Museum Dedicated to Zayed Opens in Abu Dhabi by December 2025: Essential Information Unveiled
The Zayed National Museum, a new cultural landmark in Abu Dhabi, is set to open its doors to the public in December 2025. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Lord Norman Foster of Foster + Partners, the museum's falcon-wing architecture honours the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Located in the heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District, the museum will stand alongside several globally renowned cultural institutions, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
The Zayed National Museum aims to build on Sheikh Zayed's vision, upholding the values he stood for, including humanitarianism and preserving legacy. It will present collections and narratives that celebrate the region's rich heritage while engaging with diverse global perspectives.
## Key Exhibits
Some of the museum's highlights include the Abu Dhabi Pearl, an 8,000-year-old natural pearl, one of the oldest in the world, which highlights the pearling industry's significance in the Gulf. Another exhibit is the Blue Qur'an, an original folio from the 9th century, showcasing Islamic art with gold Kufic script on indigo-dyed parchment.
A full-scale, 18-meter reconstruction of a Bronze Age boat, built using traditional materials, known as the Magan Boat, will also be on display, demonstrating the UAE's maritime legacy.
## Galleries and Features
The museum will feature six permanent galleries across two floors, spanning 300,000 years of human history. These include the Sheikh Zayed Gallery, dedicated to the life and legacy of Sheikh Zayed, focusing on his values such as unity and sustainability.
The People and Heritage Gallery explores Emirati culture, traditions, and Bedouin life through oral histories and tribal knowledge. The Environment Gallery highlights the UAE's natural landscapes and conservation efforts, including multimedia presentations on wildlife and falconry.
The History and Culture Gallery covers 300,000 years of history with archaeological finds and the UAE's Islamic heritage. The Science and Learning Gallery engages visitors with interactive learning experiences.
Outside, the 600-meter Masar Garden is filled with native Emirati plants and features a 5,000-year-old Falaj irrigation system. The museum also boasts a temporary exhibition space for dynamic and changing exhibitions.
## Architectural Features
The Central Lobby is a dramatic space with skylights and suspended galleries creating visual tension. The museum's falcon-wing architecture, designed to honour Sheikh Zayed, mirrors the majesty of a falcon in flight.
The Saadiyat Cultural District's mission is to foster dialogue and promote cultural equity. The Zayed National Museum carries the UAE's story forward for generations to come, serving as more than a place of preservation; it is a promise to future generations, a beacon of the UAE's identity, and a space where the UAE's story is told.
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- The Zayed National Museum, a new cultural landmark in Abu Dhabi, will stand alongside globally renowned institutions like Louvre Abu Dhabi.
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