Beneath the soaring, wing-like towers of Pritzker Prize-winner Lord Norman Foster’s (of Foster + Partners) architectural marvel, a new cultural beacon has been lit on Saadiyat Island. This week, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi has welcomed Zayed National Museum.
Not merely a building, but slated to be the beating cultural heart of a nation, the newly-opened Zayed National Museum has been designed to hold the stories of its land and people — a profound tribute to the life and values of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s revered Founding Father. This opening marks the beginning of a public journey through the deep roots and everlasting legacy of the United Arab Emirates.
A Journey Through Time: 300,000 Years of History
The Zayed National Museum, positioned as the centrepiece of the Saadiyat Cultural District, now invites citizens, residents, and visitors to explore the unfolding narrative of the UAE. It serves as a vital cultural bridge connecting the seven emirates, emphasising their deep shared history and heritage through a meticulously curated collection.
Visitors embark on a journey that starts with the Al Masar Garden, a 600-metre outdoor gallery, before moving inside to six permanent galleries. Here, the story begins with the earliest evidence of human habitation on this land, featuring archaeological discoveries that span a remarkable 300,000 years. The exhibition then traces the civilisations, innovations, exchange, and faith that collectively shaped Emirati identity.
The life of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan is presented as the central lens through which to explore the nation's values and aspirations. The museum showcases a collection of more than 1,500 objects, combining archaeological artefacts, historic items, cutting-edge audiovisual and sensory experiences, and authentic reconstructions.
The Unifying Power of Culture
The national museum’s opening signals the culmination of an unprecedented cultural year for the UAE, following the recent openings of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi in the same district, alongside the reopening of the Al Ain Museum.
His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, emphasised the museum’s profound role: “As the national museum of the United Arab Emirates, Zayed National Museum tells the unfolding story of the land and its people. It demonstrates the unifying power of our history and our culture, providing a space where citizens, residents and visitors can see themselves reflected in the story of our people and our land.”
He added that the museum will serve as a world-class centre for research and learning, inspiring and equipping the next generation of Emirati curators, historians, and conservators.
Opening Showcase
To celebrate this milestone, the museum is hosting a month-long public programme under the theme ‘Deep Roots and Everlasting Legacy,’ running until December 31. The immersive schedule will activate the museum’s indoor and outdoor spaces with diverse cultural experiences.
Highlights of this showcase are set to include any array of traditional performances, featuring local Razfa and Naashat dances, in addition to an immersive Gahwa experience designed with Bait Al Gahwa, accompanied by poetry, Taghrooda music, Nahma seafaring chants, and the Nadba mountain call. Visitors will also be able to attend and participate in hands-on sessions exploring traditional crafts and arts inspired by the museum's narrative and collections.
Entry tickets and annual memberships are now available for booking online,
Buy your tickets here
