The British Museum has agreed to act as a consulting partner on the development of the new Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Services will range from advice on the design and construction of the new museum to educational and curatorial programming and training.

The 12,000sq m (130,000sq ft) museum and will explore the history and culture of the region, with particular focus on the life and times of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (1918-2004), the late founder and president of the UAE.

Permanent galleries will feature five central themes: environment, heritage, unity, education and humanitarianism.

Neil MacGregor, director of the British Museum, said: "We warmly welcome this opportunity to work on a project of profound significance to the people of Abu Dhabi and the UAE and of extraordinary interest to the international community.

"The British Museum has gained hugely through the reciprocal relationships it has formalised in recent years with cultural organisations and governments worldwide. We look forward to forging productive new friendships, and gaining new perspectives on our own collection, through this partnership."

The museum will be developed by the Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) in Abu Dhabi, according to designs by London architects Foster + Partners, which will unveiled later this year. The institution is scheduled to open in 2012/2013.

"In developing this project, which is so significant not only for us but for the entire Middle East, we could have no better advisor than the British Museum," added His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, chair of TDIC and of the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture & Heritage.

"This great and historic institution, known for its unsurpassed expertise in every field and its profound respect for every culture, will help us make the Zayed National Museum a place of inspiration and pride for Emiratis, a beacon for the people of our region, and a source of information and understanding for our visitors from around the world."

Former TDIC projects include the development of Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Museum and Louvre Abu Dhabi.