Abu Dhabi has positioned itself as an inspired destination through its vision to nurture a thriving cultural hub that highlights the UAE's rich national heritage and presents the best of global art, museums and performance to the region. The Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) aims to increase public engagement with Abu Dhabi's historic sites and museums through a cultural education programme that aspires to engage individuals and communities and foster a love for learning. Cultural education helps instil values of inclusion and cross-cultural understanding, as well as values critical in increasingly diverse cities and communities. Informal educational programmes and resources provide educators and students with tools that raise an awareness of art and heritage and inspire individuals to be proud of their heritage and identity and celebrate cultural diversity. DCT's Education & Outreach Department develops and delivers a dynamic range of cultural education activities across its cultural sites, community and educational spaces throughout the year. Tangible and intangible heritage and visual and performing arts programmes are all supported by educational materials that strive to create awareness among varied segments of society, notably youth and students.
Student Visits Guide DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE AND TOURISM - ABU DHABI
Dedicated programmes for K-12 and university students, that include hands-on activities, exhibition tours, workshops and classes are available across all DCT cultural sites. Students and educators are encouraged to participate in the diverse culture of Abu Dhabi that can be experienced in the museums, archaeological sites, heritage sites, and community centres, including Qasr Al Hosn, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Al Ain Oasis and many more. This guide presents the educational offerings across all DCT's sites in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
©Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi. All rights reserved.
Please be assured that precautions for the safety of all visitors and staff have been taken. It is important to adhere to the steps and guidelines in this booklet when visiting cultural sites.
Guidelines for Physical Visits On-site
Health & Safety Guidelines
Planning • Pre-booking is essential and required for all school visits to DCT sites. • Capacity will be capped at 80%. School groups cannot exceed 20 students in open spaces or 10 students in closed spaces.
Masks must be worn at all times
Wash hands regularly with soap and water and use hand-sanitizer throughout the day
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
Maintain social distancing
Arrival • Schools are required to arrive 15 minutes before their session begins. • All visitors will be required to pass through security and thermal screening at site entrances.
Abu Dhabi
Al Ain
THEMES & SUBJECTS COVERED IN THE FOLLOWING SITES Al Hosn Qasr Al Hosn House of Artisans Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi Children's Library Children's Art Centre Al Marsam Al Hor Bait Al Khatt
UAE CONNECTIONS
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS
CULTURAL ARCHAEOLOGY HERITAGE
VISUAL ARTS & DESIGN
PERFORMING ARTS
CYCLES/LEVELS SCIENCES
CYCLE 1 PRIMARY LEVEL
CYCLE 2 INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
CYCLE 3 SECONDARY LEVEL
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Museum Galleries Children's Museum
Manarat Al Saadiyat
Galleries Art Studio Photography Studio
THEMES & SUBJECTS COVERED IN THE FOLLOWING SITES UAE CONNECTIONS
Al Jahili Fort Al Ain Palace Museum Qasr Al Muwaiji Al Ain Oasis Al Qattara Art Center Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS
CULTURAL HERITAGE
ARCHAEOLOGY
VISUAL ARTS & DESIGN
PERFORMING ARTS
CYCLES/LEVELS SCIENCES
CYCLE 1 PRIMARY LEVEL
CYCLE 2 INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
CYCLE 3 SECONDARY LEVEL
Why are visits to arts and culture sites important? Field trips and activities in informal learning spaces have proven to be significant for young minds to acquire increased knowledge, experience culture and engage in hands-on experiences. When arts and culture are integrated across curriculum areas, students become more engaged in the learning process. Art stimulates both sides of the brain and creates a holistic world view.
Culture helps us learn about ourselves, each other, and the world we live in.
Arts and culture promote tolerance and provide a common ground to reach across stereotypes, social barriers, and prejudices.
Art enhances brain function.
Art teaches us to think creatively which develops problem solving skills.
Art generates a love of learning and openness to new ideas.
Art helps children develop social and emotional skills.
Cross-Curricular Links
Self-Guided Group Visits
The suggested themes can be adapted or linked to a variety of interdisciplinary subjects, curricular objectives, and academic levels, to support visits to DCT sites, as either preparatory or follow-up activities. Reviewing art, culture, and heritage objects and themes are an excellent starting point for single-subject and cross-curricular work in a number of areas, such as:
All self-guided group visits must be scheduled and pre-booked in advance. A maximum of 30 students may arrive together and must then divide into smaller groups of a maximum of 15 students per group. At least one chaperone must accompany each group of 10 15 students at all times.
