On May 18 each year, people celebrate International Museum Day all around the globe. International Museum Day 2026 is also marked in the UAE through organizing some of the finest cultural events for visitors in the Middle Eastern region. This year’s slogan for International Museum Day is “Museums Uniting a Divided World,” which shows the importance of museums in bringing people together. Please find below the list of the cultural events organized at each museum.
Dubai
Dubai may be best known for its skyline, but its cultural offerings are well worth a visit. From heritage districts along the Creek to immersive pavilions at Expo City, the city holds some genuinely compelling museums that go far beyond the surface.
Expo City Dubai:
Expo City Dubai continues to operate several of its major pavilions as permanent cultural destinations following Expo 2020. For International Museum Day, Vision Dubai and the Expo 2020 Dubai Museum are free to enter from May 16-18, running from 10am to 10pm. Entry to Terra is available at a discounted price of AED 20, offering immersive galleries and gardens exploring regional biodiversity. Families with younger children can also access Taqa Island, an indoor play space.
- Free entry: Vision Dubai and Expo 2020 Dubai Museum, May 16-18, 10am-10pm
- Terra: discounted to AED 20 (regular price significantly higher)
- Guided tours, storytelling sessions, and family workshops across pavilions
- Website: expocitydubai.com
- Address: Expo City Dubai, Dubai South
Etihad Museum:
Etihad Museum stands on the exact site where the UAE’s founding agreement was signed in 1971, making it one of the most symbolically significant spots in the country. The 25,000 square metre museum tells the story of how seven emirates came together to form a nation, through interactive exhibitions, archival footage, and personal accounts from the founding era. Based on the museum’s established pattern of participation in International Museum Day, free entry is expected on May 18, though visitors are advised to confirm directly with the museum before visiting.
- Expected free entry: May 18, 10am-8pm (last entry 7pm); confirm on official website
- Guided tours available; open daily
- Website: dubaiculture.gov.ae/en/Our-Entities/Museums-and-Sites/Etihad-Museum
- Address: Jumeirah Beach Road (D94), Jumeirah 1, Dubai
Al Shindagha Museum:
Al Shindagha Museum is the largest heritage museum in Dubai, spread across the historic Al Shindagha neighbourhood along the Dubai Creek. It features 22 pavilions across 80 historic houses showcasing the development of Dubai and the UAE, educating visitors on Dubai’s traditional lifestyle from the 19th century up to the 1970s. The museum regularly offers workshops including oyster candle making, perfume experiences, and heritage craft activities alongside entry. Based on the museum’s consistent participation in International Museum Day in past years, free entry is expected on May 18, though visitors should confirm directly.
- Expected free entry: May 18, 10am-8pm (last entry 7pm); confirm on official website
- Workshops and cultural guide experience included with entry
- Children under 5 always enter free
- Website: alshindaghamuseum.ae
- Address: Al Shindagha Historic District, Bur Dubai
International Museum Day 2026 is one of the best opportunities of the year to explore the UAE’s cultural depth without worrying about ticket prices. Abu Dhabi’s offer is particularly broad, with free access running across the full weekend from May 16 to 18. Sharjah’s museums are free on May 18 itself, while Dubai’s Expo City is offering reduced and free access across both days. If you are planning to visit more than one museum, pre-book where possible and carry a valid Emirates ID, especially for Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi
Dubai is considered the hub of culture and art in the UAE. There are numerous art museums and other significant places that reflect both the heritage and artistry of the country. From the cultural Saadiyat Island to the UNESCO-listed Al Ain oasis, there are several places one could explore while visiting Abu Dhabi.
Louvre Abu Dhabi:
Louvre Abu Dhabi is one of the best-known art galleries in the Arab world, that is situated on Saadiyat Island under Jean Nouvel’s renowned floating dome. This museum has several exhibitions that include works dating back more than 10,000 years, with the present exhibitions comprising Picasso, the Figure, where the artist’s obsession with the human form is displayed. This International Museum Day, visitors can enjoy three days of free entry and spend time with art at their own pace.
