After months of closure, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Department of Culture and Tourism announced that the Abu Dhabi’s cultural sites will welcome guests back on June 24. As museums, art galleries and heritage spots prepare to reopen, with safety measures and guidelines in place, we remind ourselves of the must-visit cultural hangouts in the emirate and the new rules to note before returning.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Just in time for the ‘Furusiyya: The Art of Chivalry between East and West’ exhibition (reopening on July 1), the Louvre Abu Dhabi is welcoming back visitors from tomorrow. Before heading back to the museum, guests should pre-book tickets and familiarise themselves with the new opening hours and operations; including the mandatory wearing of masks and gloves, limited capacity, social distancing and thermal scanning. Louvreabudhabi.ae
Cultural Foundation
“Now more than ever, culture has the power to connect us all and provide peace, solace and inspiration in the face of adversity,” the Cultural Foundation revealed in a statement, with the space’s exhibitions areas set to reopen June 24. It’s important to note, however, that some services will remain online; including the children’s library, performance programme and workshops. Culturalfoundation.ae
Qasr Al Hosn
Before visiting (or revisiting) Abu Dhabi’s oldest building and cultural site, Qasr Al Hosn, you’ll need to book tickets online or via the phone and be mindful of social distancing regulations and a limited 40 per cent capacity. Once your ticket is confirmed, you can discover the city’s first permanent structure; the watchtower, which was built around the 1790’s to overlook coastal trade routes and also visit the outer palace, which was once home to the ruling family of Abu Dhabi. Qasralhosn.ae
Al Jahili Fort
Surrounded by lush greenery and palm fronds, the Al Jahili Fort is the one of the largest forts in the UAE and is set to reopen tomorrow. Built in 19th century by Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa the First and restored in 2008, the destination has a permanent exhibition devoted to explorer and travel photographer, Wilfred Thesiger, as well as new temporary exhibits and extensive grounds to explore. Abudhabiculture.ae
Al Ain Palace Museum
One of the best-reinstated forts in the Abu Dhabi emirate, the Al Ain Palace Museum showcases the everyday life in a ruler’s fort when the late Sheikh Zayed and his family resided in the palace prior to 1966. The museum celebrates Bedouin style architecture and the rich history of the UAE, and is a must-see if you’re yet to visit — but like all post-lockdown trips, wear your mask and only visit for three hours. Visitabudhabi.ae
Qasr Al Muwaiji
Built in the early 20th century, Qasr Al Muwaiji is one of the emirate of Abu Dhabi’s must-visit cultural sites located in Al Ain. The recently restored building — which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site — now houses a museum that details the history of the Al Nahyan family who lived there, including Sheikh Khalifa who was born in the impressive structure that overlooks a stunning desert oasis. The outdoor grounds of Qasr Al Muwaiji will open on June 24, and the museum will hopefully follow soon. Qasralmuwaiji.ae
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- Images: Unsplash/Instagram
