ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)

Zayed National Museum has been named one of TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2026, a prestigious annual list that recognises 100 extraordinary destinations across the globe each year.

The recognition places Zayed National Museum among a select group of the world’s most inspiring cultural and travel destinations, including one of only two destinations in the Middle East category and one of three across the MENA region in 2026, as chosen by TIME’s international network of correspondents and contributors.

Located in the heart of Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Cultural District, one of the highest concentrations of world-class cultural institutions globally, Zayed National Museum opened its doors on December 3, 2025.

The museum traces 300,000 years of human history in the land, and honours the life and enduring legacy of the Founding Father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, across six permanent galleries, one outdoor gallery, and a temporary exhibition space.

Its collection features remarkable artefacts from across the UAE, among them the Abu Dhabi Pearl – one of the world’s oldest natural pearls – and the Blue Qur’an, one of the finest manuscripts in the history of Islamic art. A centrepiece of the museum is a full-scale reconstruction of an ancient Magan Boat, produced through a landmark research partnership with Zayed University and New York University Abu Dhabi.

Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Lord Norman Foster of Foster + Partners, the museum’s iconic architecture is inspired by the wings of a falcon in flight, a symbol of Emirati heritage and the values of Sheikh Zayed.

TIME’s World’s Greatest Places list is published annually and highlights destinations offering new and exceptional experiences. The 2026 edition continues TIME’s tradition of seeking out one-of-a-kind places and experiences that reflect the best of what the world has to offer travellers and cultural explorers. Places are selected through nominations from TIME’s international network of correspondents and contributors, as well as an open application process.