Latest news with #SaadiyatCulturalDistrict
The National
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
Is it a bird? Superman and 'winged' Zayed National Museum
In this week's episode of Culture Bites, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews give a preview of the Zayed National Museum which is set to open in December. The building has already become a landmark of Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Cultural District. Its five steel structures are shaped like feathers, inspired by the country's tradition of falconry, and the museum itself will tell the story of the UAE over 300,000 years. Enas and Farah highlight some of the main galleries to visit and notable pieces to view, including a full-scale replica of a Bronze Age Magan boat and an Iron Age stamp etched with a camel motif. On the big screen, James Gunn's new Superman has audiences drawing parallels between its storyline and real-life events. Social media users have drawn links from the film to Israel's war in Gaza, with references to military might and political dynamics. Farah has watched the film and talks to Enas about the scenes that appear to resemble the conflict.
UAE Moments
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- UAE Moments
Zayed National Museum to Open in Abu Dhabi This December
Mark your calendars— Zayed National Museum is opening its doors in December 2025 at Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Cultural District, one of the region's hottest art and culture hubs. The museum celebrates Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE's Founding Father, sharing his vision of unity, education, and compassion in a space where visitors can explore the country's rich history. What to Expect Inside Get ready for six permanent galleries packed with treasures covering 300,000 years of history. You'll also find a rotating gallery for fresh exhibits, bringing in rare finds from the UAE and beyond. Must-see highlights include the Abu Dhabi Pearl, the ancient Blue Qur'an manuscript, and a full-sized Magan Boat. A Stunning Design Designed by legendary architect Lord Norman Foster, the museum's iconic falcon wing-shaped towers aren't just eye candy—they're a nod to Emirati heritage and smart, sustainable design. The museum joins a power lineup in the Saadiyat District with big names like Louvre Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi (coming soon), and teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi.
Arabian Business
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Arabian Business
Zayed National Museum announces Abu Dhabi opening
Zayed National Museum will open its doors to the public this year. The UAE national museum announced its opening for December 2025 in Saadiyat Cultural District, Abu Dhabi, which houses one of the highest concentrations of cultural institutions globally. The Zayed National Museum will honour the Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his commitment to education, identity and belonging, the Abu Dhabi Media Office said in a statement. Zayed National Museum, the national museum of the UAE, has announced its opening in December 2025, in the heart of Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi, one of the highest concentrations of cultural institutions globally. Visit and follow them on @znmuae — Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (@dctabudhabi) July 10, 2025 New cultural landmark in Abu Dhabi The museum will operate through immersive exhibitions, active research, and public programming, building on Sheikh Zayed's vision and upholding the values he stood for, including humanitarianism and preserving legacy. The museum's collection features artefacts from across the UAE, including donations that speak to the heritage of the country, in addition to domestic and international loans. 'The cultural legacy of the UAE has been nurtured over decades, from the establishment of its earliest cultural institutions to today's expansive vision for cultural exchange and knowledge. Saadiyat Cultural District represents the next chapter in this national journey, curating world-class institutions that honour the past and engage the future. As the national museum of the UAE, Zayed National Museum is the legacy of our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan,' Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi said. 'It is a tribute to his boundless belief in people, in their ability to learn, to uphold the values of unity, compassion and national pride. 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,' he added. Zayed National Museum to feature Norman Foster falcon-inspired design Sheikh Zayed held a conviction that an understanding of the past was essential to shaping the nation for the benefit of future generations. His passion for exploring the UAE's heritage and celebrating the influences that shaped Emirati culture led to the establishment of the country's first museum in Al Ain in 1971, followed by the opening of the Cultural Foundation in 1981. The museum's collection includes Palaeolithic, Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Age artefacts, many of which were uncovered by archaeological teams over half a century ago. These discoveries, from the world's oldest falaj irrigation system to traces of Bronze Age copper mining, stand as evidence of the ingenuity and resilience of the UAE's earliest communities and reflect Sheikh Zayed's commitment to bringing the nation's history to light. Museum highlights will include the Abu Dhabi Pearl, one of the world's oldest natural pearls, shedding light on the history of pearling in the Arabian Gulf; the Blue Qur'an, one of Islamic art's manuscripts; and a recreation of a Magan Boat, the outcome of the museum's first research partnership with Zayed University and New York University Abu Dhabi. Pritzker Prize-winning architect Lord Norman Foster of Foster + Partners designed the museum. The museum's design embodies the heritage of the United Arab Emirates, which is at the forefront of its sustainable design. Five steel structures rise above the museum and are inspired by the wing of a falcon in flight with falconry considered a practice that is part of Emirati culture. The museum will offer an inclusive and accessible experience that connects people across generations and geographies. Through its galleries, learning programmes and research, it will bring global perspectives into dialogue with the UAE's heritage and contemporary identity. From inspiring young people and engaging People of Determination and senior citizens, to driving international scholarship, Zayed National Museum will stand as a platform for cultural exchange and shared understanding. As part of Saadiyat Cultural District's mission to foster dialogue and promote cultural equity, Zayed National Museum will present collections and narratives that celebrate the region's heritage and represent Abu Dhabi's role as a crossroads of civilisations. It will stand alongside several cultural institutions within the District, including Louvre Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, the upcoming Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's role as a global meeting place for culture, ideas, and innovation.
