His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, attended the official opening ceremony of the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi in the Saadiyat Cultural District. Covering more than 35,000 square metres, the landmark is now the largest museum of its kind in the Middle East. It highlights the natural heritage of the Arabian region and introduces visitors to 13.8 billion years of history. The opening further strengthens the UAE’s global presence in cultural and scientific fields, while also offering researchers and the public access to interactive exhibitions and immersive learning experiences.
The museum features rare meteorites, giant fossils and reconstructed scenes that bring Abu Dhabi’s ancient natural world to life. It also includes innovative exhibitions and educational programmes that explain the story of the universe and trace the evolution of biodiversity. Additionally, the destination is home to a research centre focused on palaeontology, biology and environmental sciences, which supports scientific discovery and contributes to global efforts aimed at protecting nature.
His Highness affirmed that the new museum marks a major milestone for the UAE’s cultural landscape. He noted that the destination provides an advanced scientific platform designed to expand knowledge and encourage research. He also stated that the museum helps the community understand the history of Earth and its key evolutionary stages through modern exhibits and enriched educational content. Moreover, he emphasised that this project embodies Abu Dhabi’s vision to become a leading global hub for museums and cultural institutions, while promoting research and innovation in natural sciences.
Exhibits Highlight Global Discoveries and Regional History
His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak said: “Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi is a place where knowledge meets wonder. The museum offers a different perspective of the story of life on Earth, framed for the first time through an Arabian lens. Bringing a new dimension to our cultural story, we are building institutions that inspire curiosity, foster learning, and connect us to the bigger questions about our world and our future, while reinforcing our conviction in culture as a strategic force for shared progress. Understanding our planet’s past helps us protect its future, and that is the foundation of what we have built here.”
The ceremony was also attended by His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan; and Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, in addition to several ministers and senior officials.
Inside the museum, visitors can explore some of the most remarkable scientific discoveries in palaeontology. These include a complete herd of sauropods displayed together for the first time anywhere in the world. The collection also features one of the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons ever uncovered, as well as a Triceratops specimen. Furthermore, guests can journey through seven million years of Abu Dhabi’s natural history, discovering a time when the landscape was a green savannah inhabited by diverse species, including the extinct four-tusked elephant.
A New Centre for Education, Research and Sustainability
The museum’s mission places education and research at its heart. Through interactive exhibits, scientific specimens and community programmes, it encourages visitors to deepen their understanding of Earth, life and the universe. As a result, young learners, students and researchers gain access to spaces designed to help them develop knowledge, explore environmental issues and build skills that support future careers in science. Because of this approach, the destination aims to inspire the next generation to champion conservation and sustainability.
Guided by its humanitarian and scientific purpose, the museum promotes environmental awareness and highlights the importance of safeguarding the planet’s resources. It also provides platforms for reflection, learning and biodiversity research, inviting visitors to consider the relationship between humans and nature.
The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi will officially open to the public on 22 November 2025. When it does, visitors of all ages will be able to embark on an interactive journey through time that reveals the story of the universe and the evolution of life on Earth. The museum joins a growing network of leading cultural institutions in the Saadiyat Cultural District, alongside Louvre Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, and the upcoming Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.