Shahrukh Khan and Salman Khan surprise fans at Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi
Bollywood icons explore rare fossils and ancient meteorite displays
ABU DHABI – Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan captivated visitors in Abu Dhabi with an unexpected appearance at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi on Thursday.
The duo, already in the UAE for separate engagements, enjoyed a private pre-opening tour ahead of the museum’s official public debut this Saturday. Their visit amplified global anticipation for the venue, poised to become one of the region’s most significant cultural and scientific institutions.
The actors were greeted by museum officials, who escorted them through immersive galleries housing ancient fossils, meteorites and interactive displays narrating the story of life on Earth.
SRK and Salman Khan at The Natural History Museum, Abu Dhabi and Once Again, The King Showed What Effortless Handsomeness Looks Like ❤️@iamsrk @BeingSalmanKhan #SRK #ShahRukhKhan #King #SalmanKhan pic.twitter.com/jV2HIWGtlN
— Shah Rukh Khan Universe Fan Club (@SRKUniverse) November 21, 2025
Both Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan were seen deeply engaged, showing particular interest in two of the museum’s signature exhibits: the complete Stan T. rex skeleton and the 7-billion-year-old Murchison meteorite. Their surprise presence sent excitement through staff and visitors, with a few lucky fans managing quick photos before the stars continued their curated tour.
Royal visit
Prior to their visit, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, toured the museum, located in the Saadiyat Cultural District. Covering more than 35,000 square metres, it is the largest natural history institution of its kind in the Middle East.
Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed has attended the official opening of the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi in Saadiyat Cultural District. Spanning over 35,000 sqm, the museum showcases rare fossils, meteorites and discoveries that narrate the history of life on Earth. pic.twitter.com/feFpBIKIat
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) November 20, 2025
Both the leaders were accompanied by officials including Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, and Saif Saeed Ghobash. The delegation explored interactive displays spanning 13.8 billion years, covering the creation of the universe, evolution of life, the age of dinosaurs and today’s biodiversity.
Focus on education
The museum places strong emphasis on environmental awareness, sustainability and scientific research, offering visitors immersive content that encourages curiosity and responsibility. Among its standout attractions is a dramatic atrium exhibit featuring a herd of sauropod dinosaurs, arranged in dynamic formation to recreate a prehistoric moment. It also offers advanced educational programmes that promote scientific exploration, complementing the UAE’s broader cultural and research ambitions.
His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted the museum’s role in advancing natural sciences and fostering knowledge. He underlined its significance in supporting future generations by providing a learning environment that inspires exploration, scientific thinking and innovation to confront environmental challenges, reinforcing the UAE’s global leadership in scientific development.
Scientific marvels
The museum boasts rare palaeontological exhibits including one of the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons ever discovered, a Triceratops specimen and a group of sauropods comprising five distinct species showcased together globally for the first time. It also features rare meteorites, ancient specimens and reconstructions of Abu Dhabi’s seven-million-year-old savannah-like landscape, once inhabited by diverse species including the extinct giant four-tusked elephant.
Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi
Set to open to the public on 22 November 2025, the museum will engage visitors of all ages through interactive galleries such as The Story of Earth, The Evolving World, Our World, Resilient Planet and Earth’s Future. It will also offer a specialised research centre focusing on palaeontology, biology and environmental sciences, encouraging international collaboration and biodiversity protection.
The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi joins the Saadiyat Cultural District’s constellation of world-class institutions, including Louvre Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, reinforcing the district’s role as a global hub where knowledge, science, culture and innovation converge.