The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, have jointly announced that 65 per cent of the work has been completed on the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi located within Saadiyat Cultural District.

The 35,000-sq-m museum, which is set to be the largest of its kind in the region, has now been topped out and is due for completion by the end of 2025.

According to DCT Abu Dhabi, the structural works of the museum is largely complete with a current focus on the installation of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP), building fit-out, and exhibition works.

Once ready, the museum will take visitors on a 13.8-billion-year journey through time and space – from the earliest origins of our universe, exploring the abundance of life on Earth today, and looking into the future, it stated.

The museum was topped out by Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi and Miral, Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi and Mohamed Abdallah Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, which was followed by a visit of the development to check the construction progress.

Al Hosani said: “The Natural History Museum will play a key role in advancing science and inspiring environmental stewardship in our children while furthering Abu Dhabi as a global centre for research and collaboration. By cultivating a generation passionate about the natural sciences, we seek to enrich lives through education and scientific discovery, in turn encouraging people to actively care for the planet’s future.”

Al Zaabi said: “The progress we are witnessing in the development of the museum marks an important milestone in our journey to contribute to the evolution of Abu Dhabi’s cultural landscape. Working in close partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi, we have a shared vision for the development of this iconic landmark.”

“Once complete, the museum will play an integral role in enhancing access and engagement with the natural sciences while supporting the emirate’s tourism ecosystem and economic diversification,” he stated.