Abu Dhabi has officially opened the Zayed National Museum, a landmark cultural institution dedicated to telling the story of the United Arab Emirates and honoring the legacy of the nation’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Located in the heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District, the museum is already being hailed as a transformative addition to the UAE’s cultural landscape, marking the culmination of an extraordinary year that also saw the openings of major institutions such as teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi.
Designed by Pritzker Prize–winning architect Lord Norman Foster of Foster + Partners, the museum stands as a striking architectural icon. Its five soaring steel towers, shaped like falcon feathers, symbolize both national identity and the UAE’s forward-looking spirit. The building’s presence alone reflects the blend of heritage and innovation that defines the museum’s purpose, serving as a bridge between past, present, and future.
Inside, visitors embark on an immersive journey stretching across 300,000 years of human history in the region. The museum houses more than 1,500 artifacts within six permanent galleries, each offering a unique perspective on the formation of Emirati culture. These galleries explore the UAE’s natural landscapes, archaeological discoveries, early trade connections, and the customs that shaped the identity of the seven emirates.
One gallery is dedicated entirely to Sheikh Zayed, featuring personal items, archival materials, and audiovisual content that illuminate his vision for unity, nation-building, and cultural preservation.
As visitors move through spaces that incorporate interactive media, reconstructed heritage items, and multi-sensory installations, the museum emphasizes four elements that define Emirati identity: Geography, Innovation, Exchange, and Faith. Beginning with The Path Garden, a 600-meter outdoor gallery, the journey extends into indoor exhibits that highlight early human tools, maritime traditions, Bedouin craftsmanship, and the country’s rapid evolution into a modern state.
To celebrate the opening, a month-long program themed “Rooted Heritage, Living Legacy” offers performances, workshops, and cultural experiences across the museum’s indoor and outdoor spaces. Visitors can enjoy traditional dances such as Al-Razfa and Al-Naashat, poetic Taghrooda chants, mountain call performances, and coastal songs. Hands-on workshops provide opportunities to explore traditional crafts, while guided tours offer deeper insight into the museum’s collections and narrative.
Dining and retail experiences complement the visit, including Iirth Restaurant, Al Ghaf Café, and the Al Naqwa gift shop, where items inspired by the museum’s artifacts and stories are available. These amenities emphasize the museum’s goal of creating a welcoming, educational, and engaging destination for both residents and international visitors.
The Zayed National Museum is more than a showcase of history; it is an institution designed to inspire the next generation of scholars, curators, and cultural leaders. By honoring Sheikh Zayed’s belief that history carries essential lessons for the future, the museum reinforces the UAE’s commitment to preserving heritage while fostering innovation and global cultural dialogue.
With its breathtaking design, rich storytelling, and deep cultural resonance, the museum stands as a new beacon on Saadiyat Island and a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to understand the soul of the UAE.
