A new museum in Abu Dhabi, being built under advisement from the British Museum, is to open 2013.

The Zayed National Museum, which is being developed by the Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), is to be the cornerstone of the Saadiyat Island Cultural District.

Designed by London's Foster + Partners, the 12,000sq m (130,000sq ft) museum is named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late founder and President of the United Arab Emirates.

The museum will feature galleries focusing on the themes of Environment, Heritage, Unity, Education and Humanitarianism.

Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, chair of the TDIC and of the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture & Heritage, said: "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.

"This great and historic institution, known for its 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."