Discover the Story of Our Planet at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi

The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi (NHMAD) is a new museum that is bound to become a new iconic site in the core of the Saadiyat Cultural District and will open on 22^nd November 2025.

NHMAD covers 35,000 sqm and provides a profoundly immersive experience in the history of the 13.8-billion-year natural election, enjoying a trip between the Big Bang and the future life on earth.

Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi

1. The Journey through Time: The Major Exhibitions

In NHMAD, visitors have the opportunity to visit five major permanent galleries, which narrate the big narrative of the planet:

• The Story of Earth

Go back in time- watch the universe come into being, how our solar system was formed and how life came up on earth.

• The Evolving World

Go back to the Age of Dinosaurs, and observe how the evolutionary path was established by the ancient forms of life.

• The Lost World of Abu Dhabi

It is a special gallery and this one discloses the prehistoric savannahs of what is the UAE today. Several species of animals such as ancient elephants lived in this region about 7 million years ago as indicated by fossils that have been discovered in this area.

• Our World

Glorify the diversity that life affirms, polar and icy mountains, and rainforests, deserts, and the depths of the ocean.

• Resilient Planet

Learn how life becomes adjusted and flourishes – and how we can learn to avoid the mistakes made in the past to make a more sustainable future.

Besides these, there are other side galleries such as the PalaeoLab, Life Sciences Lab, the Climate of Arabia, The Human Story among others.

2. Star Attractions: Iconic Natural Exhibits

The collection of NHMAD is a globally relevant and locally-based one. Some must-sees:

• Stan the T-rex: One of the most complete on the planet Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons.
• A blue whale female specimen 25 metres: An impressive offering to the biodiversity of the sea and evolution.
• The Murchison Meteorite: 7-billion-year-old pieces, older than our solar system, can provide hints about the building blocks of life.
• Stegotetrabelodon emiratus: This is an extinct four-tusked elephant species that was found in Abu Dhabi – a potent reminder of how natural the region is.

In order to celebrate its inauguration, NHMAD will organize two grandiose temporary international exhibitions:

• The March of the Triceratops: The Herd- the only touring herd of Triceratops dinosaurs.
• Wildlife Photographer of the Year: an award-winning yearly event on gorgeous nature photography partnering with the Natural History Museum, London.

3. Experiential & Interactive Experiences

NHMAD is not only displays. An Interactive Theatre takes the visitors on a 20-minute visual tour of the universe through time – starting with the explosive birth of the universe, and continuing to the living present of the Earth.

The museum has Dino Play which the younger explorers (between ages 0-6) can enjoy that allows them to:

• Feed a baby Spinosaurus.
• Flap Pteranodon wings.
• Crawl up into a Diplodocus tree house.

This is because these experiences are fun and memorable to learn as they combine play and science.

4. Research, Education and a Climate-Conscious Mission

NHMAD is not only a visitor center, but it is established as a big scientific research center. The sciences of zoology, paleontology, marine biology, molecular research, and earth sciences will become the driving-force behind museum-based studies.

The collection in the museum will increase in the coming years to the millions of specimens, making it a global resource to not just scientists and educators but also conservationists.

In the education aspect, NHMAD is determined to create curiosity and connection among the younger generations. The museum aims to stimulate a life-long interest in science by means of practical programs, simulated digital experiences, and engaging learning materials (including AI).

5. Design and Site: A Building That Talks Nature

NHMAD is a building that was designed by the renowned Dutch architectural firm Mecanoo, and is inspired by nature. The shape of the building reflects the formations of rocks, pentagonal geometric designs reflect the cellular structures. Water features and terraces of green color will represent the life in the desert.

The museum is in Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, making it at the center of the cultural renaissance in Abu Dhabi, together with iconic museums of art, history, and science.

6. Plan Your Visit

1. Ticket Price:

• Adults: AED 70
• Students of the UAE universities and working teachers: AED 32.5.
• Under-18 years, the elderly (60+), People of Determination, and military: Free / discounted.

1. Place: Saadiyat Cultural District, Abu Dhabi.
2. Opening: 22 November 2025.
3. Facilities: It has a cafe (From Curiosity to Cuisine) that provides a relaxing environment to families.

Why NHMAD Matters

The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi is not just a museum, it is an interface between the past, the present and the future. Blending the world natural history with the specifics of the Arabian Peninsula, NHMAD makes visitors think over the profound past of Earth, envisioning the possible sustainable future.

The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi is a place where a science enthusiast or any other family seeking an inspirational experience will find a memorable journey through time and life itself. You should not miss the chance to explore the greatest story of Nature while enjoying an Abu Dhabi city tour.