Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi: dinosaurs, meteorites and the blue whale continue to exhibit November 22, 2025

Dinosaurs, meteorites and the world’s largest blue skeleton will soon call Abu Dhabi Home. The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi opens on November 22, 2025 in the cultural district of Saadiyat, taking visitors on a journey of 138 billion to the story of life on earth.

It will be like the largest museum of its kind – a new place for science, nature and culture.

Natural history museum Abu Dhabi

As the largest museum of its kind in the region, the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi aims to encourage national dialogue on the issue of life on earth and the future of our world.

The 35,000sqm museum will take visitors on an immersive journey through 13.8BN years of natural history, from the Big Bang and the formation of the solar system to the rise and evolution of modern life.

Among its wonderful exhibits are “travelers from afar.”

The first is Stan, a nearly complete skeleton of a tyrannosaurus rex, which ruled the world 67M years ago. It will be joined by the 25m Blue Whale – the largest animal ever known – and the Murchison Meteorite, which contains 7-year-old grains formed before the solar system itself.

Mohalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “The opening of the natural history Museum Abu Dhabi marks the status of our culture.

“The museum offers a focus on the story of life in the world, created for the first time through the lens of Arabia, and the fauna, flora, and history of the region form a prominent part of the tourist journey.”

He added that the Museum’s research and education programs will support scientific studies in zoology, palaeontology, marine biology, molecular research and natural science to encourage future generations and resilience.

Natural history of Arabia

The museum will see the natural history of the Arabian Peninsula, including the discovery of Stegotetrabelodon Emiratus, an endemic species of elephant found in Abu Dhabi.

This ancient member of the Elephantidae family had its upper and lower taws – a rare feature not seen in modern elephants – to offer visitors an in-depth tour of these creatures and a deep natural heritage.

Designed by the architect Mecanoo, the building of the Museum literally rises from the Saadiyat Island landscape, preventing the natural rock formation of the desert.

This building reflects the mission of the museum to connect people with nature and inspire the next generation to ask, discover and help shape a sustainable future.

Inside, visitors will explore a series of permanent exhibits, including the story of Earth, the emerging world, our world, the future planet and the future of the world.

Additional side drawings such as the palaeolab, the Life Science Lab, the Arabian climate and the human story enhance the experience. The interactive gaming platform will provide a journey of immersive understanding through time.

Global exhibitions at launch

To mark its opening, it will organize two international exhibitions:

• Triceratops March, the only triceratops show in the world
• The 61st wildlife photographer of the year, one of the world’s most prestigious wildlife photography shows

Together, these exhibitions will present the Museum’s national museum program and highlight the path of new ways of scientific and cultural collaboration.

Saadiyat Cultural District

The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi joins a thriving community that includes Louvre Abu Dhabi, TeamLab phenomena Abu Dhabi, and Nayed Zayed National and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.

Together, these institutions position Saadiyat’s provincial culture as a global center of knowledge, wisdom and cultural exchange – a place where the past, present and future of humanity meet.

What happens next

When it opens on 22 November 2025, the Museum will welcome visitors to explore the wonders of life on earth and beyond – from 7-year-old meteorites to the stars and the heavens.

Its arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter in the UAE’s cultural and scientific history, placing Abu Dhabi firmly on the world map for natural history research and education.