Museum in UAE's Zayed Nation to Debut December 2025
The Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi is set to be a monumental cultural institution, offering a unique blend of history, art, and national identity. This world-class institution will be a significant addition to the Saadiyat Cultural District, home to several other world-class cultural institutions such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi.
Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Lord Norman Foster, the museum's design is inspired by falconry, reflecting UAE heritage and sustainable principles. The structure features five steel arches resembling a falcon’s wings in flight, serving as thermal chimneys for natural cooling.
Inside the museum, visitors will find six permanent galleries across two floors, covering over 300,000 years of human history. A dedicated area for temporary exhibitions will also be available to showcase various themes and artifacts. Additionally, a 600-meter garden, the Masar Garden, will be filled with native Emirati plants, featuring interactive displays and animal-inspired sculptures.
The Zayed National Museum will house some key highlights, including the Abu Dhabi Pearl, one of the oldest natural pearls in the world, providing insights into the Arabian Gulf's pearling history. The Blue Qur’an, considered one of the finest manuscripts in Islamic art, will also be on display. A full-scale, 18-meter-long replica of a Bronze Age boat, the Magan Boat, has been reconstructed using traditional materials like reeds and palm-fiber rope as part of the museum’s collection.
The museum will celebrate the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, by highlighting the country's rich cultural heritage and history. It aims to foster dialogue and cultural equity, showcasing the UAE’s role as a crossroads of civilizations.
The Zayed National Museum is scheduled to launch in December 2025, further positioning Abu Dhabi as a centre of cultural innovation and global understanding. The museum's immersive experience promises to offer a captivating journey through the UAE's history, engaging both locals and visitors alike.
Travelers, upon visiting the Zayed National Museum in 2025, will experience a journey through the rich history and culture of the United Arab Emirates, showcasing the country's role as a crossroads of civilizations. This immersive experience will coincide with the museum's focus on sustainable technology, such as the use of falconry-inspired falcon-shaped thermal chimneys for natural cooling.
