Zayed National Museum's First Exhibition to Explore 7,000 Years of Camel History

The Zayed National Museum, the national museum of the United Arab Emirates, is set to open its first temporary exhibition, "Tracks Through Time: The Camel in Society, Trade and Art," in early December 2026. This exhibition marks the museum's first anniversary and is designed to comprehensively explore over 7,000 years of camel history, detailing the animal's role in the region's society, trade, and art.

Dr. Peter Magee, Director of the Zayed National Museum, stated that the exhibition highlights the camel's deep importance to Emirati culture and the UAE's history. Developed through recent scientific research and collaboration, the exhibition features archaeological findings, including wild camel bones from the Neolithic period discovered at the Baynunah archaeological site in Abu Dhabi (4500–4000 BC). These represent the first detailed evidence of a now-extinct wild camel species.

The exhibition also includes remains of domesticated camels from the Iron Age at Saruq Al Hadid in Dubai (2600–550 BC) and Bronze Age findings from Al Sufouh, Dubai (2000–1300 BC). These artifacts provide insights into the early domestication and breeding of camels in the region.

Other highlights encompass a rare children's book from the 1840s describing camel species and their uses, 3,000-year-old rock art depicting camels from Fujairah, and historical UAE postage stamps. Audiovisual elements will feature archival photographs and recordings, including traditional camel calls (Taghrooda and Alheda'a), alongside oral histories from camel herders and community members.

"Tracks Through Time" is part of a broader program of activities and experiences celebrating the museum's first anniversary. Visitors can expect workshops, guided tours, and themed retail offerings related to the exhibition.