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Opening hours at Zayed National Museum

Zayed National Museum timings notes

  • Timed-entry slots allow arrival within 60-minute windows; late arrivals forfeit entry without refund
  • Security screening takes 10–20 minutes during peak times (mandatory for all visitors)
  • Online booking required, no on-site ticket sales available
  • Holiday closures: Check for closures during UAE National Day, Eid holidays, and other observances
  • Al Masar Garden: Open daily during museum hours (10am–8pm), accessible 30 minutes before museum opening.
  • Best days: Wednesday, Thursday, and Monday see fewer tourists, especially before 11am when tour groups and school visits begin.
  • Avoid: Saturdays (heaviest weekend traffic) and Fridays after 2pm (local families visit after prayers). Tuesday is closed.
  • Best time of day: Arrive at 10am opening for near-empty galleries, or after 4pm when tour buses depart. though you'll have less time before 6pm last entry.
  • Tip: The To Our Ancestors gallery (home to the Abu Dhabi Pearl) becomes a bottleneck 11am–2pm on weekends. Visit first thing at 10am or after 3pm for breathing room and unobstructed photos.
  • For the best experience, aim for weekday mornings (10–11am) in shoulder months like March, April, September, or October when weather is pleasant but peak tourist season hasn't fully kicked in.

Special events

The Zayed National Museum hosts daily cultural performances and special programs that enhance the visitor experience without restricting general access.

Magan Boat Performances

  • Days: Daily
  • Times: 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 3pm, 4pm
  • Impact: Central atrium fills about 10 minutes before showtime; photography may be restricted during the performance.

“Deep Roots and Everlasting Legacy” Cultural Program

  • Days: Daily (through Dec 31, 2025)
  • Times: Various
  • Impact: Free workshops, calligraphy demonstrations, and traditional craft sessions. Capacity is limited to approximately 30 participants, first-come, first-served.

Nabati Poetry Readings

  • Days: Fridays
  • Times: 2pm, 4pm
  • Impact: Atrium seating fills fast; arrive at least 15 minutes early.

Traditional Dance (Razfa / Naashat)

  • Days: Weekends
  • Times: 12pm, 3pm
  • Impact: No access restrictions, but crowds gather around performers which may slow movement through adjacent areas.

Note:
Timings may vary. Check the daily schedule at the entrance or on the museum app for the most accurate information. UAE holiday celebrations (National Day, Eid, etc.) may include extended hours or additional performances. Always verify on the museum’s official website before visiting.

How long should I spend at Zayed National Museum?

To make the most of your visit to the Zayed National Museum, we recommend spending 2–3 hours for a highlights tour covering the six main galleries and Al Masar Garden. This gives you enough time to see the 8,000-year-old Abu Dhabi Pearl, Sheikh Zayed's 1966 Chrysler Newport, the Blue Qur'an folios, and the 18-meter Magan Boat without feeling rushed.

If you have different amounts of time:

In 2 hours (Snapshot visit):

  • Al Masar Garden (quick walk, 10 mins)
  • Our Beginning gallery (Sheikh Zayed's legacy, 20 mins)
  • To Our Ancestors gallery (Abu Dhabi Pearl + Bronze Age artifacts, 30 mins)
  • Through Our Connections gallery (Blue Qur'an, 20 mins)
  • Magan Boat atrium (finale, 15 mins)

In 3–4 hours (Balanced visit):

  • Al Masar Garden (full walk, 20 mins)
  • All six permanent galleries at a comfortable pace (2 hours)
  • Magan Boat performance (20 mins)
  • Break at Al Ghaf Café or Garden Cafés (30 mins)
  • Browse Al Nagwa Boutique gift shop (15 mins)

In 5–6 hours (Comprehensive visit):

  • Al Masar Garden twice—morning and late afternoon (40 mins total)
  • All six galleries with deep dives into interactive exhibits (3 hours)
  • Lunch at Erth Restaurant (Michelin-starred Emirati cuisine, 90 mins)
  • Multiple Magan Boat performances (30 mins)
  • Cultural workshops or calligraphy demonstrations (30 mins)

Over 2 days: If you have a combo ticket with Louvre Abu Dhabi or Natural History Museum, split your Cultural District visit:

  • Day 1: Zayed National Museum (full morning, 3 hours) → lunch at Fouquet's → Louvre Abu Dhabi (afternoon, 3 hours)
  • Day 2: Natural History Museum (morning, 2 hours) → Saadiyat Beach (afternoon)

Irrespective of your ticket type or add-on, set aside an entire day for your visit to the Zayed National Museum to fully appreciate 300,000 years of UAE history.

​Plan your visit to Zayed National Museum →

Frequently asked questions about Zayed National Museum opening hours

What time does Zayed National Museum open?

The museum opens at 10am Wednesday through Monday. Al Masar Garden is accessible from 9:30am. The museum is closed every Tuesday for maintenance.

What is the last entry time at Zayed National Museum?

Last entry is strictly at 6pm. Timed-entry tickets have 30-minute arrival windows—late arrivals forfeit entry without refund. The museum closes at 8pm.

Is Zayed National Museum open on public holidays?

The museum is typically open on most UAE public holidays, but may close for UAE National Day, Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, and Islamic New Year. Check the official website for specific holiday closures before your visit.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

Yes. Advance online booking is required—there are no on-site ticket sales. Weekend and holiday slots fill 1–2 weeks ahead, while weekday mornings typically stay available same-week.

Are there night openings at Zayed National Museum?

No. The museum closes at 8pm daily (last entry 6pm). There are no evening or night tour hours currently available. Erth Restaurant stays open until 10pm for dinner reservations.

Is entry time different for combo tickets?

No. All tickets—standard entry, combos with Louvre Abu Dhabi, Natural History Museum, or Yas Island parks—use the same timed-entry slots and must arrive within 30-minute windows at each attraction.

When is Zayed National Museum least crowded?

Weekday mornings (10–11am) Wednesday through Thursday are calmest, especially during low season (May–September). Avoid Saturdays (busiest day) and the 11am–2pm window when school groups and tour buses peak.

What's the best time to visit for the Magan Boat performances?

Performances run hourly (11am, 12pm, 1pm, 3pm, 4pm). The 3pm and 4pm slots are calmest. Arrive 10 minutes early to secure front-row viewing—the central atrium fills standing-room-only by showtime.

Will public transportation be available if I visit in the evening?

Yes. Bus Route 94 runs until approximately 10pm daily to Saadiyat Island Cultural District. Taxis and ride-hailing services (Uber, Careem) operate 24/7. Check specific bus schedules on the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport website.

Can I visit Al Masar Garden before the museum opens?

Yes. Al Masar Garden is accessible from 9:30am (30 minutes before museum opening). This is the best time for golden-hour photography and near-empty walkways before the midday heat.

How much time do I need if I'm visiting with a combo ticket?

Budget 2–3 hours per museum. For Zayed + Louvre Abu Dhabi combos, plan a full day: Zayed (10am–1pm), lunch (1–2pm), Louvre (2:30–6pm). Both museums have 6pm last entry.

Does security screening time count against my timed-entry slot?

No, but factor it in. Security takes 10–20 minutes during peak times (mandatory for all visitors, no skip-the-line option). Arrive 15 minutes before your timed slot to buffer without forfeiting entry.