Image: Abu Dhabi Media Office/ WAM
Zayed National Museum, the national museum of the UAE, will open to the public on December 3, 2025, in the Saadiyat Cultural District, Abu Dhabi’s growing hub for world-class cultural institutions.
The museum will present the history of the UAE through an immersive experience that blends archaeological artefacts, historical objects, audiovisual storytelling and contemporary installations.
The landmark institution pays tribute to the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, reflecting his dedication to cultural heritage, education and national identity.
“As the national museum of the UAE, sitting at the heart of Saadiyat Cultural District, Zayed National Museum presents the story of our land, our people, and our heritage in a way that is alive, evolving, and open to all,” said Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.
“In opening these doors, we reaffirm our commitment to culture as a source of knowledge, connection, and inspiration for generations to come.
The inauguration of Zayed National Museum is a defining milestone in the enduring cultural journey of Abu Dhabi.”
Zayed National Museum: Highlights
Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Lord Norman Foster of Foster + Partners, the museum will guide visitors through the story of human inhabitation in the region, tracing the UAE’s evolution through trade, innovation, and cultural exchange. Sheikh Zayed’s legacy is interwoven throughout the museum’s narrative.
The visitor experience begins at Al Masar Garden, an outdoor gallery stretching 600 metres from the Saadiyat coast between Louvre Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi.
The garden features native plants, a working falaj irrigation system, sculptures, and installations reflecting the UAE’s landscapes, alongside a timeline of Sheikh Zayed’s life.
The museum’s collection includes more than 3,000 artefacts, with around 1,500 on display.
The permanent galleries chart the UAE’s journey through themes such as leadership, environment, archaeology, maritime heritage and identity.
Highlights include recordings of Sheikh Zayed’s voice, personal belongings, early archaeological finds such as ancient pearls, and immersive recreations of historical sites like the Hili Grand Tomb.
Opening day celebrations will feature performances, workshops and guided tours, while dining options will include the fine dining Emirati restaurant Erth, Al Ghaf Café and the Garden Cafés.
Once open, Zayed National Museum will join an expanding cluster of major cultural landmarks on Saadiyat Island, including Louvre Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, the upcoming Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, positioning the capital as a leading global destination for culture and heritage.
