Zayed National Museum, the national museum of the UAE, opened to the public on Wednesday.
Located in the Saadiyat Cultural District, the museum offers visitors a journey through the history of the UAE, from the earliest evidence of human habitation to the civilisations that shaped its culture and identity. The museum also serves as a cultural bridge connecting the seven emirates, emphasising their deep shared history and heritage.
Zayed National Museum pays tribute to the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his lifelong commitment to cultural heritage, education and identity. Visitors will explore how his vision continues to shape the nation’s values of knowledge, openness and belonging.
The museum showcases a collection of more than 1,500 objects within its six permanent galleries, combining archaeological artefacts, historic objects, audiovisual and sensory experiences, as well as contemporary installations and authentic reconstructions.
Starting from its 600-metre outdoor gallery, Al Masar Garden, the visitor journey continues through galleries dedicated to Sheikh Zayed’s life, the UAE’s natural landscapes, and the history of human habitation on this land, featuring archaeological discoveries spanning 300,000 years. Together, they reveal how geography, innovation, exchange and faith shaped Emirati identity.
Zayed National Museum welcomes visitors
To mark its public opening, Zayed National Museum will host ‘Deep Roots and Everlasting Legacy’ until 31 December – a programme of performances, workshops and cultural activities. The museum’s indoor and outdoor spaces will be activated with diverse experiences that honour the UAE’s heritage and celebrate its culture. The programme brings together music, dance and storytelling to connect audiences of all ages to the nation’s history and heritage.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, commented: “As the national museum of the UAE, 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.
“Bridging past, present and future, it will help shape how we understand the UAE’s evolving cultural narrative. As a world-class centre for research and learning, it will inspire and equip the next generation of Emirati curators, historians and conservators, enabling our nation to further contribute to knowledge production and global cultural discourse.”
Designed by Norman Foster, the Pritzker Prize-winning architect of Foster + Partners, the museum’s opening marks a new chapter for the nation’s legacy and the culmination of an unprecedented cultural year for the UAE, with the openings of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi and Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi in Saadiyat Cultural District and the reopening of Al Ain Museum in Al Ain Region.
The museum’s retail shop, Al Nagwa Boutique, offers a curated selection of gifts and souvenirs inspired by the museum’s themes and collections. Food and beverage options include the museum’s signature dining destination, Erth Restaurant, as well as Al Ghaf Cafe and the Garden Cafes.
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