His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, visited the Saadiyat Cultural District where he reviewed progress on the final stages of construction of major museums and cultural institutions, all set for completion by the end of 2025.
During the visit, Sheikh Khaled emphasized that the UAE prioritizes 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.
He toured the sites of the Zayed National Museum, the Natural History Museum – Abu Dhabi, and the digital arts museum teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi
Global hub for culture and creativity
Sheikh Khaled said that the Saadiyat Cultural District reflects the UAE’s commitment to documenting the nation’s rich history and fostering dialogue between global cultures and civilizations. 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.
He 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 percent completion, marking significant progress towards its vision of becoming one of the world’s greatest concentrations of cultural institutions.
“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,” stated Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.
UAE’s history showcased at Zayed National Museum
During the visit to the Saadiyat Cultural District, Sheikh Khaled also toured the Zayed National Museum, the UAE’s national museum that celebrates the country’s rich history and culture. The museum’s iconic design resembling falcon feathers was complete, while interior designs are in the final stages of completion.
His Highness also visited the central atrium which reflects the architectural beauty of the premises. His Highness was also briefed on the museum’s galleries that narrate the rich history of the UAE.
Sheikh Khaled 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. In this museum, 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 key insight into pivotal moments in natural history and the story of our planet.
“Through their iconic architecture, collections, and innovative programming, the Saadiyat museums promote artistic expression and foster creativity. The district serves as a center for cultural dialogue and exchange, attracting visitors locally, regionally, and internationally,” Al Mubarak added.
Sheikh Khaled visits teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi
During the visit to the Saadiyat Cultural District, Sheikh Khaled reviewed the progress of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, a 17,000-square-meter facility where art meets technology. The immersive digital art space stimulates creativity through constantly evolving installations that represent environmental phenomena.
Sheikh Khaled toured the exterior structure that will host cutting-edge digital experiences and viewed key areas inside where installations are underway.
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.
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