His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, officially inaugurated the Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District, as part of the UAE’s celebrations marking the 54th Eid Al Etihad. The event was attended by members of the Supreme Council of Rulers, Crown Princes, and senior officials from across the Emirates.
The inauguration ceremony welcomed His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah; His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah; and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, among others.
Crown Princes and deputies, including H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, also attended, alongside a number of sheikhs and senior government officials.
A Tribute to Sheikh Zayed
The Zayed National Museum chronicles the life of the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and tells the story of the nation and its people from ancient times to the present. The museum blends advanced technologies, soundscapes, visual storytelling, artefacts, and historical items to create an immersive experience for visitors. Architecturally, the museum is inspired by the soaring wings of a falcon, symbolising the UAE’s ambitions and deep connection to cultural heritage.
H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said: “The Zayed National Museum stands as a monument that pays tribute to the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed – encompassing his leadership, vision, and enduring humanitarian values. The museum connects the UAE’s rich past with its present and future, and serves as a gateway for people to explore and understand the country’s culture, heritage, and traditions across generations.”
He added that preserving and passing on Sheikh Zayed’s legacy for future generations is a shared national responsibility.
Following the inauguration, H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, accompanied by other rulers and dignitaries, toured the museum’s galleries. The collection includes more than 3,000 pieces, with 1,500 currently on display, featuring personal belongings of Sheikh Zayed, archaeological artefacts, photographs, documents, and audio-visual recordings of key moments in UAE history.
The museum houses six permanent galleries:
Our Beginning: Chronicles Sheikh Zayed’s life and legacy through photographs, letters, voice recordings, video archives, and immersive installations.
Through Our Nature: Explores the UAE’s diverse natural environments and sustainable living through multisensory displays.
To Our Ancestors: Showcases archaeological finds that trace thousands of years of human civilisation in the region.
Through Our Connections: Examines early communities, science, technology, and shared knowledge in shaping society.
By Our Coasts: Highlights the UAE’s maritime traditions and seafaring heritage.
To Our Roots: Celebrates Emirati identity, traditions, values, and economic practices from interior regions.
The museum also features a dedicated space for temporary exhibitions and Al Masar Garden, a 600-metre-long open-air gallery introducing visitors to the landscapes and history that shaped the UAE.
Cultural Programmes and Visitor Engagement
To mark the opening, the museum has launched a vibrant cultural programme featuring live performances, interactive workshops, guided tours, and creative activities, offering visitors of all ages a chance to engage with this landmark institution.
