The long-awaited Zayed National Museum, a landmark tribute to the Founding Father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, will officially open its doors on December 3, 2025, within Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District.
Announced by the Abu Dhabi Media Office on Thursday, the museum will celebrate the UAE’s heritage and identity while reaffirming Abu Dhabi’s role as a global center for culture and learning. “The opening of Zayed National Museum in Saadiyat Cultural District on 3 December 2025, honours the commitment of the late Sheikh Zayed to cultural heritage, education and UAE identity,” the post read.
Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Lord Norman Foster of Foster + Partners, the museum’s striking design takes inspiration from the wings of a falcon—an enduring symbol of Emirati culture. Five soaring steel structures dominate its skyline, reflecting both elegance and national pride.
Beyond its architecture, the museum will showcase a comprehensive narrative of the UAE’s journey—from prehistoric discoveries such as a 300,000-year-old stone tool found in Al Ain, to the nation’s rise as a modern, forward-looking society.
Visitors will also experience an intimate look into the life and legacy of Sheikh Zayed, whose vision for unity, sustainability, and education continues to guide the nation. Through exhibitions, galleries, and public programs, the museum will highlight his values and their lasting influence on the Emirates.
