I recently had my in-laws visiting, and we wanted to do something that felt very UAE. They love history and culture, so we decided on Zayed National Museum on Saadiyat Island, one of the crown jewels of Abu Dhabi's cultural district.
I went in without doing a lot of research beforehand, and honestly… that was part of the fun. The museum guides you really well.
Zayed National Museum At a Glance
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Location: Saadiyat Island Cultural District, Abu Dhabi.
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Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily (Last entry at 7:00 PM).
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Ticket price: AED 70 per person (book on GentooTickets.com)
- Free entry: Under 18s, Senior Emiratis and Residents, People of Determintion.
- Recommended time: Half a day minimum
Getting There from Dubai
We drove from Dubai and it took us about an hour. The route into Saadiyat Island Cultural District is easy, and the signage helps a lot.
Parking was straightforward too. There are shaded car parks, and I noticed EV charging available, which is a nice touch.
Before you even enter, you will probably stop for photos. The building is so striking. From the outside it genuinely feels like you are about to walk into a spaceship.
First impressions inside
The lobby is spacious and calm. The staff (in elegant beige uniforms) were incredibly warm and welcoming. It sounds dramatic, but the whole entrance experience felt like being transported into a “sanctuary” in a movie.
And if you are worried about not knowing where to start, don’t be. The museum is set up in a way that makes it easy to follow the flow, and there are staff around if you get stuck.
The Galleries & Exhibitions
1) Our Beginning (the one that gave me goosebumps)
We started with Our Beginning, and the first moment really stayed with me. You walk into a dark room and see a large illuminated portrait of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, with his quotes projected and audible in the background.
Goosebumps.
After that, the story of the UAE unfolds in a really immersive way. It is not just “text on walls.” It is animations, projections, sound, and installations that make the story feel alive.
I have lived in the UAE for almost two decades, so I thought I had a decent general understanding of the history. But this museum genuinely took it to the next level. It made it feel personal and emotional.
One of the memorable displays is a recreation of Sheikh Zayed’s car featured in the 1968 documentary Farewell Arabia, with the film projected nearby.
2) The Experimental Sail Boat
After exiting the first gallery, we came across a huge black sail boat display. It is an experimental reconstruction of one of the largest trading boats believed to have sailed from the Bronze Age ports of Magan (the land that today is the UAE).
What I loved is that they explain how it was reconstructed, and that every detail was based on archaeological evidence and experimentation.
Also, fun fact: goat hair was used to sew the sail.
And yes… this boat actually sails. There is a video showing it sailing with the Abu Dhabi skyline behind it.
3) Through Our Nature
The second gallery, Through Our Nature, is about the UAE’s landscapes and how they shaped life here over time. There are interactive screens throughout, and I can imagine kids really enjoying this part.
One of the most impressive things I saw was a giant screen that spans the height of two floors.
4) Upper Floor Galleries (you can easily lose track of time)
Upstairs, the galleries cover human activity in this region going back 300,000 years, which is mind-blowing when you think about it.
Lunch at Erth Restaurant Abu Dhabi
After about two hours, we were hungry, so I was very glad I had made a reservation at Erth Restaurant. We sat outside on the terrace and it was lovely.
It filled up quickly, so I really recommend reserving in advance.
Also worth noting: their other branch at Qasr Al Hosn has a one Michelin star. It is the first Emirati restaurant to receive a Michelin star, which made me even more curious to try it.
The menu felt innovative, but still grounded in Emirati flavours. We asked the waiter for recommendations and everything they suggested was great.
Al Masar Garden
After lunch we did a slow walk through Al Masar Garden. It is not the main highlight of the museum, but it should not be missed.
It is considered an outdoor gallery because it tells the story of Sheikh Zayed through landscapes that inspired him, with native plants across three zones: desert, oasis, and urban.
You can also stroll around the garden without a ticket.
Tip: walk all the way to the end, and you will find one of the best photo spots of the Natural History Museum.
My Honest Take
I left very impressed.
Not only by the UAE history, but also the archaeology and the architecture. The building and interiors are beautiful from every angle.
This does not feel like a “one-time” museum. I can see myself going back again (and again), especially when friends or family visit.
My Personal Tips
- Follow the signs and go in the recommended gallery sequence.
- Do not miss Al Masar Garden.
- If you want to eat at Erth, book in advance.
- I recommend giving this at least half a day.
- There is no shortage of things to do on Saadiyat Island if you have a full or more than a day - the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Natural History Museum, and teamLab are all within easy reach.
Zayed National Museum Ticket Price & Booking Info
You can book Zayed National Museum tickets on GentooTickets.com for AED 70 per person. Use promo code BLOG5 at checkout to enjoy an instant discount on Zayed National Museum Tickets, subject to availability.
Guests under 18, Senior Emiratis and Residents, and People of Determination can enter for free.
About the Author
Mandy Chan is the Head of Operations at Gentoo. After 19 years in the UAE, she is our resident expert on organized travel and color-coded itineraries. She spends her weekends discovering new cultural gems and ensuring every Gentoo experience is planned to perfection.
