emirates7 - The Zayed National Museum, the official national museum of the UAE, is set to open in December 2025 in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District—home to one of the world’s most concentrated hubs of cultural institutions.
This landmark museum pays tribute to the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, celebrating his lifelong dedication to education, national identity, and unity.
Through interactive exhibitions, active research, and diverse public programs, the museum aims to continue Sheikh Zayed’s legacy and uphold the values he championed, such as humanitarianism, cultural preservation, and national pride.
Its collection includes artefacts from across the UAE, complemented by generous donations and both local and international loans, offering a rich representation of the country’s cultural heritage.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, noted, “The UAE’s cultural legacy has evolved over decades—from the creation of its earliest institutions to today’s bold vision for global cultural dialogue. Saadiyat Cultural District embodies this vision, bringing together world-class institutions that reflect our heritage while embracing the future.
“As the UAE’s national museum, the Zayed National Museum honours Sheikh Zayed’s enduring belief in the power of people—their ability to learn, to unite, and to uphold compassion and pride in their nation. More than a place for preserving history, this museum is a gift to future generations, telling our story not only through artefacts but through emotions, memories, and vision. It will serve as a guiding light for our identity and heritage.”
Sheikh Zayed strongly believed that understanding the past was key to shaping the future. His passion for discovering the UAE’s ancient roots and celebrating its diverse cultural influences led to the opening of the country’s first museum in Al Ain in 1971 and the Cultural Foundation in 1981.
The Zayed National Museum’s collection features significant archaeological finds dating back to the Palaeolithic, Neolithic, Bronze, and Iron Ages—many uncovered decades ago. These discoveries, such as the world’s oldest falaj irrigation system and evidence of early copper mining, highlight the ingenuity of the UAE’s ancient communities and reflect Sheikh Zayed’s dedication to uncovering and preserving the nation's deep history.
Among the museum’s highlights are the Abu Dhabi Pearl—one of the oldest known natural pearls, offering new insight into the region’s pearling legacy; the exquisite Blue Qur’an, a masterpiece of Islamic manuscript art; and a replica of an ancient Magan Boat, created through a collaborative research project with Zayed University and NYU Abu Dhabi.
Designed by renowned Pritzker Prize-winning architect Lord Norman Foster of Foster + Partners, the museum’s architecture reflects the UAE’s heritage with sustainability at its core. Five soaring steel towers, inspired by falcon wings in flight, pay homage to falconry—an essential part of Emirati culture.
Zayed National Museum is designed to be inclusive and welcoming, creating meaningful connections across generations and cultures. Through its galleries, educational programmes, and innovative research, it will blend global perspectives with the UAE’s evolving identity. It will inspire youth, support People of Determination and the elderly, and contribute to international scholarship, positioning itself as a vibrant centre for cultural dialogue and mutual understanding.
Aligned with the Saadiyat Cultural District’s mission to encourage diverse cultural conversations and promote equity, the museum will highlight the region’s heritage while emphasizing Abu Dhabi’s role as a cultural crossroads of civilisations.
The Zayed National Museum will join an impressive line-up of major institutions in the District—including Louvre Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, the upcoming Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi—solidifying the emirate’s position as a global destination for culture, innovation, and intellectual exchange.
This landmark museum pays tribute to the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, celebrating his lifelong dedication to education, national identity, and unity.
Through interactive exhibitions, active research, and diverse public programs, the museum aims to continue Sheikh Zayed’s legacy and uphold the values he championed, such as humanitarianism, cultural preservation, and national pride.
Its collection includes artefacts from across the UAE, complemented by generous donations and both local and international loans, offering a rich representation of the country’s cultural heritage.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, noted, “The UAE’s cultural legacy has evolved over decades—from the creation of its earliest institutions to today’s bold vision for global cultural dialogue. Saadiyat Cultural District embodies this vision, bringing together world-class institutions that reflect our heritage while embracing the future.
“As the UAE’s national museum, the Zayed National Museum honours Sheikh Zayed’s enduring belief in the power of people—their ability to learn, to unite, and to uphold compassion and pride in their nation. More than a place for preserving history, this museum is a gift to future generations, telling our story not only through artefacts but through emotions, memories, and vision. It will serve as a guiding light for our identity and heritage.”
Sheikh Zayed strongly believed that understanding the past was key to shaping the future. His passion for discovering the UAE’s ancient roots and celebrating its diverse cultural influences led to the opening of the country’s first museum in Al Ain in 1971 and the Cultural Foundation in 1981.
The Zayed National Museum’s collection features significant archaeological finds dating back to the Palaeolithic, Neolithic, Bronze, and Iron Ages—many uncovered decades ago. These discoveries, such as the world’s oldest falaj irrigation system and evidence of early copper mining, highlight the ingenuity of the UAE’s ancient communities and reflect Sheikh Zayed’s dedication to uncovering and preserving the nation's deep history.
Among the museum’s highlights are the Abu Dhabi Pearl—one of the oldest known natural pearls, offering new insight into the region’s pearling legacy; the exquisite Blue Qur’an, a masterpiece of Islamic manuscript art; and a replica of an ancient Magan Boat, created through a collaborative research project with Zayed University and NYU Abu Dhabi.
Designed by renowned Pritzker Prize-winning architect Lord Norman Foster of Foster + Partners, the museum’s architecture reflects the UAE’s heritage with sustainability at its core. Five soaring steel towers, inspired by falcon wings in flight, pay homage to falconry—an essential part of Emirati culture.
Zayed National Museum is designed to be inclusive and welcoming, creating meaningful connections across generations and cultures. Through its galleries, educational programmes, and innovative research, it will blend global perspectives with the UAE’s evolving identity. It will inspire youth, support People of Determination and the elderly, and contribute to international scholarship, positioning itself as a vibrant centre for cultural dialogue and mutual understanding.
Aligned with the Saadiyat Cultural District’s mission to encourage diverse cultural conversations and promote equity, the museum will highlight the region’s heritage while emphasizing Abu Dhabi’s role as a cultural crossroads of civilisations.
The Zayed National Museum will join an impressive line-up of major institutions in the District—including Louvre Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, the upcoming Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi—solidifying the emirate’s position as a global destination for culture, innovation, and intellectual exchange.