Zayed National Museum to Open in Abu Dhabi This December
Jul 10, 2025
Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Cultural District will welcome a major new addition this December with the opening of the long-anticipated Zayed National Museum. Positioned as the national museum of the UAE, the landmark institution will honour the legacy of the country's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, highlighting his lifelong dedication to education, cultural preservation, and national identity.
Spread across six permanent galleries and a temporary exhibition space, the museum will showcase 300,000 years of human history through archaeological discoveries, donated artefacts, and significant domestic and international loans. Highlights include the Abu Dhabi Pearl, considered one of the world's oldest natural pearls, the Blue Qur'an, a masterpiece of Islamic calligraphy, and a reconstructed ancient Magan Boat.
Designed by renowned architect Lord Norman Foster, the building features five steel towers inspired by falcon wings, symbolising a practice central to Emirati heritage. The design also integrates sustainability and accessibility at its core.
The museum will join a growing cultural ecosystem in Saadiyat that includes Louvre Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al-Ahram Weekly
2 hours ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
An early Coptic city unveiled in Egypt's Western Desert - Coptic
An Egyptian archaeological mission from the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) has unveiled a significant discovery in the heart of the Western Desert of the remains of the central residential city of Kharga Oasis, dating back to the early Coptic period. Located in the Ain al-Kharab archaeological site within the Islamic and Coptic archaeological zone, the city offers rare insight into Egypt's transition from paganism to Christianity. Among the findings are the ruins of residential structures, churches, and cemeteries, as well as a mural depicting Christ healing a sick person. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, described the discovery as a testament to the depth and diversity of Egyptian civilisation during one of its most transformative periods. "This find enriches our understanding of religious transition in Egypt and highlights the values of tolerance and cultural diversity deeply rooted in our history," he said. He reaffirmed the Ministry's continued support for archaeological missions nationwide and commended the achievements of Egyptian teams working to enhance Egypt's global standing as a cultural tourism destination. "This discovery is considered as a valuable window into early Christian life in Egypt," asserted Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the SCA. He emphasised the importance of the find in shedding light on the beginnings of the Coptic era in Egypt. "Kharga Oasis played a key role as a religious and social hub throughout many historical periods, and this discovery further confirms its significance," Khaled stated. He explained that the unearthed structures include mudbrick homes with plastered walls, service areas equipped with daily-use ovens, and storage spaces containing large, fixed pottery jars once used for preserving food and grain. The mission also recovered ostraca, pottery fragments, glass and stone artefacts, burial remains, and a vivid mural illustrating Christ performing a healing miracle. Seham Ismail, Director General of Antiquities in Kharga and head of the mission, revealed that the team also uncovered the remains of two churches. One is a large basilica-style church featuring a central hall flanked by two aisles, separated by rows of square columns, with service buildings lying to its south. The second church is smaller, rectangular in shape, with remnants of seven exterior columns and Coptic inscriptions still visible on its interior walls. Additional service structures were found on its western side. Ismail added that findings from previous excavation seasons indicate that the site was used continuously across several historical eras. Roman-era buildings were later adapted for use during the early Coptic period and again in the Islamic era — a testament to the region's long-standing role as a centre of life and continuity. This latest discovery further cements Egypt's Western Oases' status as historical treasures and reinforces the country's enduring significance in the region's religious and cultural narrative. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
17-07-2025
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Alexandria museums, archeological sites offer free entry on 24 July for National Day - Tourism
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy announced that all archaeological sites and major museums in Alexandria will open their doors to the public free of charge on Thursday, 24 July, in celebration of the city's National Day. Although the celebration will take place on 24 July, Alexandria's National Day is annually observed on 26 July, commemorating the 1954 withdrawal of British forces from the city. Located on the Mediterranean coast, Alexandria is Egypt's second-largest city after Cairo. The Graeco-Roman Museum, Royal Jewellery Museum, and Alexandria National Museum will all be open to the public free of charge, offering a chance to explore the city's rich heritage. The Graeco-Roman Museum, located along El-Horeya road, features 30 galleries showcasing artefacts from the Greco-Roman period. Graeco-Roman Museum. Al-Ahram. The museum, built in 1892, was inaugurated by Khedive Abbas Helmy II in 1895 to house discoveries from archaeological sites across Alexandria. In 1983, the museum was added to Egypt's heritage list for Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish antiquities. The Royal Jewellery Museum, located in the upscale Zizinia area, is housed in a palace that once served as the residence of Fatma Al-Zahraa, the daughter of Prince Ali Haider, a descendant of Muhammad Ali Pasha. Royal Jewellery Museum. Al-Ahram. The museum houses lavish possessions and exquisite jewellery owned by the royal family of Mohamed Ali that ruled Egypt from 1804 to 1953. The Alexandria National Museum, located on El-Horriya Road, was built in 1928 by an Alexandrian merchant adopting an Italian style. Inaugurated on 1 September 2003, it features around 1,800 artefacts that narrate Egypt's history across Pharaonic, Graeco-Roman, Coptic, Islamic, and modern periods. Alexandria National Museum. Alexandria's official website. As one of Egypt's most prominent coastal and historic cities, Alexandria offers visitors an opportunity to connect with a legacy that spans centuries through its museums and archaeological sites. In a statement, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said the move reflects Egypt's commitment to supporting national, cultural, and local celebrations that highlight its historical and civilizational depth. It also aims to boost archaeological and tourism awareness, especially among younger generations, it added. By promoting domestic tourism, the ministry seeks to encourage more people to discover the city's unique archaeological and cultural attractions. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Daily News Egypt
