Foster + Partners Create Abu Dhabi Museum Highlighting Emirati Heritage and Traditions
A magnificent new museum is infusing an energetic, modern vibe into the Abu Dhabi skyline. The Zayed National Museum, destined to become a defining feature of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is currently under construction and is set to open in late 2025. With design by Foster + Partners, the museum aims to serve as a comprehensive archive of the nation’s history and current state while also embracing the future through its innovative architecture.
“From an architectural standpoint, the objective has been to merge a highly functional, modern form with aspects of traditional Arabic aesthetics and hospitality to establish a museum that is eco-friendly, inviting, and culturally relevant,” the architects note. This museum will be the focal point of the Saadiyat Cultural District in Abu Dhabi, which will also host branches of the Louvre and Guggenheim museums.
Five lightweight steel elements will adorn the expansive structure. Their form is inspired by the wing of a falcon in flight, paying homage to the Emirati tradition of falconry. The streamlined design draws inspiration from the wind towers that have traditionally kept structures cool throughout the Persian Gulf for centuries. The facade features strategically positioned openings that manage and direct optimal sunlight to each area.
Internally, the museum will consist of pod-like galleries suspended above a striking top-lit central lobby. This setup allows each space to maintain a controlled environment, tailoring climate control to the specific requirements of various exhibits. Spread over two stories, the design includes six permanent galleries along with a hall for temporary exhibitions. The warm, white hues of both interior and exterior areas are intended to harmonize with the sands of Saadiyat Island, where the museum and its campus are located.
The initiative is rooted in the principles and vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, revered as the UAE’s founding father. His impact is especially evident in the museum’s garden, which narrates his life story through the landscapes that inspired him and serves as a pathway linking the museum to the shore—a tribute to Zayed’s profound appreciation for nature.
The museum, designed to showcase Abu Dhabi’s position as a “crossroads of civilizations,” intends to become the most extensive repository of information regarding the UAE’s history and culture. It will present artifacts from the Palaeolithic, Neolithic, Bronze, and Iron Ages that illustrate the development of the country. Some highlights include the Abu Dhabi Pearl, an 8,000-year-old pearl and among the oldest known, and the Blue Qur’an, noted as one of Islamic art’s masterpieces, distinguished by its gold lettering on a dark blue parchment.
“This museum represents more than just a venue for preservation; it stands as a commitment to future generations, a symbol of our identity, and a platform where our narrative unfolds not only through objects but through emotion, memory, and vision,” articulated Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism–Abu Dhabi in a statement. “This institution will carry our story forward for generations to come.”
The Zayed National Museum is slated to welcome visitors in December 2025. For the latest updates, please visit the museum’s official website.