Abu Dhabi is preparing to unveil one of its most significant cultural landmarks yet. The Zayed National Museum, named in honour of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the United Arab Emirates, is set to open to the public in December 2025. Located in the Saadiyat Cultural District, this museum is more than a tribute. It is a national story told through history, architecture, memory, and the values that shaped the UAE.
Designed by the globally renowned architect Lord Norman Foster of Foster and Partners, the museum’s design is inspired by the wings of a falcon in flight. Falconry holds a deep-rooted place in Emirati identity and this architectural choice reflects not only cultural pride but also the museum’s role as a soaring symbol of progress and preservation. Five steel structures rise high above the museum’s body, creating a striking and recognizable silhouette in the evolving Abu Dhabi skyline.
Inside, visitors will find six permanent galleries arranged across two levels, each offering a journey through 300,000 years of human history. From the early Palaeolithic age to the innovations of the modern era, the exhibitions have been thoughtfully curated to highlight the resilience, resourcefulness, and cultural richness of the people who shaped this region. The museum will also feature a dedicated space for temporary exhibitions that will allow for rotating displays and international collaborations.
Among the museum’s most anticipated highlights are the Abu Dhabi Pearl, one of the oldest natural pearls ever discovered, and the Blue Qur’an, a manuscript that stands as one of Islamic art’s most prized creations. Other standout features include a recreated Magan Boat developed in partnership with Zayed University and New York University Abu Dhabi, and artefacts from the Bronze and Iron Ages that provide insight into ancient irrigation systems and early copper mining.
Beyond its artefacts, the museum aims to be a living institution. Its immersive exhibitions, research programs, and public engagement initiatives are designed to reflect Sheikh Zayed’s lifelong values of education, humanitarianism, and national identity. Through storytelling, technology, and preservation, the museum offers not just knowledge, but a deep emotional connection to the country’s past, present, and future.
The Zayed National Museum is part of a broader vision for the Saadiyat Cultural District, which has already positioned itself as a global hub for arts and culture. It will join an impressive lineup of institutions including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena, and the upcoming Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi. Together, they represent a unified commitment to cultural dialogue, global perspectives, and inclusive storytelling.
As Abu Dhabi continues to grow into a cultural capital of the region, the opening of the Zayed National Museum is a milestone moment. It is not just about showcasing objects from the past, but about building a narrative for future generations. One that celebrates identity, embraces heritage, and invites the world to understand the values that continue to shape the UAE.
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