Zayed National Museum to Open in Abu Dhabi in Dec 2025

Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office 

The much-awaited Zayed National Museum will finally open its doors to the public in December 2025. It is being built in the Saadiyat Cultural District in Abu Dhabi. This museum is very special because it honours the Founding Father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He worked hard for the country and believed in education, unity, and preserving culture. This museum is being made to show the values and vision of Sheikh Zayed to everyone, including future generations.

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What Will the Museum Have?

The Zayed National Museum will have many amazing things for people to see and learn from. It will have:

• Six permanent galleries spread across two floors.

• These galleries will cover 300,000 years of human history.

• A temporary exhibition gallery for special displays.

• Artefacts from across the UAE, including items that show the heritage and culture of the Emirates.

• Items that are donated by people as well as artefacts borrowed from local and international museums.

Why is this Museum Important?

The museum is not just a place to keep old things. It is a place where people will learn about Emirati culture, history, and heritage. It will also have research programmes, exhibitions, and community events that teach people about the UAE and its achievements. The museum team wants to keep the values of Sheikh Zayed alive by sharing stories of the country and its people.

Words from the Chairman

His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, who is the Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, shared his thoughts about the museum. He said that the cultural heritage of the UAE has been developed over many years. From the first cultural institutions to today’s cultural centres, it has always been about sharing knowledge and stories with the world.

He said that the Saadiyat Cultural District is taking this journey forward by making world-class museums. The Zayed National Museum is one such museum. It is special because it is the national museum of the UAE and is dedicated to the Founding Father. He said,
“This museum is not just a place to keep old things safe. It is a promise to the next generations. It is a place where people will feel connected to their history, their culture, and their identity. It will tell our story with feelings, memories, and dreams, not just with objects kept behind glass.”

Sheikh Zayed’s Love for History

Sheikh Zayed believed that knowing about the past is very important to build a strong future. He loved learning about the UAE’s ancient history. Because of his interest, the country’s first museum was opened in Al Ain in 1971. Later, the Cultural Foundation was opened in Abu Dhabi in 1981.

The museum will show many ancient items from the UAE, such as:

• Palaeolithic tools,

• Neolithic objects,

• Bronze and Iron Age artefacts.

These items were discovered by archaeologists over the last 50 years. They include the oldest falaj irrigation system in the world and evidence of Bronze Age copper mining. These discoveries prove that people in the UAE have always been smart, hardworking, and creative.

Highlights of the Museum

Some of the main attractions in the museum will be:

• The Abu Dhabi Pearl: One of the world’s oldest natural pearls. It shows the history of pearling in the Arabian Gulf.

• The Blue Qur’an: A very special manuscript and one of the finest pieces of Islamic art.

• The Ancient Magan Boat: A recreation of an ancient boat from the region. This was made through the museum’s research with Zayed University and New York University Abu Dhabi.

A Beautiful Design Inspired by Falcons

The Zayed National Museum has been designed by Lord Norman Foster, a famous architect who has won the Pritzker Prize. His company, Foster + Partners, designed the museum in a way that shows the Emirati culture and its love for nature.

The museum will have five tall steel structures that look like the wings of a falcon in flight. Falconry is an important part of Emirati culture and this design will remind visitors of that. The building is also made to be eco-friendly and sustainable, keeping in mind the environment.

Connecting People from All Walks of Life

The museum wants to make sure that everyone feels welcome. It will have programmes and spaces that are inclusive and accessible for all visitors, including:

• Young people who want to learn about their country.

• People of Determination who will get equal opportunities to explore the museum.

• Senior citizens who will find the museum comfortable and engaging.

Through its exhibitions, research, and learning programmes, the museum will connect people from different cultures and countries with the UAE’s story. It will not just teach about the past but also create discussions about the present and the future.

Part of Saadiyat Cultural District’s Vision

The Saadiyat Cultural District aims to make Abu Dhabi a global centre for culture, ideas, and innovation. The Zayed National Museum will stand alongside other famous cultural institutions in this district, such as:

• Louvre Abu Dhabi

• teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi

• Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi (upcoming)

• Guggenheim Abu Dhabi

Together, these institutions will make Abu Dhabi a hub for cultural exchange and learning.

A Place for the Future

The Zayed National Museum is not just for today but for future generations. It will continue to share the vision of Sheikh Zayed by teaching people to value unity, compassion, knowledge, and national pride. It is a beacon of Emirati identity and will keep the UAE’s story alive for many years to come.

When it opens in December 2025, it will become a place where people from all over the world can come and understand why the UAE is so special and how its people have always worked together to build a strong, caring, and modern country.