UAE Connections Cultural Heritage Art and Design Sciences
Global Connections Archaeology Performing Arts
Educator Resources and Visitor Guides The Education & Outreach Department at DCT develops a variety of complementary resources and materials for its audiences including but not limited to educator resources, activity and exploratory guides for students and families, along with programmed workshops and events to accompany exhibitions, museums and cultural sites. Please enquire directly about these tools at each of the sites in this booklet.
Plan a School Visit All visiting school groups are required to pre-book by email, website, or phone ahead of their anticipated visit whether on a guided group tour led by one of our Visitor Experience Specialists or on a selfguided group visit. Please refer to each site in this booklet for contact information.
Guided Group Tours Guided tours are available at many DCT sites and must be scheduled and pre-booked in advance. It is mandatory that groups move through cultural sites in small groups of 10 - 15 people per group while looking at and discussing objects, graphics, and relevant text. At least one chaperone must accompany each group of 10 - 15 students at all times.
Visiting Guidelines Discuss cultural sites rules and visiting guidelines with your students before your visit. We have found that exhibitions and museums are more accessible if students are provided with some structure or direction, and we recommend giving students a task to complete while on a visit. To prepare for your visit, please take note of the following guidelines below: Please do not touch the artworks and artefacts for your safety and the safety of the exhibited collections. Photography and video are only permitted without flash. Please note that food and drinks are allowed in designated areas. Chewing gum is not allowed. Pencils can be used for writing or sketching. Crayons, pens, markers, or wet materials are not permitted. Please do not lean on walls or showcases and do not use them as writing surfaces. Please turn mobile phones to silent and use soft voices so as not to disturb other groups in the galleries. Please walk, do not run on site.
General Visiting Information Booking a Group Visit All visiting school groups are required to make a booking whether self-led or led by a tour guide. Please book ahead of time to ensure entry to the site and to avoid any unnecessary delays. Please refer to each site in this booklet for contact information.
Site Facilities and Amenities Please refer to each site in this booklet to learn more about facilities and amenities at each location.
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Qasr Al Hosn House of Artisans
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Cultural Foundation - Abu Dhabi Children's Library - Children's Art Centre - Al Marsam Al Hor - Bait Al Khatt
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Louvre Abu Dhabi
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Manarat Al Saadiyat - Art Studio - Photography Studio
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ABU DHABI
Al Hosn
AL HOSN
Al Hosn cultural site is the original urban block of the city, comprised of Qasr Al Hosn, the Cultural Foundation and the House of Artisans. A diverse programme of school activities occur across the site, throughout the year, and teachers are encouraged to maximise their time away from the classroom by booking in several activities during a single visit.
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QASR AL HOSN
The oldest and most significant building in Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Hosn includes the city's oldest permanent structure; the watchtower. Built in the 1760s, the commanding structure once overlooked the costal trade routes and protected the growing settlement and community on the island.
Opening Hours Saturday - Thursday: 10:00 - 21:00 Fridays: 14:00 - 23:00 For school bookings and more information, see www.qasralhosn.ae/school/ info@qasralhosn.ae schools@qasralhosn.ae +971 2 697 6400
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Qasr Al Hosn facilities Prior booking is required Tours Activities & workshops Wheelchair access Restrooms Cafe / Restaurant
HOUSE OF ARTISANS
House of Artisans is a focal point for the celebration, promotion and preservation of the traditional handicrafts of the United Arab Emirates. House of Artisans offers training courses, educational workshops and other public programmes and is also home to Bait Al Gahwa which seeks to promote, preserve and demonstrate the traditional preparation and presentation of Gahwa (Arabic coffee).
Opening Hours Saturday - Thursday: 10:00 - 21:00 Friday: 14:00 - 23:00 For school bookings and more information, see www.qasralhosn.ae/school/ info@qasralhosn.ae schools@qasralhosn.ae +971 2 697 6400
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House of Artisans facilities Prior booking is required Tours Activities & workshops Wheelchair access Restrooms Cafe / Restaurant
CULTURAL FOUNDATION
Founded in 1981 by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Cultural Foundation was conceived as a public cultural institution with a mandate to foster all forms of intellectual and creative activities. The building is a registered landmark and is regarded as one of Abu Dhabi's most cherished modern cultural heritage resources. The Cultural Foundation comprises of exhibition spaces, a theatre, the Abu Dhabi Children's Library, the Children's Art Centre, Al Marsam Al Hor: a workshop space for teens and adults, and Bait Al Khatt.
