Qasr Al Muwaiji Al Ain
About Qasr Al Muwaiji Al Ain
Qasr Al Muwaiji is a historic fort in Al Ain, open to the public as a heritage site and museum listed by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism. It was the family home of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the birthplace of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It suits families, school groups and visitors interested in UAE history.
History in brief
The culture department’s timeline gives these dates:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1897 | A coin found on the site is the earliest evidence for when the fort was built. |
| 1928 | The fort was used to distribute aid during the economic depression. |
| 1946 | Sheikh Zayed became the Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain and set up his family home and official diwan here. |
| 1948 | Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan was born at the fort. |
| 1950s | Sheikh Zayed ordered the fort to be expanded. |
| 1966 | Sheikh Zayed became Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and the family moved to Abu Dhabi. |
| Late 1970s | The first restoration phase began. |
| 2009 | Major archaeological excavation and conservation work started. |
| 2015 | The site opened to the public. |
What you see
A glass-walled exhibition hall in the courtyard covers the ruling family’s history, Sheikh Khalifa’s achievements, the site’s story from its earliest archaeological evidence, and the importance of water to Al Ain and its oases. Visit Abu Dhabi says the displays include oral accounts of Sheikh Khalifa’s life. The nearby Muwaiji Oasis has about 21,000 palm trees and a falaj irrigation channel.
Visiting
- Opening hours: 9:00 to 19:00, as published by the culture department. The page does not list closing days, so check before you travel.
- Entry: free. Fees may apply to ticketed exhibitions or special experiences.
- Guided tours: free, about 45 minutes, in Arabic and English, for individuals, families and school groups. Tours depend on availability and can be booked through the official ticketing site.
- Address: Khalifa bin Zayed Street, opposite the Ruler’s Representative Court, Al Ain.
- Phone: +971 3 711 8222.
Good to know
- Al Ain is about an hour and a half by road from Abu Dhabi city, according to Visit Abu Dhabi.
- Guides can point out which parts of the fort are later additions.
- The museum sometimes holds interactive activities and performances.
Description written from official sources, checked 24 October 2026: abudhabiculture.ae. Confirm details with the business before you go.
Where it is
Khalifa bin Zayed Street, opposite the Ruler's Representative Court, Al Ain
Sources: abudhabiculture.ae · visitabudhabi.ae · qasralmuwaiji.ae
Useful before you go
Location and address data from OpenStreetMap — under the ODbL licence
Initial place data from Overture Maps Foundation — under the CDLA-Permissive-2.0 licence
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