Abu Dhabi’s Natural History Museum to Open This November—Home to a 67-Million-Year-Old T-rex

A massive T-rex, a blue whale, and ancient meteorite are taking over Saadiyat Island this November.

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Mark your calendars—Abu Dhabi’s Natural History Museum officially opens on November 22, 2025, and it’s bringing 13.8 billion years of Earth’s story to life. Rising dramatically on Saadiyat Island, the 35,000-square-metre museum looks like it was sculpted straight out of nature itself—thanks to world-renowned architects Mecanoo.

Meet “Stan,” the 67-million-year-old T-rex

The main event? A nearly complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton named Stan, one of the most famous fossils ever discovered. But he’s not alone. The museum also features a 25-meter blue whale specimen and the Murchison Meteorite, a real cosmic traveler containing seven-billion-year-old grains older than the solar system itself.

Homegrown history

The museum doesn’t just go global—it goes local, too. Visitors will discover how the Arabian Peninsula fits into Earth’s story, including Abu Dhabi’s own ancient elephant, Stegotetrabelodon emiratus, which had tusks on both the top and bottom jaws.

More than fossils

Inside, you’ll find themed galleries like The Story of Earth, The Evolving World, and Earth’s Future, plus hands-on science labs and an interactive theatre that’ll make you feel like you just time-traveled.

Opening specials

For its big debut, the museum is kicking off with two blockbuster exhibits: The March of the Triceratops—the world’s only touring Triceratops herd—and the 61st Wildlife Photographer of the Year, showcasing jaw-dropping shots of the natural world.

A new cultural era for the capital

This launch adds another feather to Abu Dhabi’s cultural cap, joining heavyweights like the Louvre Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena, and the upcoming Zayed National Museum. As Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism, put it—the museum isn’t just about the past, it’s about inspiring a more sustainable future.