Zayed National Museum Sets December 2025 Opening in Abu Dhabi with Falcon-Inspired Design
The Zayed National Museum is set to open its doors on December 3, 2025, in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District, UAE. Designed by renowned architect Lord Norman Foster, the museum boasts five steel structures that mimic a falcon's wings, celebrating the traditional Emirati practice of falconry. It honors Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE's Founding Father, showcasing his dedication to education and cultural identity. Spanning two levels, it will house six permanent galleries that cover 300,000 years of history, featuring artifacts like the Abu Dhabi Pearl and the Blue Qur'an. His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak highlighted that the museum aims to foster unity and cultural dialogue, solidifying Abu Dhabi's status as a global cultural hub.
Key facts
- Zayed National Museum opens 3 December 2025
- Located in Saadiyat Cultural District, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Designed by Lord Norman Foster of Foster + Partners
- Architecture inspired by falcon wings, referencing falconry
- Honors Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, UAE Founding Father
- Features six permanent galleries covering 300,000 years of history
- Collection includes Abu Dhabi Pearl and Blue Qur'an
- Includes a recreated Magan Boat from Zayed University and NYU Abu Dhabi collaboration
Entities
Artists
- Lord Norman Foster
- Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
- Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak
Institutions
- Zayed National Museum
- Foster + Partners
- Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
- Zayed University
- New York University Abu Dhabi
- Canvas
Locations
- Abu Dhabi
- United Arab Emirates
- Saadiyat Cultural District
- New York