The Zayed National Museum, set to open on December 3, 2025, on Saadiyat Island, promises to redefine the museum experience by integrating sight, sound, and scent into its permanent exhibits. Designed as one of the first national museums globally to offer such a multi-sensory journey, it aims to immerse visitors in the UAE’s rich history and cultural heritage, rooted in the values of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The museum’s director, Dr. Peter Magee, emphasizes that it is not just a repository of artefacts but a living space for learning, reflection, and a sense of belonging. Visitors will traverse Al Masar Garden, a 600-meter outdoor gallery that connects desert, oasis, and urban landscapes, before exploring six permanent galleries housing over 1,500 objects. Interactive features like “smart glass” technology, large-scale projections, and cinematic soundscapes enhance the experience. The Through Our Nature gallery, for instance, uses a seven-screen immersive environment to envelop visitors in the UAE’s natural landscapes, from desert winds to sea rhythms. Children can engage with transparent interactive screens to explore native flora and fauna. The museum also pioneers conservation efforts, including the reconstruction of a 4,000-year-old Magan Boat using traditional techniques and modern science. Other highlights include the preservation of the ninth-century Blue Qur’an and the 8,000-year-old Abu Dhabi Pearl. Through the Zayed National Museum Research Fund, the institution supports archaeological and historical research, fostering local expertise and reshaping understanding of the UAE’s past. The museum will also host temporary exhibitions, performances, workshops, and youth programs, extending its reach to schools and communities nationwide. Dr. Magee describes the opening as a defining moment for Abu Dhabi and the UAE, a realization of a national vision to connect generations with the nation’s history and enduring values.
Ancient boats, blue Qurans: How UAE’s National Museum is building future for its past
