Abu Dhabi Attractions 2025: Full Guides to Must-Visit Places

Zayed National Museum – Opening date, Things you can expect, Facts and FAQs 

An ambitious and symbolic goal honoring the late founder Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Zayed National Museum is gearing up for a grand and anticipated opening soon. 
VinodhiniAuthor: Vinodhini Kumar | 18-06-2025
Zayed National Museum
Source: Foster + Partners

The UAE has been always focusing on immortalizing the past and the rich history of the country’s leaders and the archaeological discoveries of the Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. The visionary founder who had made efforts into building and working on this archeological site, where stone tools and discoveries dating back 300,000 years have been found, making the site one for a monumental space – Zayed National Museum. 

History of Zayed National Museum 

Honoring the legacy and vision of the late founder of the country Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Zayed National Museum has its roots based on the archeological discoveries made by the initiatives of the late founder. In the 1950s, a group of Danish archeologists excavated Umm An – Nar Island who upon the request of the then ruler, discovered a Bronze Age site. Their tireless work led to the finding of Iron Age Sites which was then followed through by modern day archeologists who have dedicated themselves towards finding and unearthing several ancient and culturally rooted discoveries. 

“Science and history go hand in hand; with the help of science, humanity is able to track its history, to record it, and to preserve it for future generations to learn about the deeds of their fathers and forefathers” – The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan

Zayed National Museum now in making looks forward to open doors with values and to reflect the rich archeological heritage and collaborative learning of the history and significance of cultural, historical and economical transformation of the UAE. 

Things you can Expect at the Museum

Galleries 

The Zayed National Museum is built with 6 permanent galleries and 1 temporary exhibition space and outdoor gallery, showcasing the vibrant and deep rooted history of the people and founding fathers of UAE. The permanent indoor galleries are set to reflect certain aspects and timeline of UAE such as: 

  • Our Beginning – Presented as a story, this dives into the ideologies, life and legacy of UAE’s founding father. 
  • Through Our Nature – A digital walk-in through the stunning nature across UAE and their historical impact on life of Emirates. 
  • To Our Ancestors – An interesting space that showcases evidence of human activity and trade in the Arabian Gulf region dating back to 300,000 years. 
  • Through Our Connections – This gallery provides the evidence and historical findings found in the region that has impacted in building the country, modern technologies and the linguistic and religious aspects. 
  • By Our Coasts – Focuses on the coastal developments through trade, exploration, pearling and fishing and how it shaped the country’s identity and development of today in trade. 
  • To Our Roots – This gallery showcases the traditional, cultural and economic practices of the inland areas of emirates, further indicating the Emirati identity. 

Significant Findings 

Findings and discoveries of ancient UAE soil and coastal line through unearthing ancient sites, civilisation depositions or through trade and travel. From a real life recreation of a Bronze Age Boat from Umm An – Nar period and Objects like 

  • Pearl Scale and Weights used for trade.
  • Intricate Abbasid Lamp from 900 – 1100 CE.
  • Sir Bani Yas Church Stucco fragment from 600 – 800 CE. 
  • Abiel Coins dug up from 300 – 100 BCE. 
  • Ming Dynasty Pomegranate Dish dating to 1426 – 1435 CE. 

Impeccable Architecture 

  • Exterior – Inspired by the wings of falcons in flight, the two towers are also structurally referred to based on the barjeel wind tower principles that are used to cool dwellings. 
  • Interior – Based on the white sands of Saadiyat Island, concrete structures and color codes set up the interiors filled with natural light. 
  • Garden – The Al Malar narrates the story of landscapes of the country of desert, oasis and the urban setting accompanied by the traditional falaj irrigation system. 

Projects at Saadiyat Cultural District 

Spread across 27 km, the island is planned to be divided into 7 districts for development focussing on making the natural island into a centre for environmental and cultural friendly tourism, reflecting UAE’s cultural and heritage values. The Saadiyat Cultural District positioned right on the western end of the island has and is planning on building several monumental projects. 

From the existing attractions like Louvre Abu Dhabi, opened in 2017 to the upcoming Zayed National Museum, Saadiyat Cultural District will have its core motto fulfilled of being a cultural hub. The Sheikh Zayed National Museum will reflect and align with the rest of the projects in resonating with the country’s values. 

Tourist Attractions Nearby

Louvre Abu Dhabi by Jean Nouvel 

Louvre Abu Dhabi is one of the first completed projects in Saadiyat Island. A popular tourist attraction that boasts a supplemented collection, rotated from 13 French partner institutions. An art gallery, showcasing a wide range of unique, modern and global art, that has attracted over 2 million tourists so far.  

