Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island is turning into a global destination for cultural tourism. Within just two decades, this small patch of land of just one square mile (2.6 km2) is becoming home to at least 5 museums -all built by some of the most renowned architects in the world.
Zayed National Museum Abu Dhabi to open at the end of 2025
Development was done step by step. Following the opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi in 2017 (Jean Nouvel as its architect), of the interfaith complex Abrahamic Family House (David Adjaye) and of the TeamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi gallery, Saadiyat Island will see the inaugural by December of a new spectacular museum. It is the much-anticipated Zayed National Museum by British studio Foster + Partners.
Named after UAE founder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the museum will showcase the history and culture of Abu Dhabi. Its design features five lightweight steel towers shaped like birds’ wings. They will serve as thermal chimneys to channel cool air into the galleries below. Their extravagant design is likely to turn into a new architectural icon for Abu Dhabi.
The museum will present the history of Abu Dhabi in six permanent galleries spread over two floors. An additional separate gallery will welcome temporary exhibitions.
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Natural History Museum next on the list
The Zayed National Museum will be followed by another museum complex, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, built by star architect Frank Gehry. It will be another iconic building with its twisted shape.
The museum’s collection will feature modern and contemporary art works with a special focus on West Asia, North Africa, and South Asia, reflecting both regional depth and global dialogue. Originally planned for 2024, the opening is now planned from mid-2026.
Meanwhile, another museum is also due to open its doors by early 2026. The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi will feature some of the rarest natural history specimens ever found on planet Earth. It will be a scientific research and teaching institution, as well as an educational resource for learning about the evolving story of the planet earth.
Mecanoo architecture cabinet designed the Natural History Museum to resonate with natural rock formations, reflecting the museum’s goal of engagement with the natural world.
Mandarin Oriental Residences to come
Finally, Mandarin Oriental Residences are being built beside Zayed National Museum. Designed by Danish studio BIG, the 226 luxury homes are split across two blocks with stepped terraces overlooking for the most the museum. Residents will have access to a spa, gym and beauty bar, alongside a library, theater, and games room. The Mandarin Oriental Residences are due to open in 2028.
The residences will join the existing St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort and the Jumeirah Saadiyat Island.
Another prestigious building is still planned although construction never started due to funding issues. It is Abu Dhabi Performing Arts Center by Zaha Hadid Architects. All these constructions definitely turn Saadiyat Island into the cultural hub of the Middle East and a major cultural destination in the world.