Welcome Centre Saturday - Thursday: 10:00 - 19:00 Friday: 14:00 - 19:00
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Exhibitions Saturday - Thursday: 10:00 - 19:00 Friday and Saturday: 12:00 - 00:00 For school bookings and more information, see www.culturalfoundation.ae/school/ info@culturalfoundation.ae schools@culturalfoundation.ae +971 2 657 6348
Cultural Foundation facilities Prior booking is required Tours Activities & workshops Wheelchair access Restrooms Cafe / Restaurant
The library houses a large collection of print materials and electronic resources, including fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, autobiographies and audio-books. With an emphasis on excellence and innovation, the library facilities and programmes are designed to promote literacy, lifelong learning, creative thinking and community development to assure the best quality of life.
Opening Hours Saturday: 12:00 - 19:00 Sunday / Monday / Thursday: 10:00 - 19:00 Friday: 14:00 - 19:00 Tuesday / Wednesday: closed
ABU DHABI CHILDREN'S LIBRARY
The Abu Dhabi Children's Library serves as a community hub that connects people to information and ideas. Spread over two floors, the library is divided into several age-appropriate, immersive social spaces, with each floor having a different design concept inspired by the diverse landscape of the UAE.
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For school bookings and more information, see www.culturalfoundation.ae/school/ info@culturalfoundation.ae schools@culturalfoundation.ae +971 2 697 6803
Abu Dhabi Children's Library facilities Prior booking is required Tours Activities & workshops Wheelchair access Restrooms Cafe / Restaurant
CHILDREN'S ART CENTRE
The Children's Art Centre welcomes children ages 5 14 years and offers classes and courses in arts, crafts and music on a monthly basis. Workshop timings are determined by activity and age.
Opening Hours Sunday - Thursday: 10:00 - 19:00 Saturday: 16:00 - 20:00 Friday: Closed For school bookings and more information, see www.culturalfoundation.ae/school/ Info@culturalfoundation.ae CAC@dctabudhabi.ae +971 2 657 6366 +971 2 657 6367
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Children's Art Centre facilities Prior booking is required Tours Activities & workshops Wheelchair access Restrooms Cafe / Restaurant
AL MARSAM AL HOR
Al Marsam Al Hor offers a year round programme of art classes and workshops for teens and adults of all levels and provides them with the opportunity and skills to explore a wide variety of mediums, styles and schools of art. It is the oldest arts education programme in Abu Dhabi and the first to implement a long-term programme for nurturing talent. Al Marsam Al Hor promotes creative expression and dialogue among all segments of society and has built a thriving community of artists and collaborative art studios for all artists, across styles and genres. It offers courses in drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery and fashion design. Customised workshops for students ages 15+ can be pre-arranged.
Opening Hours Sunday - Thursday: 10:00 - 19:00 Friday & Saturday: Closed
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For school bookings and more information, see www.culturalfoundation.ae/school/ Info@culturalfoundation.ae MAH@dctabudhabi.ae +971 2 697 6825
Al Marsam Al Hor facilities Prior booking is required Tours Activities & workshops Wheelchair access Restrooms Cafe / Restaurant
BAIT AL KHATT
Bait Al Khatt, which translates to 'house of calligraphy' in Arabic, was established as a beacon for calligraphers. It is open to aspiring Arabic calligraphers and those who are interested in discovering the roots of the written and stylised word. Here, you will learn the principles of Arabic calligraphy based on a rich heritage, that has been used by our ancestors across the Arab world for both practical and ornamental use. Instructors at Bait Al Khatt are experienced artisans who have theoretical and practical expertise across a variety of Arabic calligraphic styles.