Abrahamic Family House

Abrahamic Family House is an interfaith complex designed to promote faith and belief irrespective of divisions and to promote cooperation Islam, Christianity and Judaism. The peaceful monument boasts His Eminence Ahmed Al-Tayeb Mosque, St. Francis Catholic Church: (dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi) and Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue, all interlaced by Abraham, a common figure of faith in the three religions. 

teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi by ARQA

teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi through art, the interdisciplinary group of artists, programmers, CG animators, mathematicians and architects aim to explore the way nature, surroundings and its phenomena take over the magical showcase. 

Abu Dhabi Performing Arts Centre by Zaha Hadid 

A grand performing arts centre, Abu Dhabi Performing Arts Centre with five theatres, music halls, concert hall and opera stage, designed to inspire and impress. Based on the design ‘Fruits on the vine’, inexplicably branching out to the whole structure.  

  • Location – Abu Dhabi Performing Arts Centre

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi by Frank Gehry (Under Construction)

An Art museum that is planned to be the largest of the Guggenheim Museums, consisting of modern art from West Asia, North Asia and South Asia. The museum is planned to have different types of art works installed in multiple mediums. 

Zayed National Museum by Foster + Partners (Under Construction)

One of the long running projects, Zayed National Museum at Saadiyat Island draws inspiration from the principles and visions of founder Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Showcasing a wide range of art and set pieces along with the prominent archeological discoveries. 

Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi by ARQA (Under Construction)

Another landmark structure in Saadiyat Island, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi will showcase the history of the earth from the Arabian Gulf. The museum will also have some of the rarest and ancient specimens including the 67 million years old skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex and the Murchison Meteorite sample. 

The Saadiyat Island also boasts a cultural centre for community gathering, Manarat Al Saadiyat where visitors can participate in cultural activities, stalls, exhibitions and fairs. Also sharing the island space is Berklee Abu Dhabi is a modern institution for contemporary and global music and performing arts. 

Programmes at Zayed National Museum

Contributing to the learning landscape of the country, Zayed National Museum has also planned to introduce programmes for young children, students and visitors to learn and have hands-on experience. 

  • Public Programme – To enrich and connect with the visitors, this programme will have interactive activities like workshops, tours, talks, conferences, musical and theatrical performances, demos. 
  • Educational Programme – Correlating with the school curriculum and learning methods, children aged 5 – 18 will have hands -on experience curated for them in this programme. Digital Activities like The Voyage, a digital game and interactive tour for rebuilding a Bronze Age Boat, understanding the geography, vocation and trade during the period. 
  • Baba Zayed – This programme will let the visitors and children go through a digital simulated journey to the beginning days of the Al Ain region. 
  • Storytelling programme – Get to know from the experts on the Sqara (Falcon culture) and to excavate ancient findings from a replica site with archeological tools. 
  • Access Programme – An important and inclusive programme that gives access to people with determination, senior Emiratis, people living with dementia. Initiatives like Quiet Mornings for children or people with autism spectrum, Al Dhuha hours for senior citizens provide a comfortable setting and experience of the museum. 

Opening Date 

While the Zayed National Museum has been facing several shelving and delays in development, reports from November 2024 suggest that the museum will be open to the public by the end of 2025. 

How to reach Zayed National Museum from Dubai? 

From Dubai International Airport, travelling to Zayed National Museum is possible through public transportation modes and private drives too. 

Bus (Est Time: 3 – 4 Hours) 

Hop on the MRed Line to Ibn Battuta Metro Station→  Ibn Battuta Metro Bus Station to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station→ Abu Dhabi Bus Station to Laffan Station. A 10 – 15 minute walk or a taxi ride will take you to the Zayed National Museum. 

Bus (Est Time: 4 – 5 Hours) 

Take the Green Line to Al Ras Metro Station→ Al Ghubaiba Bus Station 47→ From Al Ghubaiba Station 9 board E100 to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station→ Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station to Laffan Station/ Stop 1152. A 10 – 15 minute walk or a taxi ride will take you to the Zayed National Museum. 

Drive/ Taxi (Est Time: 1 – 1.5 Hours) 

Private vehicles or taking a Taxi via E11 will reduce your travel time. 

FAQs

What is the status of the Zayed National Museum?

The Zayed National Museum is still under construction and as of recent reports is eying for an opening in 2025. 

Who is the director of the Zayed National Museum? 

Dr. Peter Magee is the current director of the Zayed National Museum. He was appointed as the director in 2019. 

How Big is the Zayed National Museum? 

The Zayed National Museum spans across an area of 66,042 square metres with galleries, garden and atrium. 

What materials are used in Zayed National Museum? 

The exterior Tower structure is made of lightweight steel and stone plinths while the interior structure is made of concrete structures.

What will I Find inside the Zayed National Museum? 

The galleries of Zayed National Museum draw on diverse materials for its narrative, including archaeological objects, maps and drawings, photography and film, historical manuscripts and oral testimonies. 

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