Zayed National Museum to Open December 3 in Abu Dhabi, Ticket Sales Now Live
The UAE's national museum honoring Sheikh Zayed will welcome visitors with affordable entry and stunning falcon-inspired architecture.
Abu Dhabi is set to unveil one of its most anticipated cultural landmarks as the Zayed National Museum opens its doors on December 3, 2025. Located in the prestigious Saadiyat Cultural District, this architectural masterpiece celebrates the life and legacy of the UAE’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The museum officially announced the opening date on Thursday, along with the launch of ticket sales for visitors eager to explore the UAE’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Ticket Information
General admission tickets are priced at Dh70 for adults and can be purchased starting December 3. The museum offers free entry for children, senior Emirati citizens and residents, people of determination, and journalists on assignment. Students from UAE universities and teachers working in the country can visit at a discounted rate of Dh35.
Visitors must book time slots in advance, with entry times available every hour starting from 10am. The final time slot of the day is at 6pm.
Award-Winning Design
The museum’s striking design comes from the vision of Lord Norman Foster, a Pritzker Prize-winning architect from Foster + Partners. The building features five towering steel structures that rise dramatically above the landscape, each inspired by the wings of a falcon in flight. This design choice pays tribute to falconry, a cherished tradition deeply woven into Emirati culture. Sustainability stands at the core of the museum’s construction, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
A Journey Through Time
Inside, visitors will embark on a fascinating journey spanning 300,000 years of history. The exhibition begins with ancient artifacts, including a stone tool discovered at Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain, and moves through time to showcase the traditions and values of the region’s people.
The museum’s galleries tell the story of Sheikh Zayed’s extraordinary life and his vision for a unified nation. Through carefully curated exhibitions, research materials, and public programs, visitors will discover how Sheikh Zayed’s values of cultural preservation, education, and national identity continue to shape the UAE today.
According to the AD Media Office, the museum’s opening “honours the commitment of the late Sheikh Zayed to cultural heritage, education and UAE identity, reaffirming Abu Dhabi’s position as a global centre for culture and learning.”
The Zayed National Museum represents more than just a building—it stands as a testament to the nation’s past, present, and future, offering both residents and tourists an opportunity to understand the foundations upon which the modern UAE was built.
