His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, officially inaugurated the Zayed National Museum, located in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District, in the presence of Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates. The inauguration took place as part of the UAE’s celebrations marking the 54th Eid Al Etihad.
The event was also attended by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The Zayed National Museum chronicles the life of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Founding Father, and tells the story of the land and its people, from ancient times to the present, through an immersive journey that blends advanced technologies with soundscapes, visual storytelling, artefacts, and historical items. Architecturally, the museum is a landmark inspired by the soaring wings of a falcon, symbolising the UAE’s ambitions and its deep-rooted connection to its cultural heritage and the natural world.
His Highness 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. His Highness Sheilkh Mohamed bin Zayed added that the museum also 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.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted the museum’s role in documenting key milestones in the nation’s history and the achievements that have shaped its identity and global standing, and also affirmed that preserving and passing on the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed as a source of inspiration for future generations, is a shared national responsibility.
The museum’s collection comprises more than 3,000 pieces, with 1,500 currently on display, each helping to tell the story of the UAE and its people. During the Eid Al Etihad celebrations, timeless pieces from the museum's collection were displayed, including the Abu Dhabi Pearl, a natural pearl estimated to be around 8,000 years old and considered one of the oldest in the world.
To mark the opening, the museum is launching a vibrant cultural programme featuring live performances, interactive workshops, guided tours, and creative activities, offering visitors of all ages a unique opportunity to engage with this landmark cultural event.