Opening on December 3 in the Saadiyat Cultural District, the Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi honors the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the United Arab Emirates, and then traces the history of the nation up to the present.
The museum features six permanent galleries, a temporary exhibition hall, and an outdoor gallery. Among its fascinating artefacts is a 300,000-year-old stone tool discovered at Jebel Hafit in Al Ain.
Here’s a look at the six permanent galleries:
Our Beginning – Showcasing the legacy and enduring values of Sheikh Zayed.
To Our Ancestors – Exploring human activity in the region dating back 300,000 years.
Through Our Connections – Highlighting the region’s historic trade links, cultural exchanges, and technological advancements, as well as the evolution of the Arabic language and the spread of Islam.
By Our Coasts – Focusing on traditional coastal livelihoods such as pearling, fishing, and trade, and their lasting influence on Emirati identity.
To Our Roots – Delving deeper into the essence of Emirati identity through customs, traditions, and ways of life.
Al Masar Garden – Celebrating the UAE’s natural landscape and native flora that inspired Sheikh Zayed’s vision for the nation.
According to its website, the museum will be an interactive environment with workshops, live performances, film screenings, cultural demonstrations, and lectures in addition to ticketed (and free) programs offered all year round.
