Is that a castle, a fortress, or a palace? Seeing the outlines of this majestic structure from a distance, you will undoubtedly wonder what it actually is. Today, the Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum (Al Ain Palace Museum) stands behind these sandy walls in Al Ain.

The museum collections are hosted in the palace of the former President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan (1918–2004), and his family. The sheikh with his relatives lived in this complex from 1937 to 1966. The palace got the status of a museum in 1998, and three years later it was opened to the public.

What lifestyle did the sheikh, who called it his home, follow? The answers to these questions are revealed to the guests of the museum.

A glimpse into the palatial premises in the Al Jahili area is a must for travelers who are curious to see how sheikhs’ life is different from that of the ordinary people. There is an art gallery here, and all the palatial rooms have preserved the spirit of the time when the sheikh walked across his dominions. The furniture, decoration, and interior finishing of the premises have survived: everything is the same as during the ruler’s life. Besides, royal tranquility still reigns here: walking around the palace, you can disconnect from the rhythm of the big city and enjoy the atmosphere of the past when the fairy tales of the Emirates began to come true.

At the construction of the palace in the 30s of the last century, they used sun-dried bricks, clay, pebbles, and palm trees. That is why the palace walls and premises are mostly sole-colored: the color palette conforms to the regional traditions and local practices.

Guests have the opportunity to see the rooms of the royal family, official meeting rooms, and visitor rooms. You can visit this oasis of stone surrounded by palms for free. The palace is open every day except Monday, on Saturday to Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., on Fridays from 3:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Opening hours are shortened during Ramadan, so remember to schedule your visiting time in advance.