The Zayed National Museum, located in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District, stands as a national beacon of knowledge and culture. As the official museum of the United Arab Emirates, it celebrates the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace, and tells the story of the UAE’s rich history — from ancient times to the present day — with the aim of fostering national identity and intergenerational connection.
His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, described the museum as a strategic platform for knowledge and learning. It serves to link the country’s deep-rooted heritage with modern innovation, offering visitors an inspiring and interactive experience of the UAE’s past.
He noted that the museum celebrates the foundational values that have long been part of the UAE’s national fabric — values that continue to inspire and empower future generations to contribute to national progress.
The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace, and the founding leaders established the UAE on a civilizational heritage that stretches back thousands of years. They actively supported archaeological and exploration missions that uncovered the depth and richness of the country’s historical legacy.
Al Mubarak emphasized that the Saadiyat Cultural District, with its diverse and specialized museums, offers a comprehensive and integrated educational model. These institutions go beyond being cultural destinations — they serve as living platforms for knowledge, delivering layered and evolving narratives that resonate with both young audiences and the wider community.
As the national museum, the Zayed National Museum presents noble messages drawn from the legacy of the founding father — especially his commitment to cultural preservation, education, identity, and belonging.
“Our story must be told by us,” Al Mubarak stated. “We must share our inspiring journey, rich heritage, and proud history with the world.” He affirmed that the museum is not just a building — it is a gateway through which the UAE expresses its identity and civilizational message on the global stage.
Galleries That Tell the UAE’s Story
The museum features six main galleries, each offering a unique perspective on the UAE’s past:
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“Our Beginnings” – A gallery dedicated to the life, vision, and values of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace, told through powerful and authentic storytelling.
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“Through Our Nature” – Explores the diverse landscapes of the UAE and how geography shaped traditional lifestyles over time.
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“To Our Ancestors” – Examines the earliest human activity in the region, dating back nearly 300,000 years, including ancient trade networks in the Arabian Gulf.
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“Within Our Connections” – Highlights the development of the Arabic language, the spread of Islam, and the contributions of Emiratis to global knowledge and innovation.
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“On Our Shores” – Focuses on coastal life, including pearl diving, fishing, and maritime trade, and their impact on Emirati identity and cultural exchange.
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“From Our Roots” – Showcases traditional economic practices and social customs from earlier generations.
An additional outdoor space, the “Heritage Garden Trail,” invites visitors to follow the life journey of Sheikh Zayed, may his soul rest in peace, through the natural environments that influenced his leadership. The garden features native plants from the desert, oases, and urban settings — a living representation of his connection to the land.
A Repository of History and Learning
The museum’s exhibits span 300,000 years of human history — from the Paleolithic era to the modern UAE. Its collection includes over 3,000 artifacts, with 1,500 pieces on display. These feature archaeological discoveries from across the Emirates, along with regional and international loans and local contributions that enrich the visitor experience and showcase the depth of Emirati heritage.
The Zayed National Museum also plays a vital role in education and research. It offers a wide range of educational programs for young learners and supports academic study through the Zayed National Museum Research Fund — a grant program for research into UAE history and heritage. This initiative nurtures a new generation of historians, researchers, and archaeologists, while also engaging schools and universities to encourage youth involvement in these important fields.
The Zayed National Museum is a living monument to the vision of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace. It preserves the UAE’s heritage, strengthens national identity, and builds knowledge bridges between generations. More than a museum, it is a place of learning, reflection, and pride — carrying the legacy of the founding father into the future.
