The museum celebrates the rich history, culture and stories of the UAE.
Abu Dhabi, have you noticed the ginormous cranes near the Abrahamic Family House? They’re working on the Zayed National Museum. Smack bang in the vibrant heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District, this feather-like architectural wonder is one you cannot miss.
Shaped like the wings of a falcon, one of the UAE’s national symbols, the design by UK architects Foster + Partners is a marvel to behold. With towering atria functioning as solar thermal towers and a mound-inspired structure to house galleries, shops and cafes, this architectural gem is sure to leave you in awe.
As the national museum of the United Arab Emirates, Zayed National Museum will explore the nation’s 300,000-year-old story, from ancient civilisations to the vibrant, modern state it is today, through immersive exhibitions, public programming, and groundbreaking research.
Ancient artefacts
The journey begins in Al Masar Garden, a 600-metre outdoor gallery inspired by the native landscapes that shaped Sheikh Zayed’s worldview. Divided into three zones—desert, oasis and urban—the garden showcases indigenous flora and interactive installations, including a working falaj system and sensory exhibits. Twelve striking animal sculptures pay homage to traditional hunting and highlight the importance of native species in Emirati heritage.
Inside the museum, six permanent galleries unfold a narrative of the UAE’s evolution. Our Beginning reflects on Sheikh Zayed’s legacy, while Through Our Nature explores how geography influenced life across the Emirates. To Our Ancestors reveals archaeological finds tracing back 300,000 years. Through Our Connections delves into early trade, the Arabic language and Islam’s spread. By Our Coasts celebrates the seafaring communities built on fishing, pearling and commerce, and To Our Roots explores the customs and traditions of inland desert life.
Faith and Diversity
The region now known as the UAE played a pivotal role during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as it was one of the earliest regions to embrace Islam. And the discovery of the earliest mosque in the UAE, dating back to the Abbasid period in Al Ain, is a testament to the country’s deep-rooted Islamic heritage.
Let’s not forget the intriguing tales of Sir Bani Yas Island. While Islam spread across the land, a small group of Christians continued practising their faith in a monastery and a church on this very island. This shows the unique tapestry of cultures that have woven together to create the UAE’s vibrant identity.
A trading hub
An 18-metre reconstruction of a Bronze Age boat, the Magan Boat, takes centre stage as a feat of historical engineering. Built without nails using ancient techniques and natural materials like reeds and palm-fibre rope, it’s the result of a collaboration between archaeologists from Zayed University and NYU Abu Dhabi, inspired by ancient Mesopotamian texts dating back to 2100 BCE.
Zayed National Museum’s opening date has not yet been confirmed. However, it is expected to coincide with the opening of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
Check in with FACT for the latest details.
GO: Visit https://zayednationalmuseum.ae for more information.