Zayed National Museum unveils inaugural exhibition exploring seven millennia of camel history

Tracks Through Time: The Camel in Society, Trade and Art opens in early December 2026, presenting the world's first comprehensive exploration of the camel's pivotal role across regional civilisations, from Neolithic wild species to contemporary cultural traditions.

Zayed National Museum, the national museum of the UAE, announces its inaugural temporary exhibition, Tracks Through Time: The Camel in Society, Trade and Art, opening in early December 2026. This landmark presentation represents the world’s first exhibition to comprehensively explore more than 7,000 years of camel history, examining the creature’s profound significance within Emirati culture and the broader narrative of the region’s civilisations.

The exhibition traces an extraordinary arc of human and animal coexistence, from the earliest archaeological evidence of wild camels inhabiting these lands through to the living traditions practised in contemporary society. It explores the camel’s multifaceted role across domains of daily life, economic networks, artistic expression and cultural identity.

Archaeological treasures spanning millennia

The exhibition showcases an exceptional collection of archaeological material, including wild camel bones excavated from the Neolithic site of Baynunah in Abu Dhabi, dating to 4,500–4,000 BCE, on loan from Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi. This represents the first time such detailed evidence of the now-extinct wild camel species will be presented to the public. Complementing these earliest remains are artefacts from Al Sufouh in Dubai, dating to the Bronze Age (2,500–1,300 BCE), and domesticated camel bones from Saruq Al Hadid, also in Dubai, from the Iron Age (2,600–550 BCE). These materials, loaned by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, provide some of the earliest evidence in the world for the taming and rearing of wild camels into a domesticated species.

Cultural and artistic dimensions

Beyond archaeological materials, the exhibition presents object highlights that illuminate cultural dimensions of the camel’s significance. These include a rare children’s book from the 1840s detailing different camel species and their uses, rock art depicting camels from Fujairah dating back 3,000 years, and representations of camels throughout UAE postage stamp history. Audiovisual elements enhance the narrative through rare archival photography and film footage, alongside recordings of Taghrooda and Alheda’a, the traditional camel calling practices inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Oral testimonies from camel herders and community members provide intimate connection to living traditions of camel husbandry and the bonds forged across centuries between herders and their animals.

Visitor engagement and programming

Dr Peter Magee, Director of Zayed National Museum, said: “We are excited to present our first temporary exhibition, which celebrates the camel’s profound significance in Emirati culture and the broader story of the UAE. Tracks Through Time: The Camel in Society, Trade and Art represents our mission at Zayed National Museum to deepen understanding of the UAE through original research and meaningful public engagement. Grounded in the latest scientific research and built through collaboration, the exhibition traces the unique archaeological evidence for the presence of wild camels in the UAE thousands of years ago, initial camel domestication in the UAE, camel-human bonds and daily life, culminating in the prestige of Al Hejin camel racing and Mazayna beauty competitions.”

The exhibition will be accompanied by a comprehensive public programme featuring workshops, activities, guided tours and family experiences, alongside a retail offering inspired by the exhibition’s themes, enriching the visitor experience and extending engagement beyond the gallery space.

Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office