Zayed National Museum Unveils Inaugural Exhibition: A 7,000-Year Journey Through Camel History and Emirati Culture

The Zayed National Museum is set to launch its first temporary exhibition, delving into over 7,000 years of camel history and the animal's vital role in Emirati culture. Titled 'Tracks Through Time: The Camel in Society, Trade and Art,' the exhibition will commence in early December, coinciding with the Abu Dhabi museum's first anniversary. The display will meticulously chart the camel's historical significance in trade, society, and artistic expression, spanning from its ancient presence in the region to contemporary practices like camel racing and beauty pageants.

A significant highlight will be the debut public display of archaeological findings related to an extinct wild camel species. These include fossilized bones unearthed in Baynunah, Abu Dhabi, dating back to 4500–4000 BC, and Bronze Age remains discovered in Al Sufouh, Dubai, from 2500–1300 BC. The exhibition will also feature domesticated camel bones from Saruq Al Hadid in Dubai, presenting some of the earliest global evidence of the transition from wild to domesticated camels. These invaluable artifacts are generously loaned from the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.

Peter Magee, director of the Zayed National Museum, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are excited to present our first temporary exhibition, which celebrates the camel's profound significance in Emirati culture and the broader story of the UAE.” He elaborated that the exhibition utilizes extensive archaeological research to explore the intricate relationship between humans and camels, from their initial domestication to the modern prestige associated with Al Hejin racing and Mazayna beauty competitions.

Further enriching the exhibition are objects such as 3,000-year-old camel rock artwork from Fujairah, a scarce children's book from the 1840s detailing camel species and their applications, and UAE postage stamps prominently featuring the animal. Archival photographs, film footage, and oral histories from camel herders will provide deeper insights into the camel's integral place in daily life. The exhibition will also include audio recordings of Taghrooda, a recognized form of Bedouin poetry, and Alheda'a, the traditional practice of camel calling, both acknowledged by Unesco as intangible cultural heritage.

To complement the exhibition and celebrate the museum's first anniversary, a series of workshops, guided tours, and activities are planned. A curated retail selection inspired by the exhibition's themes will also be available. 'Tracks Through Time: The Camel in Society, Trade and Art' is scheduled to open at the Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi in early December.