Zayed National Museum Sets December 2025 Opening: Your Guide to Abu Dhabi's New Cultural Landmark

Abu Dhabi’s highly anticipated Zayed National Museum will officially open its doors to the public on December 3, 2025, establishing a new cornerstone of the Saadiyat Cultural District. Dedicated to the legacy of the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the museum will explore his life, the nation's identity, and the rich tapestry of Emirati heritage.

Tickets are now on sale through the museum’s official website, with general admission priced at AED 70. The museum will operate with timed entry slots from 10:00 am, with the last admission at 6:00 pm.

A Masterpiece of Architectural Symbolism

Designed by the renowned architecture firm Foster + Partners, the museum's structure is an awe-inspiring sight. Its form is defined by five soaring steel "wings" that evoke the image of a falcon in flight—a powerful symbol deeply rooted in Emirati culture.

Sustainability is a core principle of the design, seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with traditional environmental wisdom. The visitor experience begins even before entering the main building with the Al Masar Garden, a 600-meter outdoor pathway that showcases native flora, traditional falaj irrigation, and sculptural art, setting the stage for an immersive journey.

A Journey Through Time: The Museum's Galleries

The Zayed National Museum will feature six permanent galleries and a space for temporary exhibitions, displaying nearly 1,500 items from its vast collection of over 3,000 artifacts and documents.

The permanent galleries offer a comprehensive narrative journey:

• Our Beginning: Focuses on the life and leadership of Sheikh Zayed through personal archives and historical records.
• To Our Ancestors: Traces over 300,000 years of human history in the region.
• Through Our Connections: Explores the UAE’s role in global trade and the exchange of ideas, languages, and religions.
• By Our Coasts: Delves into the nation's maritime heritage, including pearling and ancient trade routes.
• To Our Roots: Examines traditional ways of life and the foundations of cultural identity.

These galleries will utilize multimedia displays, sensory installations, and interactive storytelling to bring history to life for visitors of all ages.

Ticket Information and Concessions

To ensure broad accessibility, the museum offers several concessionary rates:

• Free Admission: Minors, senior Emiratis, people of determination, and working journalists.
• Discounted Admission (AED 35): Students from UAE universities and teachers employed in the emirates.

Visitors are encouraged to book their time slots in advance via the official museum website to secure their preferred entry time.

A Living Legacy for the UAE

Positioned as a dynamic cultural hub, the Zayed National Museum is more than a repository of artifacts. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi, described it as a "living narrative" of the UAE.

The institution will host a vibrant program of performances, workshops, and public events, fulfilling Sheikh Zayed’s own vision of promoting education, national identity, and sustainable development. Its opening cements Abu Dhabi's status as a leading global cultural destination, standing proudly alongside its neighbor, the Louvre Abu Dhabi.