THE ZAYED NATIONAL MUSEUM- ABU DHABI

October 22, 2025 uaeuptodate

The Zayed National Museum is a landmark cultural project in Abu Dhabi, UAE, located on Saadiyat Island. It is dedicated to celebrating the life, achievements, and values of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE.

Designed by the famous architect Norman Foster (Foster + Partners), the museum’s architecture is inspired by the feathers of a falcon, symbolizing Sheikh Zayed’s passion for falconry and Emirati heritage.

Inside, the museum will showcase exhibitions on UAE history, culture, environment, and global connections, using modern interactive displays and rare artifacts.

It is part of the Saadiyat Cultural District, alongside the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, making it one of the UAE’s most important cultural destinations.

WHAT TO EXPECT- EXHIBIT HIGHLIGHTS:

The museum covers six permanent galleries that span from about 300,000 years ago up to modern-day UAE.
Highlight exhibits include:
An 18-metre reconstruction of a Bronze Age boat (the so-called “Magan Boat”).
One of the world’s oldest natural pearls (“Abu Dhabi Pearl”).
The “Blue Qur’an”, a rare manuscript with indigo-died parchment and gold Kufic script.
The museum uses immersive, multisensory installations: ambient soundscapes, custom-designed fragrances, interactive exhibits to engage multiple senses.
Outdoor area: The “Al Masar Garden” is a 600-metre outdoor corridor/garden leading to the museum, landscaped in zones (desert, oasis, urban) with native plants, sculptures and timeline.

TICKETING & VISITOR TIPS:

Opening date: 3 December 2025.
Tickets: Standard adult ticket is AED 70. Students/teachers have discounted rate (AED 35) in some cases.
Time-slots: Visits are booked by time-slot (starting from ~10:00 am).
Hours (to be confirmed): Most sources indicate 10 am to 8 pm (with last entry about an hour before).
Location: In the Saadiyat Cultural District, Abu Dhabi.
Tip: Book early time-slots to avoid crowds; the outdoor garden is especially pleasant around the evening light. Also check for any free/discounted categories (e.g., minors, senior Emiratis).