On the water of Saadiyat Island sits Zayed National Museum, a place to look into the history of the UAE. Recently opened, the Zayed National Museum walks guests through the story of the UAE's founding and the history of the country. A large garden leads guests from the water to the main entrance. Central to the main floor is a recreation of a boat from the Umm an-Nar Period. This massive recreation gives a glimpse into the boats that sailed around the Gulf around 2000 BC. On the main floor, an exhibit shows the entire nation's history. It walks through the founding of Abu Dhabi and its role as a local trade hub centered around pearling, the unification of the Emirates, and developments in healthcare, education, and infrastructure, to name a few. The exhibits on the upper floor take a look at aspects of the history before the founding of the country. One of the most interesting pieces in the museum is an artifact from Sir Bani Yas Island. About 110 miles southwest of Abu Dhabi is a small island that was home to a Christian Monastery in the 7th and 8th centuries. It is estimated that 30 monks from the Church of the East lived at the monastery where a small plaster cross would be found and preserved. Many more hidden gems can be found throughout the museum, but make sure you plan enough time to wander through all of its halls. It’s a must see for those visiting!