The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi was officially inaugurated on Thursday by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

Situated in the Saadiyat Cultural District, the museum spans an impressive 35,000 square meters, making it the largest facility of its kind in the Middle East.

The museum is scheduled to welcome visitors starting from November 22, 2025.

HH Sheikh Khaled emphasized that the opening marks a significant milestone for both Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s cultural landscape.

He noted that the museum provides an innovative scientific platform aimed at enriching knowledge, promoting research and discovery, and allowing community members to explore Earth's history and key evolutionary periods through interactive displays and advanced educational resources.

Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed has attended the official opening of the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi in Saadiyat Cultural District. Spanning over 35,000 sqm, the museum showcases rare fossils, meteorites and discoveries that narrate the history of life on Earth. pic.twitter.com/feFpBIKIat

- مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) November 20, 2025

Guests at the museum will have access to exhibits covering approximately 13.8 billion years-from the formation of the universe to present day-brought to life through immersive experiences, interactive exhibitions, and a focus on scientific research that seamlessly combines knowledge with exploration.

The extensive collection features rare meteorites, enormous fossil specimens-including re-creations of ancient environments once found in Abu Dhabi-as well as engaging educational programs introducing visitors to cosmic history and biodiversity’s evolution.

The institution also houses a specialized research center dedicated to fields such as palaeontology, biology, and environmental sciences.

Among its highlights are groundbreaking paleontological finds: a complete herd of sauropods-giant long-necked dinosaurs-with five distinct species showcased together for the first time worldwide.

The museum further displays one of the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons ever discovered alongside an impressive Triceratops specimen.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, stated: “Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi is a place where knowledge meets wonder.

The museum offers a new perspective on life’s story on Earth framed for the first time from an Arabian viewpoint.”

He added: “By adding new dimensions to our cultural narrative, we are establishing institutions that nurture curiosity, encourage learning, and invite us to contemplate larger questions about our world and future.

Embracing culture as a strategic driver for collective progress reinforces our commitment to understanding our planet’s past as we work towards safeguarding its future.”

The exhibition also presents a seven-million-year journey into Abu Dhabi’s ancient environment-a period when lush savannahs were home to diverse wildlife including now-extinct giant four-tusked elephants-offering insights into natural history unique to this region.

The venue boasts interactive scientific samples and displays that chart Earth’s development across epochs alongside dedicated educational initiatives designed for students and researchers alike.

These workshops aim not only to deepen scientific comprehension but also inspire younger generations toward stewardship of nature by fostering sustainability-minded practices.

A range of tailored spaces within the museum supports budding scientists through hands-on learning opportunities intended to transform natural curiosity into concrete scientific understanding-preparing future guardians for biodiversity protection.

The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi now joins other renowned institutions within Saadiyat Cultural District such as Louvre Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi-and soon-the Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.