Abu dhabi: H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has witnessed the official opening ceremony of the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, located in the Saadiyat Cultural District. Spanning more than 35,000 square metres, the museum is the largest in the Middle East, focusing on the Arabian region.
According to Emirates News Agency, the opening of the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi strengthens the UAE's presence on the global cultural and scientific map, offering visitors and researchers the opportunity to explore 13.8 billion years of history, from the creation of the universe to the story of life on Earth. The museum features interactive exhibitions, immersive experiences, and pioneering scientific research, uniting knowledge, discovery, and exploration.
The museum houses rare collections of meteorites and giant fossils, along with reimagined scenes of Abu Dhabi's ancient natural world. It also features interactive exhibitions and educational programmes that introduce visitors to the universe's history and the evolution of biodiversity. Additionally, it includes a specialised research centre dedicated to palaeontology, biology, and environmental sciences.
H.H. Sheikh Khaled reaffirmed that the museum's opening represents a significant addition to the UAE's cultural landscape. He highlighted that the museum offers an innovative scientific platform enhancing knowledge, expanding research horizons, and enabling community members to understand Earth's history and its evolutionary stages.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, stated that the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi is where knowledge meets wonder, offering a unique perspective on life on Earth through an Arabian lens. He emphasized the importance of culture as a strategic force for shared progress and understanding the planet's past to help protect its future.
The ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, among others. The museum showcases significant scientific discoveries, including a complete herd of sauropods and a well-preserved Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton.
The museum presents a journey into Abu Dhabi's ancient environment, highlighting its past as a green, savannah-like landscape. It offers an educational and research-based experience, inspiring the next generation to engage with nature and promoting sustainability and resource protection.
Reflecting the UAE's leadership in education and scientific research, the museum invites visitors to explore exhibits narrating nature's remarkable story. It emphasizes education and research, supporting ongoing research and inspiring future generations to explore Earth's natural worlds.
Guided by its mission, the museum promotes environmental awareness and sustainability, offering a space for reflection and biodiversity research. It empowers students, researchers, and young learners through interactive programmes, workshops, and community initiatives.
The museum will open to the public on 22 November 2025, offering a distinguished educational experience. It joins a collection of world-class cultural landmarks within the Saadiyat Cultural District, including Louvre Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Zayed National Museum.