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Opening hours at Zayed National Museum

The Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi follows a timed-entry system with entry slots starting in the late morning and the museum open into the early evening. Timed entry helps manage crowds and ensures a structured visit through galleries tracing the UAE’s history and heritage.

Zayed National Museum Abu Dhabi opening hours

DayTimingsLast entryClosed on

Wednesday–Monday

10:00 am – 8:00 pm

6:00 pm (last entry slot)

Tuesday (maintenance)

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 →

Best time of day to visit

Morning (10:00 am – 12:30 pm)

The first entry slots tend to be quieter, offering a calmer visit through early galleries before the late afternoon crowds arrive.

Late afternoon (4:00 pm – 6:00 pm)

Later entry slots still give ample time to explore key galleries, and the outdoor Al Masar Garden is particularly pleasant as temperatures soften.

Best days to visit

Weekdays (Wednesday–Thursday) typically have smaller crowds and more flexible entry times. Weekends and public holidays see higher demand, especially between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm. Advance timed-entry tickets are strongly recommended for these periods.

Seasonal variations & special days

During UAE national holidays and cultural festivals, the museum may extend hours or host special programmes. These are announced closer to the dates and may affect opening and last entry times.

Last entry & re-entry policy

The final arrival slot is at 6:00 pm — you must arrive by this time for timed entry. Once inside, visitors can stay until the museum closes at 8:00 pm. Re-entry after leaving the galleries is generally not permitted on the same ticket.

Zayed National Museum timings notes

  • 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.
  • Avoid: Saturdays (heaviest weekend traffic) and Fridays after 2pm (local families visit after prayers). Tuesday is closed.
  • 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.

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.

Frequently asked questions about Zayed National Museum opening hours

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