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Timings & Opening Hours at Zayed National Museum

Opening hours of Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi

The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi follows fixed daily opening hours, with extended timings on weekends to accommodate higher visitor volumes. Entry is controlled through timed slots to manage crowds, so knowing last entry times is essential for planning your visit efficiently.

Note: Timings may change during public holidays or special events. Always check on the day of your visit.

Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi opening hours

DayTimingsLast entry