Opening Hours Sunday - Thursday: 10:00 - 19:00 Friday & Saturday: Closed
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For school bookings and more information, see www.culturalfoundation.ae/school/ Info@culturalfoundation.ae schools@culturalfoundation.ae +971 2 697 6826
Bait Al Khatt facilities Prior booking is required Tours Activities & workshops Wheelchair access Restrooms Cafe / Restaurant
LOUVRE ABU DHABI
Louvre Abu Dhabi's Education Programme is based on research and knowledge sharing. It focuses on both the history behind the collection and creative ways of learning about art collection, preservation, and interpretation. Through a series of personalised experiences and reflections, the museum aims to deliver the best international museum education practices of today. Throughout the academic year, the museum continues to provide engaging programmes to a diverse range of visitors from schools and universities to families and friends, people of determination and the creative community of the UAE both online and onsite at the museum. Opening Hours Daily: 10:00 - 18:30 Closed Monday For school bookings and more information, see www.louvreabudhabi.ae education@louvreabudhabi.ae 600565566
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Louvre Abu Dhabi facilities Prior booking is required Tours Activities & workshops Wheelchair access Restrooms Cafe / Restaurant
MANARAT AL SAADIYAT
Manarat Al Saadiyat is a cultural centre located on Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Island. The meaning of the cultural hub translates to 'the place of enlightenment'. It fosters a space where visitors and residents can engage in artistic practice, discourse and activities that employ the creative progression of Saadiyat Cultural District's museums and future culture offerings, and promote awareness and understanding of Saadiyat's growing role within the cultural world. Manarat Al Saadiyat comprises gallery spaces, a restaurant and gift shop, as well as a Photography Studio and Art Studio. Manarat Al Saadiyat hosts events, local exhibitions and programmes for visitors to enjoy throughout the year.
Opening Hours Daily: 10:00 - 20:00
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For school bookings and more information, see www.manaratalsaadiyat.ae manaratalsaadiyat@dctabudhabi.ae +971 2 657 5800
Manarat Al Saadiyat facilities Prior booking is required Tours Activities & workshops Wheelchair access Restrooms Cafe / Restaurant
ART STUDIO
Art Studio at Manarat Al Saadiyat is a multidisciplinary arts space designed to bring hands-on arts education programmes, art classes, drop-in sessions, workshops and outreach initiatives to students, adults, children and families in the emirate. Art Studio has dedicated spaces for all ages to work both collaboratively and individually. Fully equipped studios for ongoing classes, an open plan collaborative space for adults and a range of interactive features, make Art Studio the perfect place for creating art. It also hosts an arts supply store, making it easier for young artists to continue their practice at home.
Opening Hours Daily: 10:00 - 19:30 Friday & Saturday: 10:00 - 19:30 For school bookings and more information, see www.manaratalsaadiyat.ae masartstudio@dctabudhabi.ae +971 2 657 5929
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Art Studio facilities Prior booking is required Tours Activities & workshops Wheelchair access Restrooms Cafe / Restaurant
PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO
The Photography Studio at Manarat Al Saadiyat offers a platform dedicated to photography that will encourage the participation of local, regional and international photographers by hosting communitydriven exhibitions as well as developing and promoting a year-round calendar of activities and programmes.
Opening Hours Daily: 10:00 - 20:00 Friday & Saturday: 10:00 - 20:00 For school bookings and more information, see www.manaratalsaadiyat.ae manaratalsaadiyat@dctabudhabi.ae +971 2 657 5805
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Photography Studios facilities Prior booking is required Tours Activities & workshops Wheelchair access Restrooms Cafe / Restaurant
AL AIN
Al Jahili Fort
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Al Ain Palace Museum
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Qasr Al Muwaiji
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Al Ain Oasis
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Al Qattara Art Centre
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Bait Mohammed Bin Khalifa
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AL JAHILI FORT
Al Jahili Fort was built in the late 19th century by Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa, known as 'Zayed the First'. It was both a symbol of power and a royal summer residence. With its historic significance and distinctive architecture, the fort offers visitors an opportunity to experience one of the oldest standing structures in Al Ain city. Al Jahili Fort includes a permanent exhibition dedicated to the life of British explorer Wilfred Thesiger, who was known in the Arabian Peninsula as 'Mubarak bin London'. The exhibition is based on the photographs and observations recorded by Thesiger during his trips and especially those in the Arabian Peninsula.
Opening Hours Saturday - Thursday: 10:00 - 18:00 Friday: 14:00 - 18:00
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For school bookings and more information, contact Jahili-fort@dctabudhabi.ae +971 3 711 8311
Al Jahili Fort facilities Prior booking is required Tours Activities & workshops Wheelchair access Restrooms Cafe / Restaurant
AL AIN PALACE MUSEUM
Al Ain Palace Museum was once home to the founding father and first president of the United Arab Emirates, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Sheikh Zayed lived there with his family until 1966; they later moved to the city of Abu Dhabi. Built in 1937, the palace and the private residence offer an insight into the lives and culture of both the ruling family and the community until its transformation with the discovery of petroleum.
Opening Hours Saturday - Thursday: 10:00 - 18:00 Friday: 14:00 - 18:00 For school bookings and more information, contact aapm@dctabudhabi.ae +971 3 711 8388
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Al Ain Palace Museum facilities Prior booking is required Tours Activities & workshops Wheelchair access Restrooms Cafe / Restaurant
QASR AL MUWAIJI 35
Located at the western approach to Al Ain city, Qasr Al Muwaiji has played an important role in the history of the United Arab Emirates and represents a fine example of early 20th-century mud-brick architecture. Qasr Al Muwaiji was built during the time of Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa the First by his son, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Khalifa. Later it became the home and administrative base for the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, when in 1946 he became the Ruler's Representative in the Al Ain Region. His eldest son, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, was born at Qasr Al Muwaiji two years later, and spent much of his youth there, learning from his father.
Opening Hours Saturday to Thursday: 10:00 - 18:00 Friday: 14:00 - 18:00 For school bookings and more information, contact info@qasralmuwaiji.ae +971 3 767 4444
Qasr Al Muwaiji facilities Prior booking is required Tours Activities & workshops Wheelchair access Restrooms Cafe
AL AIN OASIS
Al Ain Oasis is located within the heart of the city and is one of the largest oases. It is located near the Al Ain Museum and the Al Ain Palace Museum. It spans over 120 hectares and contains more than 147,000 palm trees, encompassing over a hundred different classifications. The oasis includes a myriad of farms, the majority of which are still operational to this day. DCT inaugurated it as part of the UAE's first UNESCO World Heritage Site in November 2016 to provide citizens, residents and visitors a unique experience of Al Ain's cultural history and heritage. The Al Ain Oasis is composed of various visitor destinations, each offering a variety of interactive and informative programmes aimed at exploring the significant natural features of the oasis and its building's distinctive style. This includes: The Eco Centre, The Miniature Oasis, The Oasis Garden, The Oasis Gate, and The West Gate Exhibition.
38 Opening Hours Daily: 9:00 - 17:00 Restaurants, Cafes & Shops Daily: 9:00 - 21:00 For school bookings and more information, contact alainoasis@dctabudhabi.ae +971 3 711 8251
Al Ain Oasis facilities Prior booking is required Tours Activities & workshops Wheelchair access Restrooms Cafe / Restaurant
AL QATTARA ART CENTRE 39
Al Qattara Art Centre is located within a restored traditional courtyard house and offers programmes dedicated to arts and music. The Dry Studio is a classroom for learning music and handicrafts, while the Wet Studio offers drawing and painting lessons. The centre is equipped with a Pottery Studio, and a Calligraphy Studio. During the creation of Al Qattara Arts Centre, archaeological excavations revealed archaeological layers, reaching back from the Late Islamic period to the Iron Age. The Iron Age industrial installations that formed the earliest phase of this sequence are displayed within a specially redesigned basement for the public to visit.
Opening Hours Daily: 8:00 - 20:00 Friday: Closed For school bookings and more information, contact QAC@dctabudhabi.ae +971 3 711 82 25 / 03 711 82 26
Qattara Art Centre facilities Prior booking is required Tours Activities & workshops Wheelchair access Restrooms Cafe / Restaurant
The permanent exhibition at Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa gives an overview of the history of this historic home and of the wider World Heritage property of The Cultural Sites of Al Ain. With a focus on the Transition Period, visitors will not only learn about the evolution of the House but also the transformation of the surrounding city over the past 60 years.
BAIT MOHAMMED BIN KHALIFA
The opening of Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa follows an extensive conservation programme in which the historic home was repaired, restored and rehabilitated into a community centre. The House has been adapted to include spaces for hire by the public, for workshops, performances, meetings and social gatherings.
Opening Hours Saturday - Thursday: 10:00 - 20:00 Friday: 14:00 - 22:00
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For school bookings and more information, see www.baitmohammedbinkhalifa.ae contactus@baitmohammedbinkhalifa.ae +971 37118335
Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa facilities Prior booking is required Tours Activities & workshops Wheelchair access Restrooms Cafe / Restaurant