • Al Ain National MuseumArchaeology and heritage museum nearby.
  • Al Jahili Fort10 minutes away.
  • Qasr Al MuwaijiFort where Sheikh Khalifa was born.

Questions travellers ask

Whose palace was it?

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the UAE, and his family.

Is it free?

Yes, entry is usually free.

How long does the visit take?

About an hour.

More in Al Ain

Al Jahili Fort

Al Jahili Fort

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Qasr Al Muwaiji

Qasr Al Muwaiji

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Al Ain Oasis

Al Ain Oasis

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Jebel Hafeet

Jebel Hafeet

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Travel Plan · Al Ain Palace Museum Travel times, prices and opening hours change. Check official sites before you go. Photos: Unsplash. Privacy & disclosure