Zayed National Museum launches four interactive children’s books

ABU DHABI – The Zayed National Museum has expanded its cultural and educational outreach with the launch of four new bilingual children’s books in English and Arabic, designed to introduce young readers to the landscapes, heritage and identity of the United Arab Emirates through immersive storytelling and interactive design.

Rooted in Emirati traditions and the country’s natural environment, the books combine narrative with tactile and visual engagement, featuring touch-and-feel textures, pop-up illustrations and interactive elements aimed at creating a multi-sensory reading experience for children.

The series invites young audiences to explore defining aspects of the UAE, from its desert terrain and coastal life to its rich biodiversity, while also connecting them to the values and legacy associated with the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Founding Father.

Among the titles is “Qudwati – Under the Desert Sky,” which guides readers through the desert landscapes that shaped Sheikh Zayed’s worldview. Through storytelling and illustration, the book presents the desert as a living classroom that fosters resilience, curiosity and environmental awareness. The Arabic edition was developed in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, reinforcing efforts to promote Arabic-language cultural content for younger generations.

Another title, “Kitabu – Step Inside, Listen Closely,” takes children on a journey through the museum itself, using pop-up design to explore its architecture, galleries and artefacts. Each page introduces elements of the UAE’s history and culture, encouraging exploration through imagination and discovery.

“What’s this? – Animals of the United Arab Emirates” introduces early learners to native wildlife through a touch-and-feel format designed to stimulate curiosity and sensory engagement, helping children connect with the country’s natural environment in an accessible way.

Meanwhile, “Our Life by the Sea,” created in collaboration with Éditions Animées, focuses on the importance of the sea in Emirati life. The interactive colouring book allows children to bring scenes to life using a companion app that transforms their drawings into animated visuals, merging creativity with digital storytelling.

The four new titles form part of the museum’s expanding publications programme, which aims to extend its cultural narratives beyond its physical galleries. The initiative follows earlier releases including “Magan Rediscovered: The Building of a Bronze Age Boat That Sailed the Arabian Gulf” and “ National Museum’s Collection Highlights,” both of which reflect the institution’s focus on research-led storytelling and accessible knowledge production.

Together, these publications highlight a broader effort to nurture cultural awareness among younger audiences, linking education with heritage preservation and ensuring that the UAE’s history and identity are communicated across generations in engaging and innovative formats.