As-salamu alaykum - Zayed National Museum to offer sounds, scents and more to bring stories to life
As-salamu alaykum - Zayed National Museum will offer multisensory experiences across its galleries, with ambient soundscapes inspired by the UAE’s natural settings and a signature fragrance rooted in local heritage.
The sensory elements were made in collaboration with Berklee Abu Dhabi, Emirati perfume house Casa de Oud and Emirati composers Hamad Al Taee and Mohammed Al Ahmed from Studio Al Watan. They’ll be in place for visitors when the museum opens in December.
“These partnerships are the first time a national museum in the UAE has integrated senses at this scale,” said Hind Alkhoori, who oversees marketing and the visitor experience. “This reflects the museum’s dedication to authentic storytelling and creative innovation. By working with talented people from across the UAE, we’ve built an experience that is firmly grounded in place and makes visitors feel connected to the land, people and stories of the nation.”
Al Taee, known for blending traditional instruments with modern arrangements, created a special rendition of the national anthem, Ishi Biladi, for the museum. “I wanted to capture the essence of UAE identity in this arrangement,” he said. He combined instruments like the oud and nai with Western strings, brass and woodwinds to make a piece that aims to feel both timeless and unifying - something that, when played, hopefully stirs pride in everyone who hears it.
Al Ahmed and Studio Al Watan produced instrumental pieces inspired by Sheikh Zayed’s poetry. “The tracks celebrate the UAE’s natural beauty and abundance, show appreciation for the nation’s progress and honour its people,” Al Ahmed explained. The melodies echo Emirati poetic rhythms and are designed to deepen the museum’s storytelling so visitors can feel a stronger emotional connection to the Founding Father and the country.
Working with Berklee Abu Dhabi, the museum will feature ambient soundscapes that reflect the UAE’s deserts, seas, oases and mountains. “It’s been an honour to help translate the UAE’s landscapes into immersive audio that complements the museum’s mission,” said Mayssa Karaa, Berklee Abu Dhabi’s artistic director. The idea is to let visitors sense the rhythm of the land as they move through the spaces.
Casa de Oud, founded by Fahad Bin Jassas, created a signature scent as a tribute to Sheikh Zayed’s love for heritage and nature. “Scent is a powerful storytelling tool that can trigger memories and emotions,” Bin Jassas said. By combining notes like oud, jasmine and native flora, the fragrance aims to create an invisible link that greets visitors and connects them to the spirit of the UAE from the moment they enter.
The museum opens in December, and these multisensory elements are intended to make the visit more immersive and personally meaningful for families, students and everyone who comes to learn about the nation’s history and culture.
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