On December 3, the Zayed National Museum will open its doors, offering visitors a chance to not only see the UAE’s history but to also hear, touch, and even smell it.
This innovative museum on Saadiyat Island, one of the first globally to integrate sound and scent into its permanent exhibits, invites guests on a multi-sensory journey through the nation’s rich heritage, inspired by the values of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
“Zayed National Museum narrates the story of the nation and its people from ancient times to the modern era,” stated Dr Peter Magee, the museum’s director.
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Experience History Through Sight, Sound, and Scent
Upon entering Al Masar Garden, a 600-meter-long outdoor gallery connecting desert, oasis, and urban landscapes, visitors can experience the environment as their ancestors did. Inside, six permanent galleries showcase the country’s history with over 1,500 artifacts, enhanced by digital interaction, large-scale projections, and cinematic soundscapes.
Many exhibits are interactive, featuring “smart glass” technology that allows visitors to explore artifacts in 3D, with narrated content linking them to regional stories. In the Through Our Nature gallery, a seven-screen immersive environment surrounds visitors with the sights and sounds of the UAE’s landscapes — from desert winds to sea rhythms. Children can also interact with transparent screens to learn about native plants and animals through playful discovery.
“These multi-sensory experiences engage sound and scent inspired by the UAE’s heritage and natural beauty,” Dr Magee explained. “This makes Zayed National Museum one of the first globally to include these elements in its permanent exhibits.”
Many exhibits are designed to be interactive, with “smart glass” technology allowing 3D exploration of artifacts.
Science and Tradition Unite in Abu Dhabi Museum
Behind the distinctive falcon-wing towers of Zayed National Museum, designed by Foster + Partners, lies a new era of conservation and research capacity developing in the UAE.
Conservation is “a central pillar” of the museum’s mission, Dr Magee explained. Highlight projects include reconstructing a 4,000-year-old Magan Boat, a Bronze Age trading vessel built with Zayed University and NYU Abu Dhabi using traditional materials and modern analysis, even conducting a sea trial for accuracy.
“This project shows how science revives ancient craftsmanship and enhances our understanding of the UAE’s maritime heritage,” Dr Magee said. “It highlights that conservation is about preserving objects and reconnecting with the skills that shaped our history.”
Other conservation efforts include safeguarding five folios from the ninth-century Blue Qur’an, written in gold Kufic script on indigo parchment, and preserving the 8,000-year-old Abu Dhabi Pearl from Marawah Island — one of the world’s oldest known pearls.
The striking falcon-wing towers were designed by Foster + Partners
Fostering Research and Expertise for Future Generations
The Zayed National Museum Research Fund is nurturing local expertise and supporting archaeological and historical research that reshapes understanding of the UAE’s past.
Recent studies funded by the program have explored Bronze Age life in Al Ain through isotope analysis, uncovering ancient migration, agriculture, and resilience patterns. Other research has examined Abu Dhabi’s educational evolution via the Qasr Al Hosn archives and documented native trees that connect environmental and cultural memories.
“The museum’s goal is to preserve the past and advance discovery,” Dr Magee noted. “Through partnerships with universities, cultural institutions, and conservation labs locally and globally, we invest in people who will continue to preserve the nation’s heritage.”
A Space for Reflection and Belonging
Zayed National Museum is more than a collection of artifacts; it is designed as “a place to learn, reflect, and feel a sense of belonging.” The museum will host temporary exhibitions, performances, workshops, youth programs, and digital resources to reach schools and communities nationwide.
“The opening is a pivotal moment for Abu Dhabi and the UAE,” Dr Magee stated. “It realizes a national vision — a living space where generations can connect with the nation’s history and enduring values.”
