Abu Dhabi Natural History Museum: Everything You Need to Know
Everything you need to know before visiting Abu Dhabi’s newest cultural hotspot.
The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi is finally opening its doors, offering visitors a journey through 13.8 billion years of time and space. Located in the Saadiyat Cultural District on Saadiyat Island, this museum is a must-visit for families, students, and anyone curious about the natural world. From world-famous dinosaur skeletons to interactive children’s zones, here’s your complete guide.
Location & Opening Date
The museum is situated next to TeamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi and across from the Abrahamic Family House. It officially opens to the public on Saturday, November 22. Tickets for opening weekend are still available online, and free parking is provided for visitors.
Opening Hours
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Monday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
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Friday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
The first entry of the day is at 10:00 AM, while the last ticket slot is 5:00–6:00 PM on weekdays and 7:00–8:00 PM on weekends. Once inside, guests can explore at their own pace within museum hours. Public holiday schedules are yet to be announced.
Ticket Prices & Discounts
Entry to the museum is simple and affordable:
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Adults: Dh70
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Fazaa & Esaad cardholders: Dh45.50
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UAE university students (18+): Dh32.50
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UAE-employed teachers: Dh32.50
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UAE Military & Homat Al Watan: Dh32.50
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Children under 18: Free
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People of determination & companions: Free
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UAE-based seniors (60+): Free
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Journalists, ICOM & ICOMOS members: Free
Tickets can be purchased online in advance.
Dining & Shopping
The Nayzak Cafe, located in the entrance atrium before the ticketed area, serves hot and cold meals and drinks. For souvenirs, there are two museum shops—one near the temporary exhibition space and another at the entrance atrium.
Accessibility
The museum is fully accessible, featuring stair-free entry, elevators, ramps, and accessible facilities throughout. All galleries are on a single floor, making it easy for visitors with mobility needs to enjoy the museum.
What You Can See
The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi is the largest institution of its kind in the region, with five permanent galleries:
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The Story of Earth – Explore the origins of the universe and the planet.
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The Evolving World – Learn about life’s evolution over billions of years.
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The Lost World of Abu Dhabi – Step back 7 million years and see prehistoric Abu Dhabi.
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Our World – Discover the planet’s diverse ecosystems.
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Resilient Planet – Understand how humans and nature interact for sustainability.
Star attractions include:
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Stan the T-rex – An 11.7-metre-long, world-famous dinosaur skeleton.
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Murchison meteorite fragment – A 7-billion-year-old piece of space history.
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Herd of Sauropods – Long-necked dinosaurs greeting visitors in the atrium.
Child-Friendly Zones
Kids have plenty of interactive fun:
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Dino Play: For children up to 6 years old, featuring hands-on activities like feeding a baby Spinosaurus, flying a Pteranodon, and climbing inside a Diplodocus treehouse.
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Education Zone: Engaging learning activities designed for young explorers.
Temporary Exhibitions
On opening, visitors can enjoy three special attractions:
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March of the Triceratops: The Herd – Fossils of three-horned dinosaurs with insights into their lives, in collaboration with the Naturalis Biodiversity Centre, Netherlands.
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Wildlife Photographer of the Year – 100 striking wildlife images from around the world, in collaboration with the Natural History Museum London.
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A Journey Through Time – A 20-minute immersive film showing the birth of the universe and wonders of our planet.
Visitor Tips
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Buy tickets online to secure your preferred time slot.
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Arrive early to enjoy quieter galleries.
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Allow at least 2–3 hours for a full experience.
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Perfect for families, students, and wildlife enthusiasts.