The Zayed National Museum opened on Saadiyat Island during the UAE’s 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations, inaugurated by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and attended by the country’s rulers. The museum celebrates the life and legacy of the UAE’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed, while exploring the nation’s history, values, and regional connections.

UAE President Inaugurates the Museum

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan inaugurated the museum alongside the country’s rulers, marking its opening during the 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations. The moment felt more like a shared national milestone than a formal ceremony, setting the tone for the museum’s role as a public cultural space.

Architecture That Shapes the Experience

Designed by Foster + Partners, the building’s steel “wings” rise sharply over Saadiyat Island—both a nod to Sheikh Zayed’s love of falconry and a clever use of natural ventilation. The structure itself feels like part of the exhibition, blending sustainability with spectacle.

Seven Galleries Explore UAE History and Sheikh Zayed’s Legacy

The museum’s six indoor galleries walk visitors through the UAE’s past, told largely through the lens of its people and the values of Sheikh Zayed.

Focused displays feature rare photographs and manuscripts, personal items, historical material, and archaeological finds, providing a more intimate view of the Founding Father and the history of the UAE.

Interactive installations trace themes such as diplomacy, the environment, and everyday life, creating a mix of storytelling and scholarship.

Outside, Al Masar Garden, the outdoor gallery, offers a multi-sensory experience, with sculpture, plants, sound, and scent guiding visitors along Sheikh Zayed’s life and the landscapes that inspired him.

UAE National Orchestra Debuts at the Opening

The museum’s opening weekend also hosted the first public performance of the UAE National Orchestra—a 100-member ensemble chosen from thousands of applicants. Presented as part of the National Day celebrations, it added a contemporary cultural layer to a space rooted in heritage.

Conclusion

For anyone interested in history, architecture, or how nations build cultural narratives, the Zayed National Museum is worth the visit. It’s a thoughtful, well-constructed window into the UAE’s past and present.

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