Architecture Rooted in Heritage
The National Museum of the United Arab Emirates tells the story of the land and its people, standing as a tribute to the legacy of Sheikh Zayed, the nation’s founding father. The museum’s opening marks the culmination of an unprecedented cultural year for the UAE, with the openings of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, as well as the reopening of Al Ain Museum.
The Zayed National Museum, the national museum of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the centerpiece of the Saadiyat Cultural District, has opened to the public.
Zayed National Museum offers visitors a journey through the history of the UAE, from the earliest evidence of human habitation to the civilizations that shaped its culture and identity. The museum serves as a cultural bridge, connecting the seven emirates and emphasizing their deep, shared history and heritage. The museum reflects how the story of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, is deeply intertwined with that of the UAE, presenting his life as a lens through which to explore the values and aspirations that underpin the nation.
Zayed National Museum showcases a collection of more than 1,500 objects within its six permanent galleries, combining archaeological artefacts, historic objects, audiovisual and sensory experiences, as well as contemporary installations and authentic reconstructions.
Starting from the museum’s 600-meter outdoor gallery, Al Masar Garden, the visitor journey continues through galleries dedicated to Sheikh Zayed’s life, the UAE’s natural landscapes, and the history of human habitation on this land, featuring archaeological discoveries spanning 300,000 years. Together, they reveal how geography, innovation, exchange and faith shaped Emirati identity.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “As the national museum of the United Arab Emirates, Zayed National Museum tells the unfolding story of the land and its people. It demonstrates the unifying power of our history and our culture, providing a space where citizens, residents, and visitors can see themselves reflected in the story of our people and our land. Bridging past, present, and future, it will help shape our understanding of the UAE’s evolving cultural narrative. As a world-class center for research and learning, it will inspire and equip the next generation of Emirati curators, historians and conservators, enabling our nation to further contribute to knowledge production and global cultural discourse.”
Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Lord Norman Foster of Foster + Partners, the museum’s opening marks a new chapter for the nation’s legacy and the culmination of an unprecedented cultural year for the UAE, with the openings of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi and Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi in Saadiyat Cultural District and the reopening of Al Ain Museum in Al Ain Region.
The museum’s retail shop, Al Nagwa Boutique, offers a curated selection of gifts and souvenirs inspired by the museum’s themes and collections. Food and beverage options include the museum’s signature dining destination, Erth Restaurant, as well as Al Ghaf Cafe and the Garden Cafes.
