ZAYED NATIONAL

from What's On Auh - March 2021

EAT

Building an icon

Here’s everything we know about the Zayed National Museum

Building a museum that aims to tell an entire nation’s story is a lofty goal. But that’s exactly what The Zayed National Museum aims to achieve. When completed, it’ll stand as an architectural marvel, a fitting home for the inspiring story of our great nation and its visionary founder. Located on Saadiyat Island, the stunning building designed by the Pritzker Prize-winning architect Lord Norman Foster, features a set of distinctive towers deliberately reminiscent of the wingtips of a falcon.

Sheikh Zayed: Life and Times The main gallery will be devoted to artefacts illuminating aspects of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his leadership journey up to the country’s unification, and beyond. Exhibits will include photographs, documents and items from the late ruler’s own private collection.

Falconry and Conservation Gallery This wing will explore Sheikh Zayed’s love for the natural world, and focus on the important works of conservation carried out under his patronage. We’ll get to see exhibits that demonstrate his passion for falconry, its importance to national heritage, and why an enduring fondness for it persists today.

Land and Water Gallery Here we’ll discover more about Sheikh Zayed’s vision for a sustainable future. About how development must proceed in harmony with the natural world. It will feature examples of how this ethic was employed in famous construction projects of the past and why the legacy of this belief will remain at the core of the country’s future.

People and Heritage Gallery In this gallery, we’ll be able to learn more about how human relationships, warm hospitality and living in rhythm with nature are so important to the origin story of the UAE.

History and Society Gallery This gallery will examine fascinating architectural exhibits from the area that reach back as early as 200,000 years ago. You’ll be able to take a virtual trip from Stone Age settlements all the way up to the towering skyscraper forests of today.

Here’s a look at the main galleries inside…

Science and Learning Gallery Learn about how Sheikh Zayed’s emphasis on the importance of education help shaped the country. You’ll also be able to find out more about the innovations and discoveries from the Arab world that were critical steps in the story of human development.

Faith and Islam Gallery In this section, we’ll uncover the centrally-important role that faith, Islam and humanitarianism have played in the creation of the UAE we know today.

“WHEN COMPLETED, THE ZAYED NATIONAL MUSEUM WILL STAND AS AN ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL...”

Sheikh Zayed Library What better way to commemorate a man possessed of such wisdom and wide-learning than with a grand library? This particular educational attraction will offer a platform for visitors to deepdive into historical resources. You’ll find creaking tomes, alongside cutting edge interactive media.

When will the Zayed National Museum open? Construction on the project began in 2019 but as yet there is no firm date for the opening. So we’ll have to hold the excitement in a little longer.