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His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has emphasised that the UAE prioritises the preservation of its national heritage, noting that the leadership is constantly working to launch and implement initiatives that further enhance the protection of the nation’s cultural heritage.
This was highlighted during His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to the Saadiyat Cultural District, where he was briefed on the progress of the final stages of construction of major museums and cultural institutions, all set for completion by the end of 2025. His Highness toured the sites of the Zayed National Museum, the Natural History Museum – Abu Dhabi, and the digital arts museum teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi.
His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted that the Saadiyat Cultural District reflects the UAE’s commitment to documenting the nation’s rich history and fostering dialogue between global cultures and civilisations. The institutions and museums within the district sustain the cultural legacy established by the late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, instilling the values of cultural dialogue in present and future generations. His Highness also underscored the leadership’s dedication to positioning Abu Dhabi as a global hub for culture and creativity.
By September 2024, Saadiyat Cultural District had achieved 83 per cent completion, marking significant progress towards realising the vision of becoming one of the world’s greatest concentrations of cultural institutions.
During the visit to the district, His Highness toured the Zayed National Museum, the UAE’s national museum dedicated to celebrating the country’s rich history and culture. The museum’s iconic design shaped to resemble falcon feathers was completed, while interior designs are in the final stages of completion. His Highness visited the central atrium that was designed to reflect the architectural beauty of the premises. His Highness was also briefed on the museum’s galleries that narrate the rich history of the UAE.
His Highness also met engineering teams and UAE National talents working on the district’s cultural projects and was briefed on the advanced engineering methods used, particularly in the Natural History Museum, where visitors will embark on a 13.8-billion-year journey through the history of the universe and humanity. His Highness also reviewed the galleries, which will offer an unparalleled insight into key moments in natural history and the story of our planet.
Additionally, His Highness reviewed the progress of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, a 17,000-square-metre facility where art meets technology. The immersive digital arts space will stimulate creativity through constantly evolving installations inspired by environmental phenomena. His Highness toured the exterior structure, designed to host cutting-edge digital experiences, and viewed key areas inside where installations are being prepared to inspire visitors.
His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “Saadiyat Cultural District hosts one of the greatest concentrations of cultural institutions that tell the stories of the UAE, the world, and the connections that have shaped creativity and innovation throughout history. Through their iconic architecture, collections, and innovative programming, the Saadiyat museums promote artistic expression and foster creativity. The district serves as a centre for cultural dialogue and exchange, attracting visitors locally, regionally, and internationally. Through these institutions, we aim to leave a lasting and sustainable impact on the global cultural scene.”
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has collaborated with Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, to develop the Natural History Museum and teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi. These projects provide artistic spaces where art meets technology to spark curiosity, imagination, and creativity, designed by teamLab from Tokyo, Japan.
The Saadiyat Cultural District has been a beacon of cultural excellence for the past 15 years, embodying the UAE’s commitment to preserving its national identity and cultural heritage. The legacy laid by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan continues to build bridges of communication with diverse peoples and civilisations, further enhancing Abu Dhabi’s and the UAE’s position as a global cultural hub, since the opening of the Al Ain Museum in 1971 and the establishment of the Cultural Foundation in 1981.