The Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi ARCHIVE

The highly anticipated Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi is on track for completion by late 2025, according to a construction update released by authorities. Located at the heart of Saadiyat Cultural District, the museum has drawn global attention for its futuristic design inspired by the wing tips of a falcon—a nod to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s deep-rooted love for falconry and UAE heritage. Designed by world-renowned architect Lord Norman Foster of Foster + Partners, the five sculpted steel towers, ranging from 83 to 123 meters high, will serve as solar thermal chimneys while offering a dramatic skyline presence. The museum spans an impressive 72,441 square meters with a project value of $679 million. Construction began in 2019, and recent video footage shows the building nearing its final structural stages. The museum’s six permanent galleries, temporary exhibition spaces, and outdoor gallery will highlight the UAE’s rich history, its global connections, and the legacy of Sheikh Zayed. Inside, the museum’s layout includes Two ground-level galleries and an expansive atrium, four pod-shaped galleries suspended above the atrium, a 30-meter high external mound that visitors can climb for a panoramic view of the cultural district, and a 400-meter landscaped narrative garden, illustrating key moments in Sheikh Zayed’s life. Once completed, the Zayed National Museum will house a permanent collection of over 2,500 artifacts representing the UAE and wider Arab region, complemented by loans from some of the world’s leading institutions. The museum aims to become the centerpiece of the Saadiyat Cultural District, joining other cultural landmarks such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, and Abrahamic Family House. With its completion expected later this year, the Zayed National Museum promises to be a national symbol of pride and a global hub for culture and knowledge. ICA/Expat Media
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