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The long-awaited Zayed National Museum is finally opening its doors to the public on December 3, 2025. Located in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District, this museum is more than just a building filled with artefacts. It is a symbol of the United Arab Emirates’ journey, honouring its Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and celebrating the nation’s identity, culture, and deep-rooted values.
The museum will officially open on UAE National Day, making the date even more meaningful for Emiratis and residents who take pride in the country’s heritage and progress.
The Zayed National Museum is the national museum of the United Arab Emirates, built to share the story of how the UAE came to be and the vision that shaped it. The museum highlights Sheikh Zayed’s life, his leadership, and his passion for education, culture, and unity.
It offers visitors an immersive journey through 300,000 years of history, starting from the earliest human settlements found in the region. Inside, you’ll see ancient tools, artefacts, and objects that connect the UAE’s past with its modern-day achievements.
The museum’s galleries are designed to reflect the themes that were close to Sheikh Zayed’s heart ,heritage, environment, leadership, and nation-building. Through each section, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of how the UAE transformed from a land of desert communities into one of the world’s most advanced and peaceful nations.
The Zayed National Museum was designed by Lord Norman Foster, a world-famous British architect known for creating some of the most iconic buildings in the world. His design combines modern innovation with Emirati traditions.
Five large steel structures rise above the museum, inspired by the wings of a falcon in flight. Falconry is an important part of Emirati culture, and this design pays tribute to that tradition. The building is also designed to be sustainable and energy-efficient, showing how the UAE continues to blend progress with respect for the environment.
Inside, the museum’s layout encourages visitors to move through spaces that represent both history and hope, offering a calm and inspiring experience.
Starting December 3, 2025, visitors will be able to book tickets and explore the museum’s six permanent galleries, as well as a special exhibition hall for temporary displays.
Tickets cost AED 70 for adults, while students, teachers, and residents can enter for AED 35. Children, senior Emiratis, journalists on duty, and People of Determination can visit for free. Time slots begin at 10 a.m. and continue hourly until 6 p.m.
Each gallery takes visitors through a different period or theme of the UAE’s story:
Among the key highlights, visitors will see:
The Zayed National Museum is not just about displaying history; it carries forward Sheikh Zayed’s dream of learning and connection. He believed that understanding the past is essential to shaping a better future.
During his lifetime, Sheikh Zayed encouraged the study and preservation of the UAE’s history. His first major step in this direction was founding the Al Ain Museum in 1971, followed by the Cultural Foundation in 1981. These efforts helped protect and share the country’s cultural identity.
Now, decades later, the Zayed National Museum continues this mission on a grand scale. Through its exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural research, the museum will serve as a bridge between generations, allowing Emiratis, residents, and international visitors to explore the UAE’s heritage and values.
His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, explained that the museum represents a major milestone in the UAE’s cultural journey.
He said, “The Zayed National Museum is the legacy of our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It is a tribute to his belief in people, education, unity, and national pride. This museum is more than a place of preservation; it is a promise to future generations, a beacon of our identity, and a space where our story is told not just through objects but through emotion and vision.”
His words reflect the deep meaning behind the project, it is not only a collection of artefacts but a living story of the UAE’s growth, resilience, and achievements.
The Zayed National Museum is located in Saadiyat Cultural District, which is one of the world’s leading hubs for art, culture, and innovation. This district is already home to Louvre Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, and will soon include the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
Together, these institutions make Abu Dhabi a global meeting point for culture and learning, attracting visitors, artists, and scholars from around the world.
The Zayed National Museum will take its place as the national symbol within this cluster, representing the UAE’s story with pride and authenticity. It will encourage open dialogue, cultural understanding, and appreciation for the diverse influences that shaped the nation.
The museum’s main purpose is to help people connect with the UAE’s identity and understand the shared values that built the nation. Through modern technology, creative storytelling, and real artefacts, it brings the past to life while linking it to the present.
Visitors will be able to experience interactive displays, multimedia exhibits, and guided tours that make learning engaging for all ages. The museum will also organize educational workshops and research programs to inspire students and researchers to learn more about archaeology, history, and Emirati culture.
In addition, the museum is designed to be inclusive and accessible, welcoming People of Determination, families, and tourists from all over the world. It stands as a symbol of the UAE’s belief in equality, community, and cultural pride.
The opening of the Zayed National Museum marks another proud moment for Abu Dhabi and the UAE. It represents the country’s respect for its past and confidence in its future.
By celebrating Sheikh Zayed’s life and vision, the museum inspires people to value their heritage and to continue his mission of building a strong, united, and compassionate nation.
As the doors open this December, the Zayed National Museum invites everyone to take part in the UAE’s story,to learn, to connect, and to dream of what’s next.
Source: Content referenced and adapted from www.zayednationalmuseum.ae
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