The Zayed National Museum, a national museum of the United Arab Emirates, will open its doors to the public on December 3, 2025. Located in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District, which is home to some of the world’s leading cultural institutions, the museum offers a tour spanning the region’s history from ancient times to the present day. Tickets for the tour are already available on the official website zayednationalmuseum.ae. The museum aims to tell the country’s story through an experience that integrates archaeological artifacts and historical objects with contemporary installations, audiovisual and multisensory experiences. The institution pays tribute to the founding father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, highlighting his commitment to cultural heritage, education, national identity and a sense of belonging.
“As the national museum of the UAE, located in the heart of the cultural district of Saadiyat, the Zayed National Museum presents the history of our land, our people and our heritage with vitality, constantly evolving and open to all,” emphasizes His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism. “The museum reflects the vision and values of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose faith in culture, education and knowledge continues to guide us. History and innovation merge within the museum, creating a space where dialogue, learning and exchange can flourish and where visitors of all generations can interact with our nation’s journey, from its ancient roots to its aspirations for the future. By opening these doors, we reaffirm our commitment to culture as a source of knowledge, connection and inspiration for future generations. The opening of the Zayed National Museum is a defining moment in Abu Dhabi’s enduring cultural journey.”
The museum’s design is by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Lord Norman Foster of Foster + Partners. The building guides visitors along an itinerary that traces the earliest evidence of human presence in the region, explores the lives of the civilizations that lived there and the connections through trade routes, emphasizing distinctive elements of the Emirates’ culture and heritage. The tour begins at the Al Masar Garden, a 600-meter-long open-air gallery that stretches from the coast of Saadiyat to the museum’s entrance. Here there are native plants and trees representative of desert, oasis and urban landscapes, a working falaj irrigation system, artistic sculptures, multi-sensory installations and a timeline dedicated to the life of Sheikh Zayed and the history of the Emirates. The collection includes more than 3,000 pieces, 1,500 of which will be on permanent display, selected for their historical value. The objects come from both local collections and loans from regional and international institutions. Inside the building, six permanent galleries feature exhibits, installations, sensory elements and integrated technologies to ensure an immersive experience.
The museum’s narrative highlights the UAE’s role as a historical crossroads for trade and cultural exchange, beginning with the earliest pearl and pottery trade with Iraq some 8,000 years ago, through Bronze Age sea routes to Pakistan, to Roman finds and centuries-old Christian churches on the island of Sir Bani Yas. Trade routes extend over time to involve China, South America and other regions, highlighting the evolution of Emirati society in a global context.
The six permanent galleries delve into different historical and cultural phases. Our Beginning is dedicated to the life of Sheikh Zayed, through recordings of his voice, photographs, films, letters and personal objects, tracing the path that led to the unification of the Emirates. Through Our Nature explores natural landscapes and the role of geography on the country’s life, while To Our Ancestors shows archaeological artifacts spanning 300,000 years of human presence, including ancient beads and a reconstruction of the Great Tomb of Hili. Through Our Connections illustrates historical development from the Iron Age to 1100 AD, with insights into cultural, technological and religious influences, including the dawn of Islam and the development of the Arabic language. By Our Coasts delves into the maritime history and commercial activities of the past five centuries, from navigator Ibn Majid to the pearl fishermen of the last century, highlighting the role of the Emirates in global trade. To Our Roots concludes the tour, exploring lifestyle, customs and traditional practices in the inland areas of the Emirates.
The opening of the museum will be accompanied by a program of performances, workshops, guided tours and activities to allow visitors to explore the new facilities. Various dining options will be available, including the Emirati restaurant Erth, Al Ghaf Cafe, and Garden Cafes.
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| Zayed National Museum opens in Abu Dhabi on Dec. 3, 2025 |
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