Abu Dhabi's Zayed National Museum, designed by Foster + Partners on Saadiyat Island, will open in December 2025. The museum will feature star exhibits including the world's oldest natural pearl (the 8,000-year-old Abu Dhabi Pearl) and an 1,100-year-old Blue Qur'an. Centered on the life of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first president of the UAE, its galleries explore his values such as religious tolerance and trace the country's history from ancient times to the present. The museum aims to become a research powerhouse, supported by a dedicated research fund and collaborations with institutions like the British Museum.
The opening matters because Zayed National Museum is a flagship venue in Abu Dhabi's ambitious plan to attract 39 million tourists annually by 2030, joining other prestigious museums on Saadiyat Island like the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. Its focus on research and cultural heritage positions it as a key player in the UAE's cultural ecosystem, potentially reshaping the region's art and museum landscape. The museum's emphasis on religious tolerance and deep historical roots also offers a nuanced narrative for the Emirates, countering simplistic perceptions of the Gulf's cultural identity.