Tehran: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today officially inaugurated the Zayed National Museum, located in Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Cultural District, in the presence of Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates. The inauguration took place as part of the UAE's celebrations marking the 54th Eid Al Etihad.
According to Emirates News Agency, the ceremony was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah; His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah; His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain; His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah; and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court.
The event was also attended by H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence; H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; H.H. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman; and other notable dignitaries.
The Zayed National Museum chronicles the life of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE's Founding Father, and tells the story of the land and its people from ancient times to the present. Architecturally, the museum is a landmark inspired by the soaring wings of a falcon, symbolising the UAE's ambitions and connection to its cultural heritage.
H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed noted that the museum stands as a monument to the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed, encompassing his leadership, vision, and enduring values. He highlighted the museum's role in connecting the UAE's past with its present and future.
Following the inauguration, H.H. and the attending dignitaries toured the museum's galleries, exploring exhibits, documents, archaeological artefacts, and personal belongings of the Founding Father. The museum's collection comprises more than 3,000 pieces, with 1,500 currently on display.
The museum includes six permanent galleries, each focusing on different aspects of UAE's history and culture. Additionally, the museum features Al Masar Garden, an open-air gallery that introduces visitors to the landscapes and history of the UAE.
To mark the opening, the museum is launching a cultural programme featuring live performances, interactive workshops, guided tours, and creative activities for visitors of all ages.