Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak: Zayed National Museum is a beacon and mirror for the UAE’s narrative
Abu Dhabi, December 7 / WAM / His Excellency Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, confirmed that the Zayed National Museum is a beacon and a mirror of the UAE’s narrative; It is not only concerned with the past, but is also a symbol of continuity and communication, a space for learning, dialogue and exchange of ideas, and a meeting point for researchers, families, students and visitors from all over the world.
His Excellency said in statements to the Emirates News Agency, WAM, that the museum represents a pivotal station in our journey, and will host exhibitions that connect the UAE to people wherever they are, exploring topics that extend from archaeology to sustainability, and from science to the arts, all through a perspective that carries our country’s values and vision.
He added that the museum, from the heart of the cultural district in Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi, tells the story of the nation and the values of the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, which are the values of unity, vision, preservation of heritage, humanity, ambition, respect, and giving that reflect the status of this land and the authenticity of its ancient history.
His Excellency stressed that Abu Dhabi’s cultural vision derives its essence from the belief of our wise leadership that culture is a vital bridge that connects societies, and that nations flourish when they preserve and preserve their heritage and keep pace with the future at the same time.
He pointed out that the Zayed National Museum, which is located in the Cultural District alongside the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum, the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, the Guggenheim Museum Abu Dhabi, which will open later, and other prestigious international institutions in the Cultural District in Saadiyat, will continue to have a unique role, deriving its specificity from the history of the UAE and the deep-rooted values of its people.
He explained that within the halls of the museum, visitors will find a narrative that combines stories of a deeply personal nature and a broad global resonance, starting with the land and its people, tracing the deep roots of our cultural heritage and the history of this land, which goes back about 300,000 years, all the way to the bold achievements of our modern era.
He pointed out that among the most prominent treasures of the museum stands out the Pearl of Abu Dhabi, one of the oldest natural pearls discovered in the world, along with the reconstructed Magan boat, the eternal symbol of trade exchange and cultural dialogue throughout the ages. All of these treasures are displayed alongside innovative multimedia, rare archival holdings, and immersive interactive displays that contribute to preserving our history and preserving our cultural heritage, ensuring its transmission alive and vibrant to future generations.
He added that within the framework of this national narrative, the museum reviews the biography and values of the late Sheikh Zayed, embodying his belief in unity, his passion for the environment, his commitment to education, and his openness to the world.
He stressed that the museum’s architecture, designed by Foster & Partners Limited, which won the Pritzker Architecture Prize, clearly reflects these values. The five towering steel towers, inspired by the wings of a falcon in flight, embody the authenticity of our heritage and represent a remarkable achievement in contemporary engineering. The design of the museum entrenches the concept of sustainability at its core, taking advantage of natural cooling and the principles of wind towers, or as we call them in the Emirates, “barajil”, thus honoring the creativity of our traditional Emirati architecture, celebrating the spirit of innovation, and embodying the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed in preserving the environment. The museum’s spaces were designed to encourage On both contemplation and dialogue.
His Excellency added: “The opening of the museum in conjunction with the Union Day celebrations carries profound symbolic connotations. Union Day is an important occasion in which we recall the foundations and pillars that led to the establishment of our state, the achievements we have achieved together, and the common vision that guides our steps towards the future. The opening of the Zayed National Museum has added a new chapter to this annual celebration, as it is a permanent space in which these values are preserved throughout the year.”
His Excellency said that the museum is an essential pillar of our mission and our broader endeavors to consolidate Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading cultural center on the global stage. The Saadiyat Cultural District is already attracting the interest of researchers, artists and visitors from all over the world, and with the Zayed National Museum at its heart, it will provide a global cultural destination based on a visionary national narrative that is firmly established and authentic in its welcoming of others.
His Excellency stressed that the museum contributes to strengthening our ties with the entire world, as it constitutes a reference that enables the younger generations to see themselves embodied in the achievements, lives and principles of their ancestors from which they draw their values. As for visitors, the museum is an invitation to discover and understand the essence of the UAE from within, and to experience our culture.
His Excellency said: “We were guided by the highest standards of scientific research and design at the Zayed National Museum, and the expertise of museum curators, historians, architects and craftsmen from all over the UAE and the world was used. Every piece, every display, and every interpretation was selected with meticulous care to ensure accuracy and authenticity.”
His Excellency Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak called on all members of the local community and the entire world to visit the museum, tour its halls, and contribute to building a common future based on progress, cooperation, and preserving the authentic Emirati identity.
He concluded by saying: “We are committed to continuing our efforts to tell the story of the UAE in a way that reflects a path full of development and achievements. The Zayed National Museum will be one of the most prominent landmarks in which this rich story is told, as it will work to preserve the national heritage and document the cultural identity, to be a beacon that lights the way for future generations.”
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