Explore the UAE’s soul through the inspiring life and legacy of its Founding Father.
Step into the heart of the United Arab Emirates’ story at the Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District. This magnificent national museum is a tribute to the life, vision, and timeless values of the nation’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The museum building is a masterpiece of design by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Lord Norman Foster of Foster + Partners. Its five striking steel towers, inspired by the wings of a falcon in flight, blend long-established Emirati building principles with advanced sustainable technology to create a self-cooling system suited to the local desert environment.
Your journey begins outdoors along the Al Masar Garden, a 600-meter outdoor gallery showcasing a curated timeline of key moments from Sheikh Zayed’s life, set within native desert, oasis, and urban landscapes.
Inside, six permanent galleries guide you through the rich narrative of the UAE:
- Our Beginning: The story and enduring impact of Sheikh Zayed’s life and leadership.
- Through Our Nature: How the UAE’s diverse landscapes shaped the ways people lived.
- To Our Ancestors: Traces of human presence stretching back 300,000 years of regional history.
- Through Our Connections: The region’s historical role as a meeting point of civilisations and trade.
- By Our Coasts: Traditions of coastal communities, from pearling to maritime commerce.
- To Our Roots: The heritage of inland desert, oasis, and mountain communities.
Housing over 3,000 objects with 1,500 on display, the museum offers a deeper understanding of the history, culture, and achievements that have shaped the Emirates.
Adventure Highlights
- Iconic Architecture: Discover the soaring design by Foster + Partners, inspired by the falcon, the UAE’s national symbol.
- Ancient History: Explore over 3,000 objects, including rare artefacts spanning 300,000 years of regional history.
- Outdoor Gallery: Stroll through the Al Masar Garden, a 600-meter landscape of native, drought-tolerant species that narrates Sheikh Zayed’s life.
- Cultural Immersion: Enjoy interactive programs, talks, and family activities celebrating the UAE’s living heritage.
Museum Galleries
- Our Beginning
- Through Our Nature
- To Our Ancestors
- Through Our Connections
- By Our Coasts
- To Our Roots
Inclusions
- Admission to all permanent galleries.
- Access to Al Masar Garden outdoor gallery.
- Entry to all public spaces, seating areas, and accessible routes.
- Complimentary use of visual story guides and sensory maps.
- Access to learning and public engagement areas (when open to the public).
The pricing details are outlined below
General Entry Adult 70 AED
Time Slot
- 10:00 am – 11:00 am
- 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
- 12:00 pm – 01:00 pm
- 01:00 pm – 02:00 pm
- 02:00 pm – 03:00 pm
- 03:00 pm – 04:00 pm
- 04:00 pm – 05:00 pm
- 05:00 pm – 06:00 pm
- 06:00 pm – 07:00 pm
Exclusions:
- Food and beverages at Erth Restaurant, Al Ghaf Café, and Garden Cafes.
- Retail purchases.
Why Book with VooTours?
- Seamless Booking: Get instant confirmation for your preferred time slot.
- Best Price Guarantee: We offer competitive pricing for your cultural adventure.
- 24/7 Support: Dedicated local support for a hassle-free experience in Abu Dhabi.
Important Things to Know
- Dress Code: Clothing should cover shoulders and knees, respecting UAE cultural norms.
- Food & Beverage: Dining options include Erth Restaurant (fine dining, 10:00 AM–10:00 PM), Al Ghaf Café (9:00 AM–8:00 PM), and Garden Cafés in Al Masar Garden.
- Cloakroom: Storage is available for bags, luggage, and personal items.
Useful Information
- Location: Saadiyat Cultural District, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
- Accessibility: The museum is highly accessible, featuring Emirati Sign Language tours, Quiet Mornings, sensory-friendly hours, a Calm Room, sensory kits, accessible routes, and seating.
Terms and Conditions
- Cancellation Policy: This experience/attraction has a non-cancellable/non-changeable cancellation policy. Once booked, the ticket cannot be cancelled or modified.
- Time Slot: Entry is based on the reserved time slot. Please arrive on time.
Book Your Adventure with VooTours Today!
Where is the Zayed National Museum located?
The museum is located within the Saadiyat Cultural District in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
What is the main inspiration behind the Zayed National Museum?
The museum draws its inspiration from the life, vision, and values of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE.
Who designed the iconic museum building?
The building was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Lord Norman Foster of Foster + Partners.
What is the significance of the building’s design?
The museum features five striking steel towers inspired by the wings of a falcon in flight, the UAE’s national symbol, blending Emirati principles with sustainable technology.
What is the Al Masar Garden, and what can I see there?
Al Masar Garden is a 600-meter outdoor gallery filled with native plants. It showcases a curated timeline of key moments from Sheikh Zayed’s life.
How many objects are on display inside the museum?
The museum houses over 3,000 objects, with over 1,500 items on display across six permanent galleries, spanning 300,000 years of regional history.
What is the cost of a General Entry Adult ticket?
The price for a General Entry Adult ticket is 70 AED.
Is there a specific dress code I must follow when visiting?
Yes, visitors should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees, respecting UAE cultural norms.
What is the cancellation policy for tickets booked?
The ticket has a non-cancellable/non-changeable policy. Once booked, the ticket cannot be cancelled or modified.
Does the museum offer food and beverage options?
Yes, dining options include Erth Restaurant (fine dining), Al Ghaf Café, and Garden Cafés in Al Masar Garden. (Note that these are excluded from the entry price).