- Free entry: May 16-18, 10 am-8:30 pm (galleries close at 8:30 pm, dome and restaurants open until midnight on May 18)
- Valid Emirates ID required at the ticket desk; pre-booking strongly recommended
- Art-making activities for families: 11 am-4 pm on May 18
- Film screenings, guided tours, and live science lab demonstrations will also be on May 18
- Website: louvreabudhabi.ae
- Address: Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Zayed National Museum:
Zayed National Museum is one of Abu Dhabi’s newest and most celebrated cultural landmarks, having earned a place on TIME Magazine’s 100 World’s Greatest Places 2026 list and recognition from Prix Versailles as one of the world’s seven most beautiful museums. Designed by Lord Norman Foster, it features six permanent galleries tracing more than 300,000 years of UAE history and honours the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, with key highlights including the Magan Boat reconstruction project and the Abu Dhabi Pearl, believed to be one of the world’s oldest natural pearls.
- Free entry: May 16-18, 10 am-8 pm
- Performances, workshops, bracelet making, and a family scavenger hunt included
- Pre-booking is advised via the official website
- Website: zayednationalmuseum.ae
- Address: Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi:
Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi takes visitors on a journey spanning the full history of the universe, from the Big Bang to the present day. It takes visitors on a 13.8-billion-year journey from the origins of the universe to the present day, with major exhibits including Stan the T. rex and international exhibitions like March of the Triceratops. The museum also currently hosts the 61st Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition alongside its permanent galleries.
- Free entry: May 16-18, 10 am-8 pm
- Hands-on science and creative workshops available throughout
- Website: nhmabudhabi.ae
- Address: Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Al Ain Museum:
Al Ain Museum holds a special place in UAE history as the country’s very first museum. Established in 1969 by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, it is located within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Al Ain Oasis and documents the region’s history from around 300,000 years ago through archaeological discoveries and historical artefacts. A visit also gives access to nearby Al Jahili Fort and Al Ain Oasis as part of the same cultural trail.
- Free entry: May 18
- Cultural programme focused on conservation and heritage of the Al Ain UNESCO sites
- Website: abudhabiculture.ae
- Address: Al Ain Oasis, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi
Delma Museum:
Delma Museum sits on Delma Island in the Al Dhafra Region and is one of the more remote but rewarding stops on the UAE’s cultural map. Housed inside a former pearl merchant’s home dating back to the early 20th century, the island was first inhabited nearly 7,000 years ago and is known for its archaeological significance and preserved historic buildings. On Museum Day, it is hosting a special event called “Cultural Pathway to the Future,” which includes a Young Tour Guides programme.
- Free entry: May 18, 5pm-7pm only
- Children aged 10 and above can step into real museum roles as part of the Children’s Takeover activity
- Website: abudhabiculture.ae
- Address: Delma Island, Al Dhafra Region, Abu Dhabi
Al Maqta’a Museum:
Al Maqta’a Museum is Abu Dhabi’s newest museum space, located inside the restored Al Maqta’a Fort with exhibits that include vintage police vehicles, historical uniforms, and archival materials. The nearby 18th-century Al Maqta’a Tower remains one of Abu Dhabi’s earliest defensive structures. Entry to this museum is free year-round, and on Museum Day it is running a special programme for university students to explore behind-the-scenes career opportunities in the cultural sector.
- Free entry year-round; special Museum Day programme on May 18
- Guided tours, interactive discovery activities, and family-focused programmes throughout the day
- Website: abudhabiculture.ae
- Address: Al Maqta’a Historic District, Abu Dhabi
Sharjah
Sharjah has long been the UAE’s designated Cultural Capital, and its museum scene reflects exactly that. The Sharjah Museums Authority oversees a wide network of institutions covering everything from marine life and archaeology to Islamic art and Emirati domestic history. Several museums in Sharjah are offering free entry on May 18, confirmed directly on the Sharjah Museums Authority website. Workshops running across venues include wool knitting, Arabic calligraphy, abstract painting, and behind-the-scenes conservation tours.
Sharjah Science Museum:
Sharjah Science Museum is an interactive science and technology hub popular with families and school groups. Regular ticket prices are AED 25 for adults and AED 15 for children aged 2-12, with a joint ticket also available for the Sharjah Archaeology Museum. Museum entry is free on International Museum Day on the 18th of May.
