Close

Al Ain Museum

Dabbagh Architects awarded the prestigious commission.

Dabbagh Architects

Dabbagh Architects have won the competitive bid against sixteen other major international consultants for developing the Al Ain Museum of Archeology. The project, a continuation of the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed, will be a center of collection, research, conservation and interpretation of the archaeological wealth of Abu Dhabi and the UAE.

The museum will incorporate two historically significant structures from different eras: the mud-brick Sultan Fort built in 1920 and the National Museum, the first museum built in the UAE. Together they form the basis for preserving the cultural identity of the Al Ain Oasis and raising awareness of the history and heritage of the UAE.

The proposed design aims to preserve the neighborhood scale of the past with a series of small, closely-knit buildings of public facilities on the ground floor. The majority of the museum’s facilities will be underground to minimize environmental and historical impact. The exhibition spaces, library, labs and workshops will be located below ground in light and temperature-controlled environments.

The landscape design incorporates a series of sunken courtyards to create a connection to the main museum while also providing diffused sunlight to enter the lobbies and galleries to the lower level.  A material palette of the new-built volumes will be similar to the existing structures. Locally sourced materials, including Omani stone paving and terraces, will offer a visual connection to the historic buildings as well as the Al Ain Oasis.

Construction is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of this year and be completed by the end of 2020.

Dabbagh Architects

Read more about Dabbagh Architects here.

Read more features here.

The Latest

The Importance of Community-Driven Design

We speak to Joanna Varettas, Senior Associate Designer at TGP International on the story of Seed & Bloom – a café designed to nurture connection and community engagement

Finasi at Downtown Design 2025

Finasi x ROAR presents – Made in UAE

For this year's Downtown Design, Finasi and Pallavi Dean will unveil a bold new installation that blends interiors, fashion, and local identity into a living design dialogue

A Lesson in Restraint

This Palm Jumeirah home proves that luxury can be achieved with intention, rather than scale

Vote for your favourite projects at the identity Design Awards 2025

You can now choose your favourite project from the identity Design Awards 2025 shortlist

identity Design Awards 2025 shortlist: Interior Design

The shortlist is revealed for the interior design categories

What to Expect at Downtown Design

The Middle East’s leading platform for high-quality contemporary design will showcase a curated mix of international and regional brands, alongside independent designers and studios

A New Chapter of Wellness

Studio Marco Piva has designed the Eden Spa at Excelsior Palace in Rapallo, where architecture, landscape and luxury converge

Otherworldly

The new Alémais Sydney headquarters reflects the brand’s flair for colourful prints and embellishments

Between Sky and Steel

We step into a sculptural apartment in Istanbul, Turkey

identity Design Awards 2025 shortlist: All Categories

Shortlist revealed for all the categories for identity Design Awards 2025

Brimming with Warmth

Atlas Concorde’s porcelain tiles enhance the contemporary design of this villa in Bodrum, Turkey