The Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre represents the innovative heritage of H.H., Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late Ruler of Abu Dhabi. It also showcases the remarkable natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the UAE. Whether you’re fascinated by the vast desert landscapes of the country or intrigued by its traditional past, the museum offers a captivating journey of discovery.
Scroll down to learn more about Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre and its offerings.
Overview of Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre
The Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre allows guests to experience a journey through the past, present and future of the UAE through audio-visual displays, interactive multimedia experiences and engaging exhibits. This experience enables visitors to build a connection and adopt sustainable ways of living.
Professional Emirati cultural guides are hired by the Learning Centre to offer visitor tours. Additionally, the centre also houses a library for environmental publications and resources.
The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council has set the standards that the learning centre must apply. At its designing and construction stage, the Sheikh Zayed Learning Center received a five-pearl rating for sustainable accreditation and became the first building in the UAE to achieve this.
Location
Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre is located in Al Ain Zoo, one of the famous zoos in the UAE.
- Al Ain Zoo, Nahyan The First Street, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi
Things to Do at the Centre
The Learning Centre has five galleries, you can explore them and visit the Al Ain Zoo as well.
1. Five Galleries
Here are the five galleries you can visit at the Centre:
- Sheikh Zayed Tribite Hall
- Abu Dhabi Desert Over Time
- Abu Dhabi’s Living World
- People of the Desert
- Looking to the Future
2. Palm Frond Workshop
This workshop highlights how the Palm fronds were sustainably used in the past. The workshop also provides information on the frond industries that follow the principles of sustainability. Palm fronds can be used for:
- Basket making for household or outdoor needs
- Areesh building for housing
- Sustainable date molasses (Medbasa) making
3. Houbara Activity
Houbara Activity represents the importance of conservation by emphasising the Houbara Bustard. It defines the efforts of the late H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan for the preservation of wildlife and nature.
4. Grains of Sand
This activity indicates how the colours of sand in the Emirates reflect the ancient monuments in Abu Dhabi. It also tells the visitors about how the available resources were used by the people in the past and how they painted a solid identity which has become the history of urbanisation in the nation.
5. Seasons Programmes
The Seasons Programmes highlights the activities that were conducted by the people of the desert in past during different seasons.
6. Pearl Programme
This programme tells the visitors about the story of pearls and their history within the region. It also elaborates its effects on lives and trade and the values and challenges of that period.
7. Digital Transformation Programme
This programme is specially designed for People of Determination (PoD) to tell them how they can utilise the technology to access the content of the Learning Centre.
8. Al Ain Zoo
Once you’ve explored the Centre, you can also visit the Al Ain Zoo. Here, you can experience wildlife flourishing in their habitat and capture stunning pictures.
Contact Information
You can contact the Centre at +971-80-0966 for more information and queries.
Fees
You can purchase a ticket for Al Ain Zoo which provides access to the Learning Centre. The ticket prices are as follows:
- Children under 3 Years: Free
- Children (3 years – 12 years): AED 10
- Adults: AED 31
Timings
Monday to Sunday: 09:00 am to 08:00 pm
Nearby Communities
Residents of nearby communities can easily drive along and visit the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre:
- Al Mnaizfah: 7 Minutes
- Al Owainah: 7 Minutes
- Shareat Al Muwaiji: 9 Minutes
- Al Ruwaikah: 9 Minutes
- Bida Bin Ammar: 13 Minutes
- Al Ameriya: 13 Minutes
- Majlood: 13 Minutes
Nearby Attractions
Once you’re done exploring the Centre, you can also visit other nearby attractions. The following attractions are a few minute’s drive away from the centre:
- Front Line Sports: 6 Minutes
- Al Jahili Fort: 10 Minutes
- Al Ain Oasis: 11 Minutes
- Al Ain Palace Museum: 12 Minutes
- Al Ain Adventure: 15 Minutes
- Al Ain Park: 17 Minutes
- Bawadi Mall: 19 Minutes
FAQs
At the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre, the main attractions are the five galleries, audiovisuals and exhibits related to the UAE’s sustainability, heritage and ecosystem.
Of course! It is suitable for children. it is a family-friendly place that educates people about the UAE. Your children can have a unique experience by travelling through the journey of the UAE in a different way.
Yes! Emirates Park Zoo and Resort is also a zoo in Abu Dhabi, apart from the Al Ain Zoo. You can visit any of these based on your convenience.
You only need to take an entry ticket for Al Ain Zoo and you can get access to the Learning Centre as well. These tickets are easily accessible upon visiting the zoo.
It normally takes 1 to 2 hours to visit the centre. However, this time depends upon the interest you have in learning about UAE’s past, present and future.
This is all about the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre and the facilities and exhibits it offers. If you want to explore more, check out these places to visit in Al Ain including parks, forts, and more.
For more exciting places to visit in the UAE, stay connected to the Property Finder blog.
