Details
Zayed National Museum, located on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, is dedicated to celebrating the life and legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the United Arab Emirates. Designed by the British architectural firm Foster + Partners, the museum’s structure features striking steel towers inspired by the wings of a falcon, symbolizing Sheikh Zayed's love for falconry and the UAE’s cultural heritage. Inside, the museum showcases the history, culture, and rapid development of the UAE, with exhibits on topics such as the environment, heritage, and unity, aiming to inspire visitors with Sheikh Zayed's vision for the nation's future.
Details
We honour the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s legacy by shining a light on the subjects that were important to him — above all, the history, culture and stories of the people of the United Arab Emirates.
Zayed National Museum is committed to inclusivity and accessibility. We offer a diverse range of programmes and services tailored for People of Determination, senior citizens, other community audiences, as well as their care partners and caregivers.
Collaborative research
Part of Zayed National Museum’s mandate is to be a world-class research institution, beginning with its Magan Boat project in partnership with Zayed University and New York University Abu Dhabi. The goal is to uncover the traditional boatbuilding techniques that enabled this ancient region to trade with the wider world.
The Zayed National Museum Research Fund, launched in 2023, supports research into the culture and history of the UAE and the legacy of Founding Father Sheikh Zayed. Grants from the AED 1 million fund are awarded by a panel of experts based on criteria including research methodology, experience, outcomes, and relevance to the museum's mandate.
Generational learning
Zayed National Museum aims to inspire the UAE's next generation of researchers, historians, archaeologists, and cultural professionals. This includes working with teachers and local educational institutions to encourage young people to consider a career in these rewarding fields.
What awaits you
Zayed National Museum takes you through the history of the United Arab Emirates, back to a 300,000-year-old stone tool found at Jebel Hafit in Al Ain. With an authentic form of storytelling, the objects in our galleries link the ancient past with people’s living traditions.
