Zayed National Museum launches multisensory experiences created in partnership with renowned Emirati talents and UAE institutions

Zayed National Museum, the national museum of the UAE, has created a series of bespoke multisensory experiences in partnership with renowned Emirati talents and UAE institutions. These signature elements engage sound and scent inspired by the nation’s rich heritage and natural beauty. This makes Zayed National Museum one of the first national museums globally to integrate multisensory elements within its permanent visitor experience.

To curate its multisensory journey, the museum collaborated with Emirati composers Mohammed Al Ahmed from Studio Al Watan and Hamad Al Taee, as well as specialists from Emirati fragrance house Casa de Oud, and musicians from prestigious performing arts institute Berklee Abu Dhabi. Key elements include a custom rendition of the UAE national anthem, instrumental compositions of songs from Sheikh Zayed’s poetry, ambient soundscapes reflecting the country's landscapes and a signature scent inspired by Emirati heritage.

Hind Alkhoori, Marketing and Communications Director, Zayed National Museum said:  “These collaborations mark a first-of-its-kind sensorial integration of this scale in a national museum setting in the UAE. This is a reflection of Zayed National Museum's commitment to authentic storytelling and creative innovation. By working closely with exceptional talent from across the UAE we’ve created an experience that is deeply rooted in place and enhances the museum experience. This initiative speaks to our mission to ensure that every visitor feels a meaningful connection to the land, people and stories of the nation.”

Emirati composer Hamad Al Taee has created a unique rendition of the UAE national anthem Ishi Biladi exclusively for Zayed National Museum. His compositions blend traditional instrumentation with contemporary arrangements.

Hamad Al Taee said: “It was an honour to compose this arrangement for Zayed National Museum. My aim was to capture the essence of the UAE identity through this arrangement of the national anthem. Throughout the process, it was important to consider the deep history and culture of the nation's land and people, as well as the values of its Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed. The combination of traditional instruments like the oud and nai with western orchestral elements such as strings, brass, and woodwinds creates a piece of music both timeless and unifying. I hope that every time it's played in the museum, it evokes a deep sense of national pride in all who hear it.”

Zayed National Museum partnered with Studio Al Watan, founded by composer Mohammed Al Ahmed and known for its long-standing contributions to national music. Studio Al Watan reworked five songs that include Sheikh Zayed’s most cherished poems into instrumental compositions. These melodies are shaped by Emirati poetry and identity and form an additional layer to the museum experience.

Mohammed Al Ahmed, Founder, Studio Al Watan, said: “The songs we recorded for Zayed National Museum explore themes such as celebrating the natural beauty and abundance of the UAE, expressing appreciation for the nation’s progress and honouring its people. Mirroring the narrative of the museum, the tracks amplify the museum’s storytelling with the aim of immersing visitors in the history and heritage of the UAE. Visitors will hopefully be able to recognise the familiar melodies, which will in turn evoke their deep connection with and emotions towards our Founding Father and the UAE.”

The museum also partnered with Berklee Abu Dhabi to create a curated library of ambient soundscapes inspired by the UAE’s natural environments. Played throughout the museum’s open spaces, the soundscapes reflect the country’s diverse landscapes: desert, sea, oasis and mountain.

Mayssa Karaa, Artistic Director of Berklee Abu Dhabi said: “It has been a privilege to collaborate with Zayed National Museum, our fellow Saadiyat Cultural District institution, on a project of such cultural depth. Through this partnership, we’ve had the opportunity to translate the UAE’s diverse natural environments into immersive soundscapes that complement the museum’s mission of storytelling and connection. We’re proud to contribute to an experience that invites every visitor to feel the rhythm of the land and engage with the country’s rich heritage in a profoundly personal way.”

A signature scent was developed for Zayed National Museum in partnership with Casa de Oud, an Emirati fragrance house founded by Fahad Bin Jassas. Known for its symbolic ingredients and emirati aesthetics, Casa de Oud has crafted a bespoke fragrance for the museum that pays homage to Sheikh Zayed’s connection to nature and heritage.

Fahad Bin Jassas, Founder of Casa de Oud said: “In storytelling, scent serves as a powerful sensory cue that can instantly evoke memories and emotions, adding depth and resonance to the narrative experience. This fragrance is more than a blend of notes, it is a tribute to Sheikh Zayed’s enduring bond with the land, a reflection of our Emirati identity and a layered expression of heritage. By weaving together elements like oud, jasmine, and native flora, we aim to craft an invisible thread that connects every visitor to the spirit of the UAE from the moment they step inside the museum.”

Zayed National Museum will open its doors in December 2025 in the heart of Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi, one of the highest concentrations of cultural institutions globally. The landmark institution honours the Founding Father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his commitment to education, identity and belonging.