The National
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Tips for a kid-friendly, cultural summer in Abu Dhabi
In this episode of Culture Bites, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews offer some inspiration for an art-infused summer with respite from the heat. Enas discusses a family day out at Saadiyat Cultural District, including a stop at teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi. The Japanese multisensory digital art concept was founded in 2001 and has expanded across the globe, most recently to the UAE where it opened a 17,000-square metre space in April. Enas tells Farah about the installations that captivated her and the interactive features her children most enjoyed. In the entertainment world, Syrian television is preparing for a revival after US President Donald Trump removed sanctions on the country. For decades, Syrian dramas dominated screens across the Arab world but the civil war, and subsequent financial challenges, disrupted the industry. Farah and Enas talk about the creative and economic boost that easing sanctions will bring to Syrian actors and producers.
Cosmopolitan ME
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan ME
How to *actually* take good pics at teamLab Phenomena
ICYMI teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi in Saadiyat Cultural District is the latest exhibition taking over the capital. Irshowcases groundbreaking artworks by the international art collective teamLab, all of which are inspired by the balance between nature, the manufactured world and the environment. It's got to be seen and if you do go you will 100% be wanting to get some shots for the 'gram, which may be a little overwhelming due to the lighting and everything to see. Dw though as we've been sent tips on shooting content on Apple iPhone at the spot. Keep reading if you are heading to AD's teamLab soon. Tips for shooting content at teamLab Phenomena by Peter Jay Shot by Peter Jay 1. Turn on the level and grid. The first two immersive experiences don't have a clear horizon line, which can make it tricky to get a straight shot. Enabling the level and grid helps ensure your framing is perfectly aligned. It's a simple trick, but it can save a lot of time and effort in post-processing. 2. Dealing with screen flicker in video mode. If you notice flickering while recording video, it's likely because the lighting frequency in the room doesn't match your camera's frame rate. To fix this, head into your video settings and adjust the frame rate until the flicker disappears. Alternatively, in video mode, just tap the frame rate digits on the top right of your screen and select a better-suited value. 3. Shooting in low light with Night Mode. In darker areas, your device may suggest a longer exposure time—sometimes 5 seconds or more. You can control the exposure length by swiping left or right to adjust it. Since much of the experience features moving light art, I recommend shortening the exposure time to avoid motion blur—unless, of course, you're going for a more abstract, artistic effect. Tips for shooting content at teamLab Phenomena by Jerome Rafael Shot by Jerome Rafael 1. If you're using an iPhone Pro model and shooting with a third-party app (like ProCamera), enable RAW to retain maximum detail and dynamic range. 2. Lock Focus and Exposure (AE/AF Lock) is crucial. Tap and hold your focus point until the yellow box appears. Then adjust the exposure by sliding up or down. Tips for shooting content at teamLab Phenomena by Debbie Fortes Shot by Debbie Fortes 1. Using the feature 'clean up' for post-processing your images, helps a lot especially if you would like to remove clutter or people in your photo. 2. Ensure it's in Live Mode – if you want the long exposure effect on your photo. 3. Preserve settings on your camera mode are also useful – making sure you are always using the last mode rather than switching to different modes or different settings of your camera. You want to make sure that you are always ready to shoot away and not worry about adjusting the settings from time to time.
