Zayed museum opens in Abu Dhabi
The museum highlights Emirati heritage and identity
The Zayed National Museum has officially opened its doors in Abu Dhabi, marking the debut of one of the United Arab Emirates’ most anticipated cultural projects. Located in the Saadiyat Cultural District, the museum is dedicated to telling the story of the UAE and honouring the legacy of the country’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The opening follows years of construction and planning, during which the museum emerged as a central pillar of the emirate’s vision to become a global centre for art, heritage and education.
The building, designed by Foster + Partners, is instantly recognisable for its five towering structures shaped like falcon wings, a reference to the UAE’s cultural traditions and Sheikh Zayed’s passion for falconry. Inside, visitors can explore a series of permanent galleries tracing thousands of years of history, from the region’s earliest settlements and maritime trade routes to the rise of the modern state. The museum features more than a thousand artifacts alongside immersive multimedia displays, archival material and interactive exhibitions that highlight the UAE’s social, economic and cultural evolution.
Officials describe the museum as both an educational institution and a national symbol, offering programmes, research initiatives and public events alongside its exhibitions. Its opening further strengthens Saadiyat Island’s growing cluster of major cultural institutions, joining the Louvre Abu Dhabi and several upcoming museums that aim to position the capital as a world-class arts destination. Early visitors praised the museum’s blend of architecture, storytelling and state-of-the-art technology, noting that it provides a comprehensive narrative of Emirati identity and heritage.
For Abu Dhabi, the museum’s launch marks a significant moment in its long-term cultural strategy. Leaders say the institution will serve as a bridge between the past and the future, highlighting the UAE’s rapid transformation while preserving its deep-rooted traditions. With its doors now open, the Zayed National Museum is expected to become a major attraction for both residents and international visitors, anchoring the country’s commitment to cultural investment and global engagement.