14-07-2025
- Daily News Egypt
Taj Mahal: Not just India's crown jewel, but humanity's timeless treasure
In the heart of Agra—a city steeped in history and echoing with tales of empires past—stands a monument that transcends time, culture, and even death itself. The Taj Mahal, often hailed as the most beautiful building ever created, is more than just a mausoleum; it is a poem in marble, a testament to eternal love, and a masterpiece that continues to captivate millions from every corner of the globe. For us in Egypt, whose soil breathes the grandeur of ancient civilizations and monumental architecture, the Taj Mahal resonates with a familiar sense of awe—a shared human endeavour to immortalise beauty and devotion. My journey began in the vibrant streets of Delhi, where the rich tapestry of culture and history unfolded before me. From bustling markets to serene gardens, the city thrummed with an energy both exhilarating and overwhelming. After soaking in Delhi's sights and sounds, I travelled to Agra, eager to behold the jewel of Mughal architecture. First Impressions of the Taj Mahal Upon arriving in Agra, I felt a surge of anticipation. Stepping into the sprawling Taj Mahal complex, I was immediately struck by the sheer scale and perfect symmetry that define this architectural wonder. The vivid red sandstone of the main gate, the Darwaza-i-Rauza, offered a dramatic prelude, framing the pristine white marble mausoleum that shimmered like a distant mirage. Passing through the archway, the Taj Mahal revealed itself in its full glory—an ethereal vision that took my breath away. The perfectly manicured gardens, divided by reflecting pools that mirror the monument flawlessly, guide the eye toward the central dome, creating an illusion of floating grace. Though photographed countless times, nothing truly prepares you for the profound emotional impact of witnessing it firsthand. The Love Story Behind the Monument At its heart, the Taj Mahal is a deeply human story of love and loss. Commissioned by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Arjumand Banu Begum—known as Mumtaz Mahal—the monument is the embodiment of his grief. Mumtaz died in 1631 while giving birth to their 14th child, leaving Shah Jahan devastated. Vowing to build a mausoleum so magnificent it would have no equal, he dedicated over two decades, from 1632 to 1653, to bring this vision to life. Mumtaz Mahal was far more than a consort; she was a trusted advisor and confidante. Her death transformed Shah Jahan, driving him to create a memorial of such splendour that her memory would be enshrined forever. Architectural Brilliance The Taj Mahal's architecture is a harmonious synthesis of Persian, Islamic, and Indian styles, blending grandeur with delicate artistry. Constructed entirely of translucent white Makrana marble, the monument seems to change hues with the light—from a soft pink at dawn, to a dazzling white at midday, and a golden glow under moonlight. This shifting palette lends it an almost otherworldly aura. Intricate floral motifs and elegant calligraphic inscriptions, meticulously inlaid with semi-precious stones like lapis lazuli and turquoise, transform its surfaces into a jewelled tapestry. Each detail is a miniature masterpiece. The four minarets that stand at each corner lean very slightly outward—a deliberate design choice so that, in the event of an earthquake, they would fall away from the central dome. This subtlety reveals the advanced engineering and foresight of Mughal architects. Symbolism and Spirituality Beyond its architectural brilliance, the Taj Mahal is steeped in symbolism. It is said to represent a vision of Mumtaz Mahal's house in Paradise, reflecting the Mughal tradition of a garden tomb as an earthly echo of the divine. The garden's layout—divided into four equal parts by water channels—mirrors the four rivers of Paradise, embodying the classic charbagh design. As I wandered through the gardens, I was reminded of Egypt's ancient funerary complexes, where monumental construction sought to achieve immortality. The inscriptions on the Taj Mahal speak of the soul's journey and the promise of eternal beauty, echoing themes deeply familiar to my own cultural heritage. The Construction Marvel Building the Taj Mahal was an extraordinary feat, mobilising around 20,000 artisans and craftsmen from India, Persia, and Central Asia. Though Ustad Ahmad Lahori is often credited as the chief architect, the monument was the result of a remarkable collaborative effort. Transporting marble and precious stones over great distances required ingenuity and resilience, often relying on elephants and bullock carts. The sheer scale of the endeavour, combined with artistic mastery, reflects the resources and ambition of the Mughal Empire. Preservation Efforts Today, the Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and continues to draw millions of visitors each year. Yet its very popularity also threatens its delicate beauty. Pollution from nearby industry poses risks to the marble's luminous sheen. In response, the Indian government has introduced measures including restricted vehicle access and the promotion of electric transport to help protect this irreplaceable monument. A Shared Human Legacy As I departed Agra and continued my journey to Bengaluru, the memory of the Taj Mahal lingered—a timeless embrace of love and artistry. For an Egyptian, used to the imposing pyramids and temples of millennia-old civilisation, the Taj Mahal offered a different yet equally powerful narrative. It reminds us that across continents and centuries, humanity has always strived to build monuments that speak to our deepest emotions, aspirations, and devotion. The Taj Mahal is not merely India's crown jewel; it is a treasure of humanity—an eternal embrace carved in stone, forever inviting us to bear witness to the enduring power of love and beauty.
