Visit the Zayed National Museum
in Abu Dhabi

History of Zayed National Museum

The Zayed National Museum, opening in December 2025, is the first national museum of the United Arab Emirates, dedicated to the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the country. Located on Saadiyat Island, in the Saadiyat Cultural District, it fits into an ambitious cultural project, next to the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The goal is to tell national history in an immersive way, tracing the cultural, social, and political evolution of the country over 300,000 years. The museum covers an area of 25,000 m² and houses more than 1,500 objects from national and international collections.

The museum was designed by the international agency Foster + Partners, renowned for its modern and symbolic architectures. The inspiration of the falcon, an emblem of freedom and vision for the Emirates, guided the design of the building. The 5 aerodynamic towers of lightweight steel evoke the wings of a falcon in flight, offering a unique and recognizable silhouette from the sea and the heights of Saadiyat Island. The architecture integrates sustainable technologies, with a natural ventilation system and integrated solar panels, thus respecting the principles of sustainable development dear to Sheikh Zayed.

The project benefited from the support of the British Museum, which participated in the creation of the museum by bringing its expertise in conservation and scenography. This international collaboration ensured a high level of quality in the presentation of objects, particularly the oldest ones, such as the 8,000-year-old Abu Dhabi pearl or the 18-meter Magan boat, reconstructed from archaeological remains. The museum also integrated interactive elements and digital experiences, with more than 100 touch screens and 360° projections to enrich the visitor experience.

What to see at the Zayed National Museum

The permanent exhibition of the Zayed National Museum spans 6 galleries, each dedicated to a key period in the history of the United Arab Emirates. The route, fluid and one-way, begins at the Al Masar garden, an outdoor space that invites reflection before entering the building. The architecture itself is a work of art, with its 5 aerodynamic towers of lightweight steel, inspired by the falcon, a symbol of freedom and vision. The museum is located on Saadiyat Island, in the heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District, a major cultural hub in the region.

Among the must-sees, the 8,000-year-old pearl of Abu Dhabi is one of the oldest and most precious objects in the museum. It testifies to the ancient pearling activity in the region, a witness to the maritime history of the Emirates. Next to it, the 18-meter Magan boat, reconstructed from remains, tells the story of ancient trade in the region, illustrating the commercial exchanges that shaped local culture. The museum also presents 18th-century manuscripts and traditional fishing tools, offering an immersion into the daily life of Emirati communities of yesteryear.

The experience is enriched by cutting-edge multisensory technology, integrating sound, visual, and olfactory elements to plunge visitors into historical reconstructions. The galleries are designed to be immersive, with projections, lighting effects, and interactive installations that bring history to life. Each exhibition is accompanied by multilingual audio guides, available at the entrance, for better understanding. Visitors can thus explore historical scenes such as the conquest of the desert or the birth of the city of Abu Dhabi, with ambient sounds, scents of saffron or sandalwood, and lighting effects that evoke sunsets over the dunes. This multisensory approach, developed in collaboration with experts in cognition and design, fosters lasting memory of the content.

Architecture and Immersive Experience

The architecture of the Zayed National Museum, designed by Foster + Partners, is a true tribute to Sheikh Zayed and the vision of the Emirates. Inspired by the falcon, the building consists of 5 aerodynamic towers of lightweight steel, rising towards the sky like wings in flight. This symbolic form evokes freedom, vigilance, and long-term vision, values dear to Sheikh Zayed. Located on Saadiyat Island, the museum integrates harmoniously into a rapidly expanding cultural landscape, near the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The architectural complex, spread over 20,000 m², was designed to be both iconic and environmentally respectful, with natural cooling systems and optimized energy management.

The main entrance is via the pedestrian plaza of Mound Bridge, accessible to all, including people with reduced mobility. The one-way route begins in the Al Masar garden, a calm and contemplative space, before entering the galleries. The interior architecture plays with volumes, light, and materials to create a majestic atmosphere respectful of history. Visitors cross open spaces and covered passages, where natural light filters through strategic openings, evoking ancient souks and traditional palaces. Each transition is designed to guide the visitor towards a new dimension of Emirati history.

The immersive experience is enhanced by multisensory technology, including sounds, lights, and olfactory effects to recreate the atmosphere of each era. Visitors are thus transported through the ages, from prehistory to modern times, passing through the eras of Islam, fishing, trade, and modernization. This approach engages the senses and fosters a deep understanding of national identity. For example, in the section on the age of gold, visitors feel the heat of the desert, hear the calls to prayer, and smell the scent of spices. Interactive installations, such as touch tables or augmented realities, allow exploring historical artifacts in 3D, making the experience both educational and captivating.