The long-awaited Zayed National Museum will officially open its doors to the public on December 3, just in time for the UAE’s National Day celebrations.
Located in the Saadiyat Cultural District, the museum explores the UAE’s history, culture, and legacy through exhibitions, research, and public programming.
Named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, the museum is a tribute to the country’s rich heritage, telling the story of the nation across an extraordinary 300,000-year timeline.
Through its collection and programs, the Zayed National Museum highlights the origins of the values Sheikh Zayed embodied and how they continue to shape the UAE today.
Visitors can expect a powerful collection of more than 3,000 artefacts, with 1,500 pieces on display at launch. Highlights include the Abu Dhabi Pearl, believed to be one of the world’s oldest natural pearls, and an 18-metre replica of an ancient Magan boat, displayed in the museum’s atrium.
Designed by UK-based architecture firm Foster + Partners, Zayed National Museum’s five striking steel towers, shaped like falcon feathers, already dominate the skyline, making it a landmark even before its official opening.