Zayed National Museum recreates with Zayed University and NYU Abu Dhabi to Reconstruct Ancient Magan Boat

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

The Zayed National Museum, in a pioneering collaboration with Zayed University and New York University Abu Dhabi, has achieved a significant milestone with the successful launch of an 18-meter long Magan boat. This project, rooted deeply in the UAE’s rich maritime history, aims to illuminate the region’s significant role in Bronze Age trade networks.

Constructed using ancient techniques and materials outlined on a historic clay tablet, the Magan boat was built entirely from natural resources. Shipwrights and researchers replicated traditional methods dating back to 2100 BCE, employing 15 tonnes of locally sourced reeds and using bitumen for waterproofing, similar to ancient shipbuilding practices found on Umm an-Nar Island. These techniques underscore a direct connection to the region's ancestors, known for their seafaring prowess and extensive trading reach that included Mesopotamia and South Asia.

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The rigorous build process was not only a technical challenge but also an educational opportunity. Specialists across various fields including archaeology, anthropology, and engineering, worked alongside students from both partnering universities. This hands-on involvement provided students a unique insight into their cultural heritage and practical experience in ancient shipbuilding techniques.

His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, highlighted the launch as a reflection of Emirati innovation over millennia. The project not only revisits the ingenuity of ancient shipbuilders but also connects it to current generations through educational partnerships and collaborative learning.

The successful sea trials of the Magan boat, where it covered 50 nautical miles in the Arabian Gulf and achieved speeds of up to 5.6 knots, were a testament to the vessel’s seaworthiness and the accuracy of the ancient designs. The trials were conducted under the guidance of UAE National sailors, with Marwan Abdullah Al-Marzouqi, a captain with deep familial ties to the UAE’s maritime history, at the helm. The experience affirmed the vessel's robust construction and performance, surpassing expectations of its seaworthiness.

Upon completion of its trials, the Magan boat is set to be displayed at the Zayed National Museum on Saadiyat Island. This exhibit will not only be a tribute to the UAE’s maritime history but also serve as an educational piece that offers insights into the sophisticated trade networks and cultural exchanges of the Bronze Age. The museum aims to continue its role as a research and cultural hub, further exploring and promoting the rich archaeological heritage of the UAE.

This project is part of a broader initiative to delve into Abu Dhabi’s historical significance in ancient trade routes and its connections across regions. The findings on Umm an-Nar Island, indicating a bustling ancient port, align with the evidence gathered through this project, enriching our understanding of the region’s historical landscape and its global connections.

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