UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan officially inaugurated the Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District as part of the 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations.

The ceremony was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah; His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah; His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain; His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah; and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court.

The event also saw the presence of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and several Crown Princes and Deputy Rulers, alongside other senior sheikhs and officials from across the Emirates.

The Zayed National Museum chronicles the life of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, showcasing the UAE’s journey from ancient times to the present. The museum combines advanced technology, visual storytelling, artefacts, and historical items, and its architecture, inspired by the wings of a falcon, symbolizes the UAE’s ambitions and cultural heritage.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed described the museum as a monument honoring Sheikh Zayed’s leadership, vision, and humanitarian values. He emphasized its role in linking the UAE’s past, present, and future, documenting key milestones, and inspiring future generations.

Following the inauguration, the President, accompanied by the Rulers and sheikhs, toured the museum’s galleries. Exhibits include over 3,000 pieces, with 1,500 on display, featuring personal belongings, photographs, archival footage, and audio recordings of Sheikh Zayed.

The museum’s six permanent galleries include: Our Beginning: Chronicles Sheikh Zayed’s life and the UAE’s unification. Through Our Nature: Explores the UAE’s natural environments and sustainable living practices. To Our Ancestors: Highlights archaeological finds spanning thousands of years. Through Our Connections: Focuses on early communities, science, and social bonds. By Our Coasts: Celebrates the nation’s maritime heritage and coastal life. To Our Roots: Showcases Emirati identity, traditional customs, and interior economic activities.

To mark the opening, the museum launched a cultural programme with live performances, interactive workshops, guided tours, and creative activities, offering visitors of all ages a unique opportunity to engage with the UAE’s heritage and culture.