Science and history enthusiasts have a new destination to explore as the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi opens its doors in the Saadiyat Cultural District. Officially launching on Saturday November 22, the museum spans an impressive 35,000 square metres, making it the largest natural history museum in the Middle East and offering visitors a vast and immersive experience.
The museum showcases nature’s greatest stories with a focus on the Arabian Peninsula, presenting global and regional specimens alike. Highlights include one of the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons ever discovered, a massive 25-metre blue whale specimen, and the Murchison Meteorite, which contains grains older than the Solar System itself. Local fossils such as the Stegotetrabelodon emiratus, an ancient elephant species, are also featured throughout the galleries.
Visitors can explore permanent galleries including The Story of Earth, The Evolving World, Our World, Resilient Planet, and Earth’s Future, alongside specialized spaces like The PalaeoLab, The Life Sciences Lab, and Arabia’s Climate. Interactive experiences include an Interactive Theatre, Beyond the Horizon, and The Human Story, designed to engage curious minds of all ages.
The museum also launches with two temporary exhibitions: March of the Triceratops, featuring a touring Triceratops herd, and the 61st Wildlife Photographer of the Year, showcasing stunning wildlife photography. These special exhibits enhance the already rich experience for visitors.
Tickets are priced at Dhs70 for adults, with discounts for UAE university students, teachers, military personnel, and Fazaa or Esaad cardholders. Admission is free for children under 18, people of determination and their companions, and UAE-based seniors aged 60 and above. The museum is open from 10am to 6.30pm on weekdays and until 8.30pm on weekends. Book your tickets at nhmad.ae.