Abu Dhabi is planning to set up a marine museum at its prospering breakwater to complement its famous ship restaurants, the sea sports club and the heritage village that have become a hallmark of its vast seaside, officials said yesterday.

The museum, to cost around Dh100 million, will be the first of its kind in the Gulf and is part of a new development programme to be launched in October by the Abu Dhabi Municipality at a cost of Dh250 million.

"The museum will include recreation facilities and exhibitions that tell the story of our culture and past marine life," said Saeed Al Mazroui, the Municipality's Assistant Under-secretary.