Zayed National Museum opening in Abu Dhabi set for December 2025
The UAE's national museum celebrates the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE, bringing his vision of education, unity, and compassion to life in a space for everyone to explore and connect with the country's incredible history.
'This museum is more than a place of preservation; it is a promise to future generations, a beacon of our identity, and a space where our story is told not just through objects, but through emotion, memory and vision. This institution will carry our story forward for generations to come,' His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said.
Visitors can look forward to six permanent galleries across two floors, showcasing 300,000 years of history, plus a temporary gallery for exciting new exhibits. The museum features artifacts from across the UAE, along with special loans from around the world.
Some of the must-see highlights include the Abu Dhabi Pearl, one of the world's oldest natural pearls, the Blue Qur'an manuscript, and a recreated ancient Magan Boat, developed with local and international university partners.
Designed by world-famous architect Lord Norman Foster, the museum's five soaring steel towers resemble falcon wings, paying tribute to a beloved Emirati tradition, a shining example of sustainable design.
It stands alongside several internationally acclaimed cultural institutions within the district, including Louvre Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, the upcoming Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
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Faya Al Saadiyat is thoughtfully designed by the globally acclaimed 1508 London Interior Design Studio—renowned for crafting the interiors of The OWO Residences by Raffles, part of the iconic transformation of London's historic Old War Office—and Nordic Office Architects, a homegrown design studio known for reshaping regional skylines with globally informed design. The design draws inspiration from Saadiyat Island's natural beauty and distinctive wildlife, combining indigenous materials with minimalist aesthetics and expansive open-plan layouts. This architectural masterpiece features Italian-made kitchens and wardrobes, bespoke joinery, and state-of-the-art appliances. Outdoors, a private beachfront pool anchors expansive living and recreational areas, framing serene views of the surrounding golf course and the pristine shores of Saadiyat Beach. Faya Al Saadiyat is an exclusive luxury gated community of 21 super-luxury homes, including two eight-bedroom mansions and 19 six- to seven- bedroom villas, scheduled for completion in 2028. Residents enjoy seamless access to Saadiyat Cultural District, home to world-renowned institutions such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena, and the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, as well as a curated mix of premium hospitality, retail, and dining offerings, including the highly anticipated Saadiyat Grove. The development is targeting the Estidama 3 Pearl rating and Fitwel certification, with sustainability embedded across the masterplan through features that promote energy efficiency, water conservation, reduced carbon emissions, and enhanced resident well-being. For media enquiries please contact: Obaid Alyammahi Aldar Properties Radwa El Taweel Brunswick Group ALDARCORP@ About Aldar Aldar is the leading real estate developer, manager, and investor in Abu Dhabi, with a growing presence across the United Arab Emirates, the Middle East North Africa, and Europe. The company has two core business segments, Aldar Development and Aldar Investment. Aldar Development is a master developer of a 62 million sqm strategic landbank, creating integrated and thriving communities across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah's most desirable destinations. The delivery of Aldar's developments is managed by Aldar Projects, which is also a key partner of the Abu Dhabi government in delivering housing and infrastructure projects across the UAE's capital. Internationally, Aldar Development wholly owns UK real estate developer London Square, as well as a majority stake in leading Egyptian real estate development company, SODIC. Aldar Investment houses a core asset management business comprising a portfolio of more than AED 46 billion worth of investment grade and income-generating real estate assets diversified across retail, residential, commercial, logistics, and hospitality segments. It manages four core platforms: Aldar Investment Properties, Aldar Hospitality, Aldar Education, and Aldar Estates. For more information on Aldar please visit
