The Zayed National Museum will be the premier museum in the United Arab Emirates. It will tell the story of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (1918-2004), and provide a comprehensive overview of the natural and human history of the UAE.
Zayed National Museum celebrates the life and achievements of the founding father of the nation, encourages greater understanding of the history, culture and geography of the UAE; and examines its place in, and connections with, the Middle East and the wider world.
The galleries are inspired by Sheikh Zayed’s strongly held values, such as a passionate belief in education, conservation, environment, sustainability, heritage and culture, all underpinned by his humanitarianism and strong faith.
Visitors will learn about changes to the environment over millions of years and the formation of resources that through time have influenced society, trade and economic development. They will explore evidence for people living in this area from 200,000 years ago until the present.
The museum has been founded for all including UAE citizens and international visitors, in the spirit of Sheikh Zayed’s work and the renowned warmth that he extended to people from all walks of life. Zayed National Museum will be a public and civic building, a centre of learning and discussion.
The museum was designed by Pritzker Prize winning architect Lord Norman Foster of Foster + Partners.