The President and members of the Federal National Council visit the Zayed National Museum

Federal National Council Speaker Saqr Ghobash, accompanied by Council members, the Secretary-General, and Assistant Secretaries-General, visited the Zayed National Museum, on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, within the framework of reviewing the cultural and national facilities that embody the biography and legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, and his pioneering role in building the United Arab Emirates.

During the visit, Ghobash stressed that the Zayed National Museum represents a lofty national and cultural edifice, documenting the career of an exceptional leader, and embodying the human and cultural values ​​on which the UAE was founded, pointing out the importance of the museum’s role in supporting the cultural and knowledge process, enhancing communication between the past and the present, and anticipating the future.

Ghobash said, “We stand today at the Zayed Museum, in reverence and respect, in front of the procession of history and in front of the memory of a nation that was built and whose foundations and pillars were established by the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God have mercy on him, and whose path of giving, prosperity and sophistication is continued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him.”

Saqr Ghobash and members of the Federal National Council toured the various sections of the museum, where he listened to a detailed explanation of its contents and exhibits that document the pivotal stages in the life of the founding leader, and highlight his wise vision in the areas of building humanity, consolidating the values ​​of the Union, strengthening national identity, and spreading the principles of tolerance and human coexistence.

The tour included a visit to the permanent exhibition halls that shed light on the upbringing of Sheikh Zayed, may God have mercy on him, his leadership career, and the most prominent stations of the founding of the federation, namely: the “Our Beginnings” hall dedicated to narrating the biography of the life of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan through recordings of his voice, photographs, archival video clips, personal belongings, letters, loaned pieces, and installation works, in addition to learning about the early years of the founding of the state while displaying the historical and cultural influences that shaped Sheikh Zayed’s vision. And his personality, starting from his upbringing in the city of Al Ain, all the way to the unification of the Emirates, and the stories that shaped his legacy and continue to be a source of inspiration to this day, in addition to the “Through Our Nature” exhibition hall, which takes visitors on an interactive journey to the heart of the diverse natural environments in the Emirates, and the geographical impact in shaping nature that provided a sustainable life along the mountains, deserts, oases, and coasts over thousands of years through artistic models, natural samples, and multimedia installation works.

The museum also includes the “To Our Ancestors” hall, which includes traces of human presence on this earth for thousands of years.. next to the “Within Our Connections” hall, which introduces visitors to ancient societies and the role of modern technologies, materials and science in creating common identity and bonds.. and the “On Our Coasts” hall, which tells the story of the UAE’s ancient maritime heritage. And the “From Our Roots” hall, which sheds light on the Emirati identity by introducing traditional lifestyles, customs, social traditions, and economic activities that prevailed in the interior regions of the United Arab Emirates.

The museum contains a gallery dedicated to temporary exhibitions, and Al Masar Garden, which serves as an outdoor exhibition hall with a length of 600 metres, through which the museum tells the story of the land of the Emirates throughout cultural and human history.

The Zayed National Museum’s collection includes more than 3,000 pieces, of which 1,500 are selected to tell a story about the history of this land.
He concluded the visit by emphasizing the importance of national museums in preserving historical memory, supporting national culture, and enhancing their role in conveying the cultural message of the UAE to the world.