Sheikh Zayed Majlis at Al Ain Oasis Hospital

The Sheikh Zayed Majlis at Al Ain’s Oasis Hospital is a must-see attraction that highlights the history and development of Al Ain, Abu Dhabi’s lush garden city, and the start of modern healthcare in the UAE. Located at the entrance of the Oasis Hospital, Sheikh Zayed Majlis (majlis means ‘the sitting place’ in Arabic) houses a photo exhibition that narrates the progress of Al Ain in the development of the region’s healthcare industry, as well as the important role of the Oasis Hospital, the first hospital in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Zayed Majlis is a reconstruction of the original mud-brick building that belonged to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE, before he gave the property to the Oasis Hospital in 1960. To preserve history and honour his father, Sheikh Zayed, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, ordered the reconstruction of the majlis and donated it to Oasis Hospital.

A rare collection of photos on display tells a vivid story of how Al Ain has progressed through the ages. Visitors will be able to understand the challenges the area’s people faced and the vast difference between what the region looks like now versus 50 years ago.

The Oasis Hospital plays a vital role in the history of Abu Dhabi, particularly in Al Ain. It was founded by doctors Pat and Marian Kennedy, who came to Al Ain in November 1960 at the invitation of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brother Sheikh Shakhbut. During that time, the mortality rate in the region was quite high and the population was in decline. The Kennedy’s team slowly worked on providing the first modern medical care programme for the region, focusing on improving obstetric and pediatric care.