Zayed National Museum Set To Further Raise UAE’s Profile On The World’s Cultural Map

In memory of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the museum will reflect his life and work as well as the rich history of the UAE.

- Design of UAE’s first major national cultural institution unveiled.
- Zayed National Museum is part of the Saadiyat Island Cultural District, central to the plan to build Abu Dhabi’s reputation as an international centre of culture.
- A narrative that presents the life of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan‎, his achievements and core values, in the context of the rich history of the UAE and the connections of the nation to the wider world.
- Environmental sustainability, a key element in the Museum’s design and architecture.
- Construction of the museum is scheduled for completion in 2014.

Today, the design and program of the Zayed National Museum was presented in Abu Dhabi. This is the UAE’s first national museum that will feature the life and achievements of the founding President of the United Arab Emirates, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The museum, which will bring to life the UAE’s rich history, will also serve as a memorial to Sheikh Zayed and is set to stand alongside the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and the Louvre Abu Dhabi amongst the iconic Saadiyat Island Cultural District’s institutions.

The design for the Zayed National Museum was officially unveiled today by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. Set amongst lush gardens, the design features five soaring pavilions, representing the feathers of a falcon’s wing, reaching a height of 124 metres, towering over the glittering waters of the Arabian Gulf.

Commenting on the launch, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE said: “The Zayed National Museum is destined to become an inspiring permanent reminder of the vision handed down to us from the father of our nation, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to unite all Emiratis and build a strong and prosperous nation. As a fitting memorial and a national institution, the museum will serve as a symbol of our historic cultural roots and of the many achievements of our country, providing us with an incentive to continue building our country with the same will and determination.”

Scheduled for completion in 2014, the Zayed National Museum also stands as a symbol of the modernity of the UAE, and its rapid progression over the past forty years. The spirit of excellence and endeavour and great faith in the future of the Emirati people has been behind the fundamental growth in economic, social, education and health sectors, and the museum will help ensure that future generations can appreciate the enormity of these changes.

At the unveiling today, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai stated: "The Zayed National Museum, named after our beloved leader, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, will be a template of the UAE’s cultural traditions, set in the midst of our nation’s glorious heritage. It is with great pride that we keep his memory alive and close to our hearts."

The museum will showcase Sheikh Zayed’s story and the lasting influence of his reforms. Sheikh Zayed’s concept of a modernised nation determined by strong guiding principles of education, culture, faith and the protection of the environment made him one of the world’s most respected leaders.

Commenting on the museum His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces said: “The Zayed National Museum will serve as an educational testimonial for generations to come, enlightening many of our rich and varied past, and providing a glimpse to our future prospects, to be achieved through wise leadership that will hold a strong will and vision. Sheikh Zayed was a father, a leader and an inspiration to the people of the UAE and the world, and here lies the importance of the ‘Zayed National Museum’ which will not only represent a reference and testament to these achievements but also an incentive towards further prosperity and progress to the people of the UAE and the world. His Highness added that every visitor of the museum will carry the unique attributes of Sheikh Zayed’s values that inspired the entire humanity through his kindness and forgiveness as well as his achievements.”

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