- Free entry: May 18
- Website: sharjahmuseums.ae/en-US/Museums/Sharjah-Science-Museum
- Address: Al Mahatah, Sharjah
Sharjah Aquarium:
Sharjah Aquarium is the largest government-run educational aquarium in the UAE, covering 6,500 square metres across two floors. It contains 21 aquariums holding 1.8 million litres of water and is home to nearly 100 species including clownfish, seahorses, moray eels, sea rays, and reef sharks. Regular ticket prices are AED 25 for adults and AED 15 for children, and entry is free on International Museum Day on the 18th of May.
- Free entry: May 18
- A behind-the-scenes look at its marine life conservation and turtle rehabilitation programme is available
- Website: sharjahmuseums.ae/en-US/Museums/Sharjah-Aquarium
- Address: Al Khan, Sharjah (adjacent to Sharjah Maritime Museum)
Sharjah Archaeological Museum:
Sharjah Archaeological Museum explores the emirate’s deep ancient history through a substantial collection of artefacts and excavation finds from across the region. It is typically ticketed with a joint entry option alongside the Sharjah Science Museum at AED 25 for adults.
- Free entry: May 18
- Website: sharjahmuseums.ae/en-US/Museums/Sharjah-Archaeology-Museum
- Address: Cultural Square, Sharjah
Bait Al Naboodah:
Bait Al Naboodah is a beautifully preserved 19th-century pearl merchant’s home in the heart of Sharjah’s heritage area. Built in 1845 and belonging originally to prominent merchant Obaid Al Naboodah, the two-storey house is built around a large courtyard with coral walls, teak columns, and intricate plaster and wood carvings. Regular adult entry is AED 20, and museum entry is free on International Museum Day on the 18th of May.
- Free entry: May 18
- A Heritage Joint Ticket (also covering Sharjah Heritage Museum, Sharjah Calligraphy Museum, Sharjah Fort, and Al Qasimia School) is available on regular days for AED 20 adults, AED 10 children
- Website: sharjahmuseums.ae/en-US/Museums/Bait-Al-Naboodah
- Address: Al Mareija, Heart of Sharjah, opposite Al Arsah Souq
Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn):
Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn) stands at the centre of Sharjah’s heritage district and is one of the most historically significant buildings in the emirate, originally serving as the ruling family’s residence.
- Free entry: May 18
- Website: sharjahmuseums.ae/en-US/Museums/Sharjah-Fort-(Al-Hisn)
- Address: Al Hisn Avenue, Al Mareija, Sharjah
Sharjah Heritage Museum:
Sharjah Heritage Museum documents the social history, customs, and traditions of Emirati life through immersive permanent galleries and rotating exhibitions.
- Free entry: May 18
- Website: sharjahmuseums.ae/en-US/Museums/Sharjah-Heritage-Museum
- Address: Heritage Area, Sharjah
Sharjah Maritime Museum:
Sharjah Maritime Museum tells the story of the emirate’s seafaring and pearl diving heritage through historical vessels, tools, and archival material. A joint ticket with Sharjah Aquarium is available on regular days at AED 25 for adults and AED 15 for children, and entry is free on International Museum Day on the 18th of May.
- Free entry: May 18
- Website: sharjahmuseums.ae/en-US/Museums/Sharjah-Maritime-museum
- Address: Al Khan, Sharjah (adjacent to Sharjah Aquarium)
FAQs
1. Do I need an Emirates ID to access these museums for free?
Louvre Abu Dhabi specifically requires a valid Emirates ID for free entry. Most other venues are open to all residents and tourists.
2. Do I need to pre-book?
Pre-booking is strongly recommended for Louvre Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum due to expected high visitor numbers. Most other museums accept walk-ins.
3. Are the Abu Dhabi museums free on all three days or only on May 18?
Abu Dhabi Culture confirmed free entry across all its museums and cultural institutions from May 16 to 18.
4. Is Terra at Expo City Dubai free?
Terra is not free, but is available at a special discounted price of AED 20 during the May 16-18 period.
5. Are the Sharjah museums free on all three days?
No. Sharjah museums are offering free entry on May 18 only.
6. What about Etihad Museum and Al Shindagha Museum?
Both have offered free entry on International Museum Day in previous years. For 2026, a specific confirmation has not been publicly announced yet, so it is best to check the Dubai Culture website or contact the museums directly before visiting.
