Zayed National Museum to Exhibit 7,000 Years of Camel History

ABU DHABI, UAE – The Zayed National Museum, the UAE's national museum, announced the launch of its first temporary exhibition, "Tracks Through Time: The Camel in Society, Trade, and Art." Opening in early December 2026, the exhibition will explore over 7,000 years of camel history and coincide with the museum's first anniversary.

The exhibition aims to trace the camel's role in society, trade, and creative cultures across the UAE and the wider region, from early wild camel evidence to contemporary traditions. It will feature fossilized bones of wild camels from the Neolithic period (4500-4000 BC) found at the Baynunah archaeological site in Abu Dhabi, and Bronze Age (2000-1300 BC) remains from Al Sufouh in Dubai. This marks the first time detailed evidence of this now-extinct species of wild camel will be publicly presented.

"We are delighted to present our first temporary exhibition, celebrating the foundational importance of the camel to Emirati culture and the broader history of the UAE," said Dr. Peter Magee, Director of the Zayed National Museum. The exhibition delves into the history of camel domestication, the human-camel relationship, and contemporary practices like camel racing and beauty pageants.

Also on display are Iron Age (2600–550 BC) remains of domestic camels from Saruq Al Hadid in Dubai, representing some of the earliest evidence of camel domestication. Other highlights include a rare children's book from the 1840s, 3,000-year-old rock art depicting camels, and UAE postage stamps featuring camels over the years. Audiovisual displays will showcase archival photographs, rare footage, and recordings of traditional camel-related oral traditions.

"Tracks Through Time" will be part of a larger program of events and experiences to mark the museum's first anniversary. Visitors can engage in workshops, guided tours, and other activities related to the exhibition throughout the museum.