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WSP contributes to the realization of the visionary project : Zayed National Museum

WSP brings vision to life with engineering design and supervision on Zayed National Musuem with Foster + Partners collaboration.

As Zayed National Museum, the national museum of the United Arab Emirates officially opened its doors, WSP, working in joint venture with Foster + Partners, is proud to have advanced the final stages of engineering and construction supervision for what will become the centerpiece of Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District. Commissioned by the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, the museum tells the history of the land from 300,000 years ago to present day, and celebrates the life and legacy of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, while showcasing the nation’s heritage, values, and cultural evolution. 

Engineering innovation behind an icon

In collaboration with Foster + Partners, WSP’s engineering design and supervision have been central to realizing the museum’s highly complex architecture. Its five tapering steel wings, rising up to 123meters and inspired by the wing of a falcon in flight, serve both as striking symbols and as functional solar thermal towers that support natural ventilation and passive cooling.

Zayed National Museum is a powerful example of how engineering, culture, and vision come together to create destinations that define nations. We are honored to contribute to a project of such national significance, one that reflects the UAE’s commitment to heritage, innovation, and global excellence.

The global engineering effort for both design and supervision brought together teams from the Middle East, UK, and the US, integrating specialist CFD modelling, structural design, building services, geotechnical engineering, and sustainability expertise. Through advanced materials engineering, the Foster + Partners and WSP JV also reduced steel tonnage in the wings by nearly 50%, significantly lowering embodied carbon.

Built for longevity and efficiency

The museum incorporates a suite of sustainability systems, including natural ventilation, radiant cooling, Canadian ducts, smart lighting, energy recovery, and advanced monitoring, ensuring operational efficiency and resilience for its 100-year design life.

Delivering Zayed National Museum required extraordinary technical leadership and deep collaboration across our global teams. The ambition and complexity of this project demanded innovative solutions at every stage and the result is a landmark that exemplifies world-class engineering and sustainability

WSP’s collaboration with Foster + Partners and the Department of Culture and Tourism-Abu Dhabi ensured that every engineering solution preserved the architectural intent and cultural significance of the project. This project represents the very best of WSP: a global team united by a shared purpose, pushing boundaries to transform vision into reality. Zayed National Museum is more than a national landmark,it’s a legacy for future generations.

Recognized for excellence

The project was recently named Overall Sector Winner – Consultancy and Advisory at the British Safety Council 2025 International Safety Awards, one of only 20 projects worldwide to receive this honor.

A landmark hasopened Its doors

As Zayed National Museum launches, WSP is proud to have played a pivotal role in bringing this cultural icon to life, shaping a legacy that celebrates the UAE’s past while inspiring its future.