Abu Dhabi resident turns his home into unique museum

An Abu Dhabi resident has turned his home into a unique museum, the doors of which are always open to guests. The museum, called Zayed house, is located in Al Falah in Abu Dhabi.

Any visitor crossing the threshold of the museum is transported to another era: to the times when houses were built from palm leaves and TVs with rotary knobs were a hit.

The museum has more than 2 thousand rare exhibits and 17 classic cars, including one from 1923. There are old passports, books from a century ago, and the first television sets.

Part of the museum shows the aesthetics of traditional Emirati houses with arched doorways. Another part is reminiscent of old houses made of palm leaves. A special room is set aside for the owner’s family heritage, particularly memories of his father and grandfather.

The owner of the museum began collecting antiques in the early 1990s, shortly after his marriage, and in 2006, together with his wife, they decided to share their collection with the world.

‘My father from a young age always repeated to me the saying of the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed: He who has no past has no present and no future,’ said Abdullah, son of the museum’s founder, ’He explained to me that our house was turned into a museum to show the younger generation our common heritage.’

Abdullah, who recently turned 20, joined his parents’ activities at the age of 13. While his parents focused on collecting old household items, furniture and memorabilia, he developed a passion for vintage cars.

‘We have had schoolchildren, foreign tourists and university students come to visit us. Our house creates a unique atmosphere, as if we were all transported back in time. In addition, my mum cooks traditional Emirati food for guests, which leaves no one indifferent,’ Abdullah added.

Source: Khaleej Times