The UAE’s grand story comes to life with the opening of the Zayed National Museum later this year
Abu Dhabi is about to unveil its most iconic cultural landmark yet.
The long-awaited Zayed National Museum, a soaring tribute to the UAE’s rich heritage and visionary future, will officially open its doors to the public this December on Saadiyat Island.
Named after the nation’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the museum is set to redefine how the story of a country can be told, stretching across an awe-inspiring 300,000-year timeline that captures everything from prehistoric life to space-age ambition.
From its concept to its construction, every detail has been infused with purpose. It’s a space where emotion, memory, and meaning converge. A place where future generations will not only see the UAE’s story; but feel it.
Even before its grand opening, the museum has become a defining feature of Saadiyat Cultural District.
Designed by world-renowned architects Foster + Partners, its striking silhouette features five feather-like steel towers, a poetic nod to the UAE’s deep-rooted tradition of falconry.
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Elegant and symbolic, they rise like sentinels, visible from across Abu Dhabi’s skyline; a masterpiece of design and cultural symbolism.
Step inside and prepare for a journey through time. The museum will showcase extraordinary artefacts that tell the UAE’s multifaceted story; from ancient civilisations to modern marvels.
The museum will offer an inclusive and accessible experience that connects people across generations and geographies. Through its galleries, learning programmes and pioneering research, it will bring global perspectives and into dialogue with the UAE’s heritage and contemporary identity.
Among the highlights:
The Abu Dhabi Pearl – one of the world’s oldest natural pearls
Folios from the Blue Quran – rare and revered Islamic manuscripts
The Magan Boat – an 18-metre reconstruction of an ancient maritime vessel that anchors the museum’s central atrium
These pieces and many more will be woven into immersive displays and storytelling environments designed to spark wonder, reflection, and national pride.
From inspiring young people and engaging People of Determination and senior citizens, to driving international scholarship, Zayed National Museum will stand as a dynamic platform for cultural exchange and shared understanding.
With its powerful narrative, breathtaking architecture, and cultural depth, Zayed National Museum is the heart of a nation, beating louder than ever before.
For further information, visit Zayed National Museum
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