Zayed National Museum to open on Saadiyat Island this December

Abu Dhabi’s cultural landscape is about to welcome a new landmark. Zayed National Museum, the national museum of the United Arab Emirates, will open its doors to the public on 3 December 2025 at the heart of Saadiyat Cultural District.

The museum pays tribute to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, celebrating his vision, values, and lifelong dedication to culture, education, and heritage. Visitors will step into an immersive journey through the story of the UAE, spanning from ancient civilisations to the present day. Expect a blend of archaeological treasures, interactive displays, and sensory experiences that bring the nation’s history to life.

Created by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Lord Norman Foster of Foster + Partners, the museum’s design is as impressive as its collection. The journey begins at Al Masar Garden, a 600-metre outdoor gallery featuring native plants, a working falaj irrigation system, artistic sculptures and a timeline of Sheikh Zayed’s life. It stretches from the Saadiyat coastline, nestled between Louvre Abu Dhabi and the future Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, leading visitors directly to the museum’s entrance.

The museum houses over 3,000 artefacts, with 1,500 on display across five permanent galleries:

• Our Beginning – dedicated to Sheikh Zayed’s life and leadership, featuring his voice recordings, personal items, letters, and archival film.

• Through Our Nature – a look at the UAE’s diverse landscapes, from mountains to seas, and how they sustained life over millennia.

• To Our Ancestors – uncovering 300,000 years of human history, including one of the world’s oldest pearls and a recreation of the Hili Grand Tomb.

• Through Our Connections – exploring trade, technologies, and the dawn of Islam, highlighting the development of identity and language.

• By Our Coasts & To Our Roots – charting the maritime heritage of pearl divers and navigators, and inland traditions that shaped Emirati culture.

  
  

Alongside the galleries, visitors can enjoy a varied opening programme with performances, tours, workshops, and family-friendly activities. Dining options include Erth, a fine dining Emirati restaurant, as well as Al Ghaf Café and Garden Cafés.

Zayed National Museum joins Louvre Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena, and the soon-to-open Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, cementing Saadiyat Island’s status as one of the world’s most important cultural hubs. More than a museum, it’s a space for dialogue, connection, and inspiration for generations to come.

Tickets are already available at zayednationalmuseum.ae.