العربية Member Sign In

Artefact Collection

Objects, recipes, songs and stories that carry Emirati culture — curated by the Ministry, and contributed by the community over WhatsApp.

Ministry collection 9

Model of Qasr Al HosnMinistry collection

Architecture & History · 18th century — oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi · Abu Dhabi

A representation of Qasr Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi's oldest stone building, originally a watchtower and later the seat of the ruling family and government.

Pearl-diving equipmentMinistry collection

Maritime Heritage · Pre-oil era (pre-1960s), historical · UAE coast

Diving weights and an oyster basket of the kind used by pre-oil-era pearl divers, representing the maritime economy that shaped Emirati coastal communities before the discovery of oil.

UAE commemorative dirham coinMinistry collection

Numismatics · Modern — post-1971 · United Arab Emirates

A commemorative UAE dirham coin, part of the national currency issued by the Central Bank of the UAE since the dirham's introduction in 1973.

Majlis floor cushionsMinistry collection

Craft & Social Heritage · Traditional — practised today · UAE-wide

Traditional floor seating and cushions of the kind found in a majlis, the cultural and social gathering space central to Emirati hospitality and communal decision-making.

Al-Ayyala performance caneMinistry collection

Performing Art · Traditional — practised today · UAE-wide

A ceremonial cane used in Al-Ayyala, a traditional performing art combining chanted poetry, drumming and choreographed movement, performed at weddings and national celebrations.

Date-palm frond basket (khoos)Ministry collection

Craft · Traditional — practised today · UAE-wide

A woven basket made from date-palm fronds (khoos), reflecting generations of knowledge about the date palm and its many household and agricultural uses.

Henna cone and design sampleMinistry collection

Craft & Adornment · Traditional — practised today · UAE-wide

A henna cone and a sample of traditional Emirati henna patterns, applied for weddings, Eid and other social and festive occasions.

Falconry glove and hoodMinistry collection

Craft & Equipment · Traditional — practised today · UAE-wide

A falconer's leather glove and leather hood, used in falconry, a hunting and companionship tradition passed down through generations across the Emirates.

Dallah and Arabic coffee setMinistry collection

Culinary Heritage · Traditional — practised today · UAE-wide

The dallah (coffee pot) and finjan cups used to prepare and serve Arabic coffee (gahwa), poured for guests as a gesture of hospitality and generosity, often alongside dates.

Community contributions 0

Shared by members of the community, who remain the owners of their items.

No contributions yet.