Majlis of Stories

Step into a traditional majlis, hear a Gahwa expert share the rituals of Emirati hospitality, and exchange your own traditions in a space built on shared values.

Time: 12–12:20 PM; 1:25–1:45 PM; 2:40–3 PM; 4:30–4:50 PM; 5:40–6 PM

In Rhythm, Together: Traditional Performances

Experience traditional Al-Nahma and Al-Ahalla performances that showcase powerful expressions of unity, joy, and shared heritage through collective rhythm and voice.

Al-Nahma Performance: 1:05–1:25 PM & 6–6:20 PM

Al-Ahalla Performance: 2:10–2:30 PM & 7:10–7:30 PM

In Rhythm, Together: Contemporary Performances

UAE-based talents take the stage for an artistic expression of unity, joy, and shared cultural identity.

Time: 12:40–1 PM; 1:45–2:05 PM; 3–3:20 PM; 5:15–5:35 PM; 6:25–6:45 PM

Moments We Keep

Visit dedicated memory corners across the museum and preserve meaningful moments inspired by the galleries, narratives, and collections.

Time: 1:10–2:05 PM; 2:20–3:45 PM; 5:35–7:20 PM

Sadu Bracelet Making

Design and personalise your own sadu bracelets while learning the symbolism and cultural significance behind this enduring Emirati craft.

Time: 11 AM–1 PM; 2:20–4 PM; 4:30–6 PM

Capturing Memories Workshop (in collaboration with Lest We Forget)

Transform a cherished family photo into a tactile artwork using sand, tiles, and natural materials, blending archival memory with creative expression.

Time: 4:30–7:30 PM

Living Objects

Join the Curatorial and Collections team at object-based stations where artefacts reveal the UAE's heritage through guided storytelling and supervised handling.

Time: 11 AM–12 PM; 4–5 PM

Make Your Own Pin

Choose from a curated selection of museum images and create a custom pin as a lasting keepsake of your visit.

Time: 11 AM – 4 PM

Family Scavenger Hunt

Pick up your activity card from the Ticketing Desk and explore key exhibition spaces through fun, educational challenges

Self-led, available all day.

Build a Mini Exhibit

Step into the role of a curator and create your own miniature exhibition. Participants select specimens, design displays, and learn how museums tell stories through objects and classification.

Date: 18 May

Time: 3 PM, 5 PM, 7 PM

Sun Printing Activity

Harness the power of sunlight to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind prints using natural materials. This creative activity introduces participants to the science of light while producing striking visual patterns.

Date: 16th – 17th May

Time: 12 PM, 2 PM, 5 PM

Light Lab: Colour & Shadow

Step into a world of colour and light as participants experiment with transparent materials to create layered visual effects. By observing how colours overlap and interact, children gain a playful introduction to light behaviour and perception.

Date: 16 – 17 May

Time: 11 AM, 1 PM, 4 PM

Constellation Light Lab

Explore the night sky through a creative, hands-on activity that brings constellations to life. Participants create their own constellation viewers and discover how light travels, while learning how humans have long mapped patterns in the stars.

Date: 16 – 17 May

Time: 11 AM, 1 PM, 4 PM

Shadow Safari

Turn light into storytelling in this interactive shadow play experience. Using hands and simple shapes, participants create animal silhouettes and perform behind a lit screen, blending science with creativity and performance.

Date: 16 – 17 May

Time: 10 AM – 8 PM

Wiggly Creatures Workshop

Get imaginative with craft materials to create moving, expressive creatures inspired by the natural world. This playful session explores how structure and movement help animals survive and interact with their environments.

Date: 16 May

Specimen Handling Workshop

Go behind the scenes with the collections team to discover how museum specimens are handled, preserved, and prepared. This rare insight reveals the careful processes that protect and present scientific collections.

Date: 18 May

Time: 6 PM

The Children's Takeover

Young participants (ages 10+) step into real museum roles, from cultural tour guides and ticketing staff to photographers and gift shop assistants.

Rooted in Qasr Al Hosn's living legacy as the historic heart of Abu Dhabi, this activation gives children hands-on exposure to how cultural sites operate while building responsibility and connection to heritage.

Take a Walk with Us

An immersive guided video-walk experience led by Emirati content creator Zayed Al Haddar that reimagines Saadiyat Cultural District as a living cultural pathway.

Explore the interconnected worlds of film, performing arts, architecture, and digital content creation and discover how museums are entry points into broader creative careers.

The evening culminates with curated screenings at CineMAS featuring digital narratives on Abu Dhabi's museums from regional and international voices.

Ages 18–35.

Al Qattara Arts Centre

Panel discussion (10:30 AM)

Kids' workshop (11:30 AM)

Bait Mohammad bin Khalifa

Panel discussion (10 AM)

Guided tour (11 AM)

Al Jahili Fort

Panel discussion (10 AM)

Guided tour (11 AM)

Al Ain Oasis

Guided tour (9 AM)

Qasr Al Muwaiji

Drawing workshop (10 AM – 12 PM)

Clay workshop (4 – 6 PM)