Zayed National Museum to officially open its doors on December 3

The Zayed National Museum, which traces the UAE's history and honours the legacy of Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, will officially open its doors to the public on December 3.

Located on Saadiyat Cultural District, the museum will blend archaeological artefacts and historic objects with audiovisual and sensory experiences, as well as contemporary installations.

It will stand alongside several globally renowned cultural institutions, including Louvre Abu Dhabi and teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, as well as the upcoming Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.

The opening day, for which tickets are available online, will see a variety of cultural performances, workshops, tours and activities.

"Zayed National Museum presents the story of our land, our people, and our heritage in a way that is alive, evolving, and open to all," highlighted Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.

Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Lord Norman Foster, visitors will follow a pathway that traces the earliest evidence of human inhabitation, explores how civilisations lived and thrived over centuries, highlights connections through trade routes and celebrates the distinctive elements of Emirati culture and heritage.

Sheikh Zayed’s legacy and values will be embedded within the narrative throughout.

The collection includes more than 3,000 pieces, of which 1,500 will be on display, each carefully chosen for the story they tell about the history of the land.

The opening of @znmuae in Saadiyat Cultural District on 3 December 2025, honours the commitment of the late Sheikh Zayed to cultural heritage, education and UAE identity, reaffirming Abu Dhabi’s position as a global centre for culture and learning.

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) October 16, 2025

While reviewing the final preparations of the museum in early October, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, said the museum reflects the UAE’s commitment to investing in culture as a key pillar of sustainable development and a source of inspiration for future generations.