Opened in 2025 in the Saadiyat Cultural District, Zayed National Museum is Abu Dhabi’s tribute to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the United Arab Emirates’ founding father. Inside, you’re taken on a fascinating journey through the country’s past, starting with a 300,000‑year‑old stone tool and moving through the Palaeolithic, Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages, all the way up to the modern day. With more than 3,000 objects in the collection and 1,500 of them on display across six galleries, there’s plenty to explore here. In fact, there’s a fossilised clam that’s a jaw-dropping 70 million years old, along with other artefacts from across the country for you to have a gander at.
Standing 123 metres tall, the museum is also the highest structure in the district, and it even boasts a 600-metre outdoor gallery inspired by desert, oasis and urban landscapes. When you need a break, the cafes are ideal for a quick pick-me-up serving Arabic coffee, sweet treats and more, and the gift shop is packed with Emirati‑inspired bits and pieces the little ones will love taking home.
