The Zayed National Museum opened on Saadiyat Island on December 3, offering visitors an immersive journey through more than 300,000 years of UAE history. Designed beneath five steel towers inspired by falcon wings, the museum features interconnected galleries, educational spaces, and public areas. Highlights include the Abu Dhabi Pearl, rare folios from the Blue Quran, and an 18-metre reconstruction of a Bronze Age Magan boat displayed in the central atrium.
Location
The museum is located in the Saadiyat Cultural District, near Louvre Abu Dhabi and other upcoming institutions such as the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena, and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. Visitors can move between the cultural sites via an overground walkway. Al Masar Garden, a 600-metre path, connects the coast to the museum entrance. Parking is available on site.
Timings
Entry is based on timed slots starting from 10am, with the final entry currently set at 6pm. Visitors may explore the galleries at their own pace once inside. Public holiday hours will be announced later.
Tickets
General entry for adults is Dh70. Admission is free for children under 18, people of determination, and UAE-based seniors aged 60+. Concessions are available for UAE university students and teachers (Dh35). Tickets can be purchased online.
Dress Code
Visitors are expected to wear modest clothing that reflects UAE cultural norms. Shoulders and knees must be covered.
Dining & Retail
The museum offers multiple dining options, including Erth Restaurant and Al Ghaf Cafe, along with pop-up cafés in Al Masar Garden. Retail outlets near the entrance and inside the galleries offer books and merchandise.
Accessibility
The museum is fully accessible with stair-free routes, lifts, and accessible facilities throughout. Staff are trained under the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme, and Emirati Sign Language tours are available.
What to See
More than 1,500 objects are displayed at launch, covering archaeology, culture, trade, maritime heritage, and the UAE’s modern development. Dedicated galleries highlight the life and legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Key pieces include the Abu Dhabi Pearl, Blue Quran folios, archaeological material from across the UAE, and multimedia installations.
Temporary Exhibitions
The museum will feature a rotating programme of exhibitions developed in partnership with international institutions, alongside screenings in an onsite cinema that explore the UAE’s human and natural history.
