Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi to open on Saturday

Abu Dhabi will open the Natural History Museum to the public on Saturday, November 22, 2025, inviting visitors of all ages to explore the story of life on Earth and the wider universe.

The museum traces 13.8 billion years of natural history — from the birth of the cosmos and the formation of the solar system to the rise of dinosaurs and the evolution of life as we know it. It also shines a spotlight on the Arab region, using modern scientific displays and immersive storytelling to present the planet’s past.

Set within the Saadiyat Cultural District, the museum building covers more than 35,000 square metres, making it the largest natural history museum in the Middle East.

Galleries that bring Earth’s story to life

The museum’s permanent galleries take visitors through different chapters of Earth’s timeline. These include The Story of Earth, The Evolving World, Our World, Resilient Planet and Earth’s Future.

Additional spaces such as The PalaeoLab, The Life Sciences Lab, Arabia’s Climate, Beyond the Horizon and The Human Story offer deeper scientific insight. An Interactive Theatre will guide audiences through dramatic visual journeys across time.

Leaders get first look

Ahead of its public opening, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, toured the new museum on Thursday.

Their visit began in the striking atrium, home to a world-first display featuring a herd of sauropod dinosaurs arranged in a lifelike, dynamic formation — a scene designed to transport visitors back to prehistoric times.

Shaping a culture of science and sustainability

During the tour, the leaders explored the museum’s educational and environmental features, which aim to encourage scientific thinking, highlight the importance of conservation and help visitors reflect on humanity’s impact on the planet.

Sheikh Khaled said the museum’s discoveries and advanced exhibits underline the UAE’s growing role in natural sciences. He emphasised that the institution offers a strong learning environment that builds public understanding of biodiversity, conservation and responsible environmental care. He added that centres like this are vital in inspiring future generations and supporting research that tackles environmental challenges.

Sheikh Hamdan said the museum adds significant value to the UAE’s cultural and scientific landscape. He noted that it strengthens the country’s position as a global hub for knowledge, innovation and evidence-based thinking.