The Zayed National Museum, the official national museum of the United Arab Emirates, is set to open its doors on December 3, 2025. Located at the heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District in Abu Dhabi, the museum marks a major milestone in the UAE’s cultural journey, serving as a tribute to the nation’s history, heritage, and founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Designed as a space for exploration, education, and cultural exchange, the museum blends interactive storytelling with historical artifacts, art, and cutting-edge technology to offer a deeply engaging visitor experience.
A Journey Through 300,000 Years of History
The museum guides visitors through an extensive narrative covering 300,000 years of the region’s human history. With over 3,000 artifacts in its collection and more than 1,500 pieces on display, the museum showcases items from various eras including the Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Islamic period, and modern history.
The storytelling experience is fully immersive, using visual, audio, tactile, and sensory elements to bring to life the daily lives, cultures, and values of the people who have lived in the UAE over the centuries. Temporary exhibitions and live programming throughout the year will ensure that every visit offers something new.
Celebrating the Legacy of Sheikh Zayed
At its core, the Zayed National Museum honors the vision, values, and legacy of Sheikh Zayed. The museum reflects his deep commitment to unity, education, environmental stewardship, and cultural heritage.
Each section of the museum is designed to reflect Sheikh Zayed’s principles—placing people first, preserving heritage, and fostering a sense of belonging and national pride. Visitors will be able to connect with his story through personal artifacts, photographs, and multimedia exhibits that trace the formation and growth of the UAE under his leadership.
Architectural Masterpiece with Cultural Meaning
The museum is housed in a stunning structure designed by world-renowned architect Lord Norman Foster. Inspired by the falcon in flight, the building features five steel towers that rise like wings, symbolizing both national identity and ambition.
Beyond aesthetics, the design incorporates sustainability and environmental harmony. Natural ventilation systems, inspired by traditional desert architecture, help cool the interior, while local materials and desert-inspired colors connect the building to its surroundings.
Al Masar Garden: A Walk Through Heritage
Leading to the museum is the Al Masar Garden, a 600-meter landscaped walkway that serves as an outdoor gallery. The garden features native desert plants, traditional irrigation systems, sculptures, and a chronological path that narrates the story of Sheikh Zayed and the development of the UAE.
This space not only enhances the visitor journey but also embodies the museum’s dedication to sustainability, nature, and heritage.
A Cultural Hub for Future Generations
The Zayed National Museum is more than a museum—it’s a platform for learning, inspiration, and dialogue. Through educational programs, workshops, performances, and exhibitions, it aims to connect people of all ages and backgrounds with the UAE’s rich cultural legacy and dynamic future.
As part of the Saadiyat Cultural District—which includes the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the upcoming Natural History Museum, and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi—the museum strengthens Abu Dhabi’s role as a global center for art, culture, and innovation.
When it opens in December 2025, the Zayed National Museum will stand as a powerful symbol of national pride—honoring the past, shaping the present, and inspiring the future. It is a place where stories are preserved, shared, and brought to life in the spirit of Sheikh Zayed’s vision for a united, educated, and forward-looking nation.
