Discover UAE’s maritime heritage at Zayed National Museum

Zayed National Museum, located in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District, serves as a celebration of UAE heritage and the visionary ideas of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. This cultural landmark honors the UAE’s history and emphasizes the sharing of culture and knowledge across the world.

Fatema Al Hammadi, the museum’s curator, speaks about the museum’s commitment to deepening understanding of the UAE’s historical roots. “Our aim at Zayed National Museum is to connect visitors with our national history, celebrating Sheikh Zayed’s lasting legacy and the rich history of this area,” Al Hammadi explains.

When the museum, which is in the making, opens,  visitors will be able to walk through six themed galleries that outline the UAE’s cultural development from ancient times to the present. Each gallery offers an engaging experience that reflects the evolving history and spirit of the Emirati people.

A major highlight of the museum is the Blue Qur’an. This exceptional Islamic manuscript from the 9th century features beautiful blue pages and gold script, representing a high point of Islamic art. Curator Nurul Iman Rusli shares recent discoveries about this artifact. “With new imaging technology, we’ve found texts hidden under decorative layers, giving us new insights into its history and artistic importance,” Rusli says.

The museum also honors the UAE’s maritime heritage, especially through its display of the Abu Dhabi Pearl, an artifact from 8,000 years ago that shows the region’s long history of pearl diving. “This pearl doesn’t just show our history but also the cleverness of our ancestors,” Al Hammadi points out, linking past to present.

Furthermore, the museum features a collection of photographs by French photographer Jack Burlot that capture important times in the UAE’s development just after it was formed. These photos range from advances in farming to national celebrations, showing important changes in the nation’s growth.

Zayed National Museum also takes part in research and collaborative projects that help increase worldwide understanding of the region’s history. An important project is the Magan Boat, a recreation of a Bronze Age vessel, which shows the museum’s focus on experimental archaeology and teamwork in research.

“Zayed National Museum isn’t just about preserving history; it’s about motivating future generations to cherish and carry on our cultural legacy,” Al Hammadi finishes. The museum welcomes visitors to view its broad collections and join in its educational programs, continuing to build a greater appreciation for the UAE’s rich cultural history and its ongoing cultural journey.