ArtDayME - Zayed National Museum has been shortlisted amongst 18 other participants from across the world in the Completed Buildings - Culture category at the World Architecture Festival (WAF) 2026, taking place from 18 to 20 November in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA. 

Widely regarded as one of the architecture and design industry's most prestigious global events, the World Architecture Festival celebrates outstanding architectural projects from around the world. The festival centres on a live awards programme in which finalists present their projects to an international jury of leading architects and industry experts.

The Completed Buildings - Culture category recognises projects including cinemas, concert halls, galleries, libraries, museums, performance venues and theatres. Eligible projects must have been completed between 1 January 2025 and 1 June 2026.

Located on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island, at the heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District, the national museum of the United Arab Emirates opened its doors in December 2025. It traces the history of the United Arab Emirates, from the earliest evidence of human habitation to the civilisations that shaped its culture and identity, rooted in the vision and values of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. 

Designed by Foster + Partners, led by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Lord Norman Foster, the museum's distinctive architecture is inspired by falconry. Its five lightweight steel towers function as thermal chimneys, drawing hot air upwards to support the building's natural ventilation strategy, while glazed surfaces channel natural daylight into the galleries below. Each tower is individually adjustable to optimise environmental performance.

The museum's galleries are housed within a landscaped mound clad in textured, faceted panels that reflect the topography of the UAE. At its centre is Al Liwan, a light-filled atrium that serves as the museum's principal gathering and orientation space, welcoming visitors while hosting performances, talks and cultural programming, including traditional dance and poetry.

Winners will be announced at the 2026 edition of World Architecture Festival in November.