Zayed National Museum, a new milestone of Emirati identity and pride

AbuDhabi(News Desk):: His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, officially inaugurated the Zayed National Museum on 2nd December 2025, located in the Saadiyat Cultural District on the coast of Abu Dhabi. The event was held to mark the 54th anniversary of Unity Day.

The ceremony was attended by all the rulers and senior officials of the Emirates, including His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah; His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah; His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain; His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah; and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Council.

The Zayed National Museum presents a comprehensive narrative of the life, leadership, vision and humanitarian spirit of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the Emirates. The museum presents history from ancient times to the present day through modern technology, sounds, visual stories, artifacts and historical objects. Its architectural structure is inspired by the wings of the falcon, which symbolizes the Emirati’s aspiration for heights and cultural roots.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said that this museum is a national duty to preserve Sheikh Zayed’s legacy and pass it on to new generations. He described it as a bridge connecting the past, present and future, presenting Emirati civilization, values ​​and tradition to the world.Following the inauguration, the Emirati President and other rulers toured various parts of the museum, where Sheikh Zayed’s personal belongings, photographs, video archives, correspondence, and artifacts are on special display. The museum currently houses over 1,500 artifacts, out of a total of more than 3,000 items.

The Zayed National Museum features six permanent galleries that highlight the history, civilization and culture of the UAE from different perspectives. The first gallery, titled “Our Beginnings”, tells the story of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s early life, leadership and the unification of the Emirates through sounds, photographs, personal items and video content. The second gallery, “In the Mirror of Our Environment”, highlights natural landscapes such as mountains, deserts, oases and coastal areas, which have influenced the Emirati way of life for thousands of years.

“Relics of Our Civilization” showcases the continuity of human civilization and the ancient human presence in the region through archaeology. The fourth gallery, “The Story of Our Connections,” showcases elements such as science, technology, and social cohesion that played a significant role in the identity and development of the region.

“Our Maritime Heritage” is a gallery that pays tribute to the importance of coastal life, fishing and maritime trade. Finally, the gallery, titled “The Roots of Our Identity,” highlights traditional lifestyles, local values, cultural rituals and old economic occupations prevalent in rural areas.

Together, all of these galleries beautifully showcase the collective identity and history of the Emirati nation.

In addition, there is a 600-meter-long open-air “Al Masar Garden” and a gallery of temporary exhibitions. The museum has also launched a colorful cultural program, workshops, live performances and guided tours to mark the opening, providing a unique opportunity for people of all ages to get closer to Emirati heritage.