From yoga to dinosaurs: 10 reasons to visit Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi this May
Free workshops included with Dh70 adult ticket entry
ABU DHABI – The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi has revealed a packed calendar of workshops and interactive experiences for May 2026, offering visitors a wide range of activities that blend science, creativity and wellbeing.
Positioned as the largest museum of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa, the venue is introducing a programme designed to engage all age groups, from children and families to adult learners and wellness enthusiasts.
From architecture-led tours to sound healing sessions under a rare Blue Moon, the museum’s offerings span education, exploration and relaxation. Entry remains accessible, with tickets priced at Dh70 for adults, while visitors under 18 can enter free of charge. All listed workshops and activities are included within the ticket.
In addition to free access for under-18s, the museum offers concessions for UAE students, teachers, military personnel and Fazaa or Esaad cardholders. Complimentary entry is also extended to People of Determination and UAE-based seniors aged 60 and above, ensuring broad accessibility for diverse visitor groups.
Here are 10 reasons to visit the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi this month:
Step behind the scenes with Architecture Mini-Tours
Visitors interested in design and storytelling can explore the museum’s structure through guided Architecture Mini-Tours. These sessions provide insight into how each gallery has been conceptualised to enhance visitor engagement while connecting with the surrounding natural environment.
The tours begin on 15 May and run daily at 12pm, 3pm and 5pm, with an additional 7pm slot on weekends. Registration details are available through the museum’s official platforms, with the meeting point at the Visitor Desk.
Celebrate families through nature-inspired discovery
Marking the International Day of Families, the museum introduces “Families in Nature”, a themed experience aligned with the UAE Year of Family. Visitors are guided through exhibits using a specially designed Discovery Book, encouraging exploration of how family structures exist across the natural world.
From lunar meteorites to dinosaurs, the journey draws parallels between human relationships and those found in ecosystems. The experience launches on 15 May and remains available throughout the month during standard opening hours, with a flexible drop-in format.
Bring animals to life with Paper Friends workshop
Creativity meets science in the Paper Friends workshop, where participants design and construct their own 3D paper animals. The activity explores how animals adapt through physical features such as colour, structure and form.
Taking place on 15 May, the sessions run in 15 to 25-minute intervals at the Curiosity Corner and Gallery Corridor, offering a hands-on learning experience suitable for younger visitors and families.
Reconnect through Nature and Mind Guided Yoga
Blending wellness with the museum’s immersive setting, Nature and Mind Guided Yoga sessions invite visitors to unwind beneath prehistoric displays. Hosted in the Atrium beneath the dinosaurs, these sessions aim to reconnect participants with both body and environment.
Scheduled for 14 and 28 May from 7pm to 8pm, the sessions are open to both pre-booked participants and walk-ins, subject to capacity. Access is included with the general admission ticket.
Experience sound healing under the Blue Moon
One of the month’s standout events is “A Sound Experience Under the Blue Moon”, scheduled for 31 May. This session combines sound therapy with scientific exploration, offering an immersive environment for relaxation and reflection.
Held from 7pm to 8pm in the Atrium, the event coincides with the rare Blue Moon phenomenon, adding a unique atmospheric element. Participation is free with entry, with registration details shared via the museum’s official channels.
Dive into science with after-school workshops
A series of after-school programmes aims to bring scientific concepts to life through interactive challenges and creative tasks. These workshops are designed to foster curiosity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills among young participants.
Activities include food web simulations, plant crafting, camouflage experiments and desert survival challenges, each offering a different perspective on ecological systems and adaptation.
Understand ecosystems with Food Web Live Challenge
In this interactive session, children take on the roles of organisms within a living food web. By simulating predator-prey relationships, participants observe how ecosystems function and how disruptions can impact overall balance.
The activity runs Monday to Thursday from 4pm to 4:30pm at Curiosity Corner and is currently ongoing.
Explore plant diversity through Needle Felting Leaves
Combining art and science, Needle Felting Leaves begins with an exploration of plant diversity within the Our World gallery. Participants then create their own felt leaves, applying observations through tactile crafting techniques.
The workshop runs from 4 May to 12 June, with drop-in sessions available throughout the period.
Test survival skills in Camouflage Challenge
The Camouflage Challenge introduces participants to the science of animal adaptation. Using cutouts and natural backdrops, children experiment with concealment techniques to understand how species evade predators.
Sessions are currently ongoing from 5:30pm to 6pm at Curiosity Corner.
Take on extreme conditions in Survive the Desert
Focusing on harsh ecosystems, Survive the Desert challenges participants to match environmental conditions with survival adaptations. The activity highlights how species thrive in extreme climates through behavioural and physical traits.
This weekend-based workshop is available on Saturdays and Sundays, with drop-in sessions held at Curiosity Corner and the Gallery Corridor.