This museum, named in honor of the UAE’s Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, will span six permanent galleries over two floors.
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This museum, named in honor of the UAE’s Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, will span six permanent galleries over two floors.
Abu Dhabi is gearing up to unveil one of its most ambitious cultural landmarks yet. The Zayed National Museum is scheduled to open its doors on December 3, 2025, in the Saadiyat Cultural District, marking a major milestone for the UAE’s heritage and tourism sectors.
This museum, named in honor of the UAE’s Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, will span six permanent galleries over two floors, as well as additional space for temporary exhibitions. Its displays will trace 300,000 years of human activity and culture, spotlighting archaeological discoveries, Islamic art, regional heritage, and the visionary legacy Sheikh Zayed left behind.
Designed by Foster + Partners, the museum’s architecture draws inspiration from falcon wings—paying tribute to falconry, a tradition deeply rooted in Emirati identity. The five steel “feather” structures also serve sustainable functions, channeling airflow and reducing energy use.
Among the star exhibits set to be on display are the Abu Dhabi Pearl, one of the world’s oldest natural pearls, folios from the Blue Quran, and a striking Magan Boat replica—an 18-metre reconstruction of an ancient vessel from the Bronze Age.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, emphasized that the museum is more than a monument: it’s a commitment to future generations, connecting Emiratis and visitors alike with the values of unity, compassion, and national pride.
The Zayed National Museum will join other cultural institutions in Saadiyat, such as Louvre Abu Dhabi, with ambitious plans for continued expansion—namely, the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi slated to open soon thereafter.
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