Zayed National Museum officially opens its doors on December 3, 2025 in the Saadiyat Cultural District

Abu Dhabi, October 16, 2025 – Zayed National Museum, the national museum of the United Arab Emirates, will officially open its doors on December 3, 2025 in the heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District, one of the largest concentrations of cultural institutions in the world.

The museum takes its visitors on an interactive journey to introduce them to the country’s ancient history, starting from ancient times until the present day, by combining archaeological artifacts, historical pieces, audio-visual and sensory experiences, along with contemporary works of art that reflect the spirit of the past and the present.

The museum celebrates the legacy of the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, and embodies his established values ​​​​of promoting cultural heritage, education, and consolidating identity and belonging.

Designed by world-renowned Pritzker Prize-winning architect Lord Norman Foster, this pioneering cultural monument traces the oldest evidence of human presence in this region, the centuries-old ways of life and prosperity of ancient civilizations, highlights the connections created and strengthened through trade routes, and celebrates the unique elements of the country’s heritage and culture.

The legacy of the founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God have mercy on him, and his values ​​are at the heart of the museum’s narrative in its various aspects and extensions.

His Excellency Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, stressed that the Zayed National Museum represents a defining cultural moment in the nation’s journey and embodies decades of solid vision and deep belief in the transformative power of knowledge, heritage and narrative.

His Excellency said in statements to the Emirates News Agency, WAM, during an exclusive tour of the museum ahead of its official opening to visitors on December 3, that the opening of this great edifice constitutes a pivotal station in a journey that began a long time ago. It is not only a cultural achievement, but a national achievement that provides a space in which history meets innovation, to inspire dialogue, learning and the exchange of experiences.

He pointed out that the museum provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about the country’s history in new and interactive ways.

He stressed that the Zayed National Museum tells the story of this land from ancient times until the present day, to be the most comprehensive reference on the history and culture of our nation, and provides members of society with an opportunity to communicate with their cultural heritage in a tangible and interactive manner, and enhances in them pride in identity and deep awareness of the country’s history extending over hundreds of thousands of years.

His Excellency pointed out that the opening of the Zayed National Museum also represents a milestone for the Saadiyat Cultural District, which brings together some of the most important cultural institutions in the world.

He added that each museum in the Saadiyat Cultural District has its own theme and narrative, but the Zayed National Museum is unique in being the expression of the legacy of Sheikh Zayed, which focused on people first, and his keenness to preserve the culture and heritage of the people of the Emirates. It also reflects his values ​​of humility, service to the nation, and his deep belief in the power of heritage in shaping identity, in addition to his commitment to education and promoting belonging.

He said that Sheikh Zayed’s vision, values ​​and leadership are evident in various aspects of the museum, giving visitors a deeper understanding of the history of the Emirates and the established values ​​that still form the pillars of its journey to this day.

He stressed that the Saadiyat Cultural District reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a global center for cultural dialogue, creativity and discovery on the global stage, inspiring communities and empowering youth.

As the country’s national museum, the Zayed National Museum derives the essence of its mission from the legacy and values ​​of its founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, and from his deep commitment to cultural heritage, education, identity and belonging.

The museum experience begins in Al Masar Park, which serves as an outdoor exhibition hall, bringing together the natural environments that shaped life in the Emirates.

The length of the park is 600 meters, extending from the Saadiyat Coast between the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, which is expected to open, all the way to the entrance to the museum.

The garden includes local plants and trees representing the desert environment, oases, and urban areas, in addition to the Aflaj irrigation system, artistic sculptures and works that address multiple senses, and a chronology that traces the biography of Sheikh Zayed and the history of the Emirates.

The Zayed National Museum’s collection includes more than 3,000 pieces, and more than 1,500 of them will be displayed in the galleries.

The collection includes pieces from various parts of the country, in addition to regional and international loans and local contributions that express the richness of Emirati heritage.

Each piece is a snapshot of the country’s journey, revealing the daily experiences, cultural exchanges and timeless values ​​that shaped it.

The galleries cover 300,000 years of human history in this land, including the Paleolithic Age, the Neolithic Age, the Bronze and Iron Ages, the Islamic Age, and up to modern history.

Regarding the visitors’ experience, the Zayed National Museum presents the history of this land from ancient times to the present day through an interactive journey that combines the latest technologies, audio-visual and sensory experiences, artifacts, historical collectibles and models of culture, which provides an interactive way to explore the story of the UAE and its development over time.

The museum’s holdings are displayed inside an architectural masterpiece designed by architect Lord Norman Foster of Foster & Partners, inspired by the shape of a falcon’s wing during flight, to embody the ambition of the UAE and its deep connection to its natural environment and cultural heritage, which makes the Zayed National Museum a prominent cultural and architectural landmark alike.

Throughout the year, the museum offers a program full of live performances, public events and exhibitions, ensuring that every visit is a unique experience.

In addition to the dedicated research fund, innovative design and renewable programs, the museum will contribute to enabling visitors to learn about the UAE’s past, and reflect on their role in shaping its future.

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