Teach Middle East Magazine May 2014 issue 1 vol. 1 | Page 31

know Your UAE

SHEIKH ZAYED PALACE MUSEUM
IN AL AIN
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E

ducators
make
up
a
considerable number of the
expats who are instrumental
to the educational reform in
the UAE. Know Your UAE provides
insight into aspects of Arabic culture,
traditions and places of historical value
that educators may find interesting.
In our spotlight, in this issue, is the
Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum in Al Ain.
1. The palace of the late Sheikh Zayed
was built in 1937. He lived there with his
family until 1966. He decreed that the
palace and private residential areas be
preserved as an honest reflection of his
county’s culture for all to experience. It
was opened to the public in 2001.
2. Prosopis Cineraria (the botanical
name for the palm tree) is the national
tree of the UAE. Throughout the palace
museum various items can be seen that
were made from the palm tree such as
ropes, the ceiling structure, fans and
prayer mats among other items.

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3. Sheikh Zayed was proud to meet
guests and VIPs in his grand court
tent where he could demonstrate
Arabian hospitality and generosity.
A gorgeous replica of the grand court
tent is located in the grounds of the
palace and represents an iconic link
with Bedouin life. The tent was made
using handmade material which came
from Iran. Goat’s skin was used to make
the ropes that adorn the poles. Mothers
(local women) made the ropes.
4. The property houses a schoolroom in
which the royal children received lessons
from private tutors. The Quran room
is just outside the schoolroom. This is
where the family received their lessons
in Islamic Studies.. The room still has an
original copy of the Quran on display.
5. The inner courtyard contains the
main kitchen and storeroom, adjacent
to which is the palace’s vital water
supply…the well. The well is about
fifteen metres (15m) deep. It is equipped
with a rope made from palm tree leaves
and a water sack made from animal

leather. To cool the water, clay jars were
hung from tree branches.
6. Sheikha Fatima had three (3)