UAE President inaugurates Zayed National Museum

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has inaugurated the Zayed National Museum on Tuesday during the 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations in Abu Dhabi, with the museum officially open to the public on December 3.

The inauguration was held in the presence of Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, the museum located at Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District.

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.

Sheikh Mohamed said the museum stands as a monument that pays tribute to the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed, encompassing his leadership, vision, and enduring humanitarian values.

He 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.

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.

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.

The display also included a 1966 Chrysler Newport once used by the late Sheikh Zayed in the 1960s, and the Magan Boat, a reconstruction of an ancient vessel used in early maritime trade.

A tour of the museum’s galleries was also held for the UAE President and the Rulers of the Emirates, where they explored exhibits, documents, archaeological artefacts, and personal belongings of the Founding Father.

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.