#Abu Dhabi #United Arab Emirates #Shah Rukh Khan #Salman Khan #Natural History Museum

A Star-Studded Inauguration of the Natural History Museum in Abu Dhabi

On November 21, 2025, the vibrant city of Abu Dhabi witnessed a spectacular event as Bollywood megastars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan graced the VIP launch of the highly anticipated Natural History Museum. Located in the Saadiyat Cultural District, the museum is poised to become a landmark for both locals and visitors alike, showcasing the rich natural history of the UAE and surrounding regions.

A Glimpse into History

The grand opening event was attended by a plethora of international celebrities, cultural leaders, and special invitees, providing a unique preview of the museum's extensive collections and interactive exhibitions. Before its official opening to the public on November 22, the two superstars explored the museum, experiencing firsthand the immersive displays that bring the story of natural history to life. Among the highlights were notable artifacts, including “Stan,” one of the best-preserved T. rex skeletons ever discovered, aged 67 million years.

The VIP ceremony was not just about the exhibits, but it also celebrated the convergence of entertainment and culture. The red carpet saw appearances from Steve Harvey, renowned television personality living in Abu Dhabi, gifted designer Adam Savage from MythBusters, rising Hollywood talents David Iacono and Audrina Miranda, famed for their roles in the latest Jurassic World movie, and acclaimed producer Swizz Beatz. Other notable attendees included actors Ron Perlman from Hellboy and Giancarlo Esposito from Breaking Bad, alongside renowned cultural icon Afef Jnifen from Tunisia-Italy, and many distinguished guests.

Marvelous Exhibitions Awaits

The Abu Dhabi Natural History Museum stands as the largest institution of its kind in the Middle East, dedicated to unraveling the region's natural history. Its galleries transport visitors back seven million years to a time when the Arabian climate was vastly different, presenting a thriving landscape teeming with now-extinct species. One captivating exhibit features a giant elephant with four tusks, enticing visitors to discover the evolutionary wonders of select species.

Noteworthy are the extraordinary displays that narrate the most fascinating chapters of nature’s history, including stunning glimpses into the age of dinosaurs. Among its impressive attractions is the exclusive world premiere of a herd of sauropod dinosaurs, featuring five different species of these majestic long-necked giants standing gracefully in the museum’s atrium to welcome guests. Furthermore, a unique exhibition showcases two Tyrannosaurus rex locked in a battle over a Triceratops carcass, marking the first time this dynamic scene has ever been displayed with two T. rex fossils.

A Part of a Flourishing Cultural Scene

The Natural History Museum of Abu Dhabi joins a rising community of acclaimed institutions on Saadiyat Island, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, and the future Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. Together, these institutions help define the Saadiyat Cultural District as a global destination for art, culture, and interdisciplinary exchange, creating a unique space where art, science, and heritage merge to inspire future generations.

Visitors can book their tickets for the Natural History Museum of Abu Dhabi through nhmad.ae.

About the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi

The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) actively drives the sustainable growth of the cultural and tourism sectors, fostering the emirate's creative industries, economic progress, and global aspirations. By collaborating with organizations to strengthen Abu Dhabi's position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi unifies efforts around a shared vision of the emirate's potential, curating innovative solutions and employing efficient tools, policies, and systems to support the cultural and tourism industries.

For more information about the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, visit dct.gov.ae and visitabudhabi.ae.