Abu Dhabi’s Zayed National Museum has been named one of Time’s World’s Greatest Places 2026, joining the publication’s annual list of 100 destinations judged to offer standout experiences globally, according to an Abu Dhabi Media Office statement.

Why it matters: The recognition lands less than four months after the museum opened in December as the centerpiece of Abu Dhabi’s cultural push on Saadiyat, giving the emirate’s newest flagship cultural asset an unusually fast international endorsement. Inside, visitors find six permanent galleries spanning 300k years of history, along with headline pieces including the Abu Dhabi Pearl, the Blue Qur’an, and a full-scale Magan Boat reconstruction.

Forbes’ 100 Most Valuable was UAE-heavy: UAE-listed companies led Forbes Middle East’s 2026 ranking of the region’s 100 most valuable companies, with 35 firms making the list, edging past Saudi Arabia’s 34. GCC companies accounted for 88% of the ranking, while UAE names claimed five spots in the top 10, led by energy, finance, and holding firms.

Who made the cut at the top? IHC ranked second with a market cap of USD 238.6 bn, followed by Taqa in fourth (USD 87.9 bn), Adnoc Gas in sixth (USD 75.4 bn), First Abu Dhabi Bank in ninth (USD 56 bn), and Emirates NBD in 10th (USD 53.5 bn).

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