Zayed National Museum celebrates UAE’s heritage, culture, and Sheikh Zayed’s legacy

ABU DHABI: The Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi is a cultural beacon, offering a comprehensive narrative of the UAE’s history, from prehistoric times to the modern era. The museum honours the life and vision of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Founding Father, whose legacy continues to inspire the nation. Noura Al Mubarak, Head of Institutional and International Affairs at the Museum, stated that the museum enhances Abu Dhabi’s cultural status, preserves Emirati heritage, and fosters cultural awareness both locally and internationally.

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The museum’s six permanent galleries, temporary exhibition space, and outdoor gallery, “Al Masar Garden,” offer visitors an in-depth exploration of the UAE’s past. Galleries like “Our Beginning” highlight Sheikh Zayed’s life and values, while “Through Our Nature” immerses visitors in the UAE’s diverse landscapes. “To Our Ancestors” traces human activity dating back 300,000 years, and “Through Our Connections” explores the spread of the Arabic language and Islam. “By Our Coasts” examines the role of coastal settlements in shaping Emirati identity, while “To Our Roots” delves into traditional Emirati life and customs.

The outdoor gallery, “Al Masar Garden,” tells the story of Sheikh Zayed through three distinct landscapes: desert, oasis, and urban, featuring native plants that reflect his vision. The museum also supports education with various programmes for younger generations, fostering future researchers, historians, and scholars. Additionally, it houses over 1,000 artefacts and hosts rotating exhibitions on the UAE’s natural and cultural history.

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Designed with both sustainability and modernity in mind, the museum’s architecture combines ancient wind tower principles with cutting-edge technology to respond to the UAE’s climate. Inspired by a falcon in flight, the museum’s five aerodynamic towers reflect the country’s heritage and commitment to innovation.