Zayed National Museum

The Zayed National Museum is located in the heart of Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Cultural District. It is a landmark site that blends history, culture, and innovation. Through immersive exhibitions, in-depth research, and a diverse public education program, the museum upholds Sheikh Zayed's vision and his commitment to progress, cooperation, and cultural heritage.

The museum was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Lord Norman Foster and his firm, Foster + Partners. Its iconic features are five soaring steel towers, inspired by the outstretched wings of a falcon. Rising 123 meters, they are the tallest buildings in the district. The towers combine traditional building forms with natural ventilation, reflecting the museum's commitment to sustainability and a sense of cultural belonging. With a total construction area of ​​88,870 square meters, the design blends ancient passive energy-saving techniques with modern technologies to adapt to the UAE's climate. Innovative systems include geothermal cooling, radiant floor technology, solar panels, and intelligent water management. The Al Masar Garden, a 600-meter-long outdoor gallery planted with local, drought-tolerant plants, showcases Sheikh Zayed's life against a backdrop of desert, oasis, and cityscapes. Some of the plants will also be used in the museum's restaurant.

The museum will vividly showcase the history, culture, and stories of the UAE, from prehistory to the present day. The collection encompasses over 3,000 artifacts, approximately 1,500 of which will be on display, covering 300,000 years of human history, spanning the Paleolithic, Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages, the Islamic period, and modern history. The exhibition features six permanent galleries across two floors.

The six exhibition halls are themed:

1. Our Beginning – showcasing the life, legacy and values ​​of Sheikh Zayed;

2. Through Our Nature – exploring the formation of natural landscapes and their impact on human life;

3. To Our Ancestors – presenting evidence of human activity and early trade exchanges dating back 300,000 years;

4. Through Our Connections – exploring the region’s role as a crossroads of the ancient world and the spread of Islam;

5. By Our Coasts – showcasing the culture of the UAE’s coastal communities, from pearling and fishing to seafaring trade;

6. To Our Roots – showcasing inland traditions from deserts, oases and mountains, and the intangible cultural heritage passed down through generations.