- The national museum of the United Arab Emirates tells the story of the land and its people, and stands as a tribute to the legacy of Sheikh Zayed, the nation’s Founding Father.
- The museum’s opening marks the culmination of an unprecedented cultural year for the UAE with the openings of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi and Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and the reopening of Al Ain Museum.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – 3 December 2025: Zayed National Museum, the national museum of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the centrepiece of Saadiyat Cultural District, opened to the public today.
Zayed National Museum offers visitors a journey through the history of the UAE, from the earliest evidence of human habitation to the civilisations that shaped its culture and identity. The museum serves as a cultural bridge connecting the seven emirates, emphasising their deep shared history and heritage. The museum reflects how the story of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, is deeply intertwined with that of the UAE, presenting his life as a lens through which to explore the values and aspirations that underpin the nation.
Zayed National Museum showcases a collection of more than 1,500 objects within its six permanent galleries, combining archaeological artefacts, historic objects, audiovisual and sensory experiences, as well as contemporary installations and authentic reconstructions. Starting from the museum’s 600-metre outdoor gallery, Al Masar Garden, the visitor journey continues through galleries dedicated to Sheikh Zayed’s life, the UAE’s natural landscapes, and the history of human habitation on this land, featuring archaeological discoveries spanning 300,000 years. Together, they reveal how geography, innovation, exchange and faith shaped Emirati identity.
HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “As the national museum of the United Arab Emirates, Zayed National Museum tells the unfolding story of the land and its people. It demonstrates the unifying power of our history and our culture, providing a space where citizens, residents and visitors can see themselves reflected in the story of our people and our land. Bridging past, present and future, it will help shape how we understand the UAE’s evolving cultural narrative. As a world-class centre for research and learning, it will inspire and equip the next generation of Emirati curators, historians and conservators, enabling our nation to further contribute to knowledge production and global cultural discourse.”
Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Lord Norman Foster of Foster + Partners, the museum’s opening marks a new chapter for the nation’s legacy and the culmination of an unprecedented cultural year for the UAE, with the openings of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi and Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi in Saadiyat Cultural District and the reopening of Al Ain Museum in Al Ain Region.
Deep Roots and Everlasting Legacy: a month-long opening programme
To mark this milestone opening, Zayed National Museum welcomes the public to experience a programme of performances, workshops and cultural activities running until 31 December under the theme ‘Deep Roots and Everlasting Legacy’. The museum’s indoor and outdoor spaces will be activated with diverse experiences that honour the UAE’s heritage and celebrate its culture. The programme brings together music, dance and storytelling to connect audiences of all ages to the nation’s history and heritage.
Highlights include traditional Razfa and Naashat dances; an immersive Gahwa experience designed with Bait Al Gahwa, accompanied by poetry, Taghrooda music, Nahma seafaring chants and the Nadba mountain call; poetry performances; and musical recitals. Hands-on workshops will explore traditional crafts and arts inspired by the museum narrative and collections, and museum tours will be available. Workshops and tours require advance booking.
The museum’s retail shop, Al Nagwa Boutique, offers a curated selection of gifts and souvenirs inspired by the museum’s themes and collections. Food and beverage options include the museum’s signature dining destination, Erth Restaurant, as well as Al Ghaf Cafe and the Garden Cafes.
Zayed National Museum entry tickets and annual memberships are available at zayednationalmuseum.ae.
-ENDS-
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International media
Marion Lestra (EU) | [email protected] | +4474 5983 7233
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Naomi Crowther (UK/US) | [email protected] | +44 7562947254
VISITOR INFORMATION
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Opening Hours:
Open Daily 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Last Entry 1 hour before closing
Ticketing:
Tickets are available to purchase from zayednationalmuseum.ae
General admission:
- Adults – AED 70
- Children (under 18) – free of charge
- Senior Citizens – free of charge
- Students & teachers – AED 35
Memberships are available in three categories:
- Individual – for those seeking a deeper connection with the UAE’s heritage and the flexibility to explore independently or with a companion for AED 210
- Teacher – for educators who wish to enrich classroom learning through museum resources, workshops and professional development opportunities for AED 150
- Student – for students who want to engage with exhibitions, events and educational programmes for AED 150
Public Programme:
At Zayed National Museum, our programmes are designed to bring families, friends, individuals and the community together through meaningful cultural experiences. They provide opportunities to connect, spark curiosity and celebrate the rich history and culture of the United Arab Emirates.
Open to everyone, from cultural explorers to first-time visitors, the museum’s public programmes offer enriching and creative ways to learn, share and engage.
Our programme calendar includes workshops, tours, talks, conferences, musical and theatrical performances, cultural engagement and community events. Each programme invites visitors to explore the nation’s history and culture in inspiring and interactive ways.
Notes to editors
About Zayed National Museum:
Zayed National Museum, located in the heart of Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi, is the national museum of the United Arab Emirates. Guided by the values of its Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the museum tells the story of the nation from ancient times to present day. Through exhibitions, research and public programming, it explores the UAE’s history, culture and heritage, honouring Sheikh Zayed’s enduring legacy and his commitment to knowledge, unity and the preservation of Emirati identity.
Gallery List:
The galleries of Zayed National Museum are:
- Our Beginning sheds new light on the life, legacy and values of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Founding Father, through an authentic form of storytelling.
- Through Our Nature immerses visitors in the diverse landscapes of the UAE exploring the connections between people and their environment through different forms of media.
- To Our Ancestors explores the evidence of human activity in our land dating back 300,000 years, showcasing early trade with other societies in the Gulf region.
- Through Our Connections gallery explores relationships between people and societies of this region and the broader world. The gallery covers the Iron Age from 3,000 years ago and the spread of Islam in the region from the 600s onward, up to the 1100s CE.
- By Our Coasts focuses on the development of the distinct cultural identity on the coasts of the Emirates, tracing the history of communities back to the time of Ibn Majid (Julfar born) and the era of great Arab navigators. The gallery explores the culture of the coast ranging from architecture to currency to music to the economic mainstays of fishing, pearling, trading and boat building.
- To Our Roots continues the exploration of Emirati identity by looking at the traditional lifestyle, customs and social practices that have prevailed in the inland areas of the emirates, from desert to oases to mountains. The gallery also highlights the intangible heritage passed down from generation to generation, reinforcing the preservation of history over time.
- Al Masar Garden is a 600-metre outdoor gallery that takes visitors through the timeline of Sheikh Zayed, set within landscapes that reflect the environments that inspired him. It features sculptures and plants representing the UAE’s desert, oasis, and urban settings.
