Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan has toured Qasr Al Muwaiji in Al Ain, underlining a renewed push to safeguard historic landmarks and reinforce the cultural identity of the oasis city.The Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region visited the restored fort complex, meeting officials and heritage specialists to review conservation efforts and cultural programming designed to deepen public engagement with the emirate’s history. The visit comes amid a broader drive across Abu Dhabi to balance rapid urban development with the protection of sites that trace the political and social evolution of the Al Nahyan family and the wider region.
Qasr Al Muwaiji occupies a central place in that story. Built in the early 20th century, the fort served as the residence of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan during his tenure as Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region, and it is also the birthplace of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The site underwent a major restoration before reopening as a museum and cultural centre, offering exhibitions that chronicle the leadership legacy and the transformation of Al Ain from a network of oasis settlements into a modern city.
During the visit, Hazza bin Zayed was briefed on ongoing preservation measures, including structural maintenance, climate control systems to protect artefacts, and educational initiatives aimed at schools and community groups. Officials highlighted how digital installations and archival material are being used to present oral histories and photographs in an accessible format, particularly for younger audiences accustomed to interactive media.
The emphasis on Qasr Al Muwaiji aligns with the emirate’s wider heritage strategy. Abu Dhabi has invested heavily in conserving forts, archaeological sites and traditional neighbourhoods, while also promoting cultural tourism as a pillar of economic diversification. Al Ain, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for its cultural landscapes and ancient aflaj irrigation systems, occupies a distinctive position within that framework. Authorities have sought to ensure that development plans respect the city’s historic character, especially around palm groves and heritage districts.
Cultural analysts note that heritage preservation in the UAE has evolved from isolated restoration projects into a more integrated policy that links identity, education and tourism. Institutions such as the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi have expanded programming around traditional crafts, poetry and music, while museums and heritage sites increasingly host public forums and seasonal events. Qasr Al Muwaiji has become one of the focal points for these activities in the Al Ain Region.
Hazza bin Zayed’s visit also signals political continuity in emphasising the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose governance model combined tribal consultation, investment in social infrastructure and environmental stewardship. Exhibitions at the fort detail his early years in Al Ain, where he oversaw agricultural development and improvements to water management, laying foundations for later federal leadership. By highlighting this narrative, officials aim to connect contemporary policy priorities with historical precedent.
Urban planners and conservation experts observe that maintaining such sites presents practical challenges. Desert climates can accelerate material degradation, requiring sustained funding and technical expertise. Moreover, integrating heritage areas into expanding urban grids demands careful zoning and traffic management to avoid encroachment. In Al Ain, authorities have introduced buffer zones around key landmarks and implemented guidelines governing building heights and façade designs near historic quarters.
The fort’s museum component reflects another emerging trend: the blending of traditional architecture with modern exhibition design. Glass and steel additions have been incorporated discreetly within the original mudbrick walls, allowing for climate-controlled galleries without compromising the structure’s authenticity. This approach has drawn attention from regional conservation bodies as a model for adaptive reuse in heritage contexts.
Community engagement forms a further pillar of the strategy. School visits, storytelling sessions and workshops on palm cultivation and falconry aim to situate heritage within everyday life rather than confining it to static displays. Officials involved in the programme say that fostering a sense of ownership among residents is essential to long-term preservation, particularly as demographic shifts reshape the social fabric of the city.
Tourism figures suggest that cultural attractions in Al Ain continue to draw both domestic and international visitors seeking alternatives to coastal leisure destinations. Qasr Al Muwaiji, alongside sites such as Al Jahili Fort and the Al Ain Oasis, features prominently in itineraries promoted by tourism authorities. By reinforcing the narrative of Al Ain as a cradle of leadership and tradition, policymakers hope to sustain visitor interest while preserving the integrity of historic spaces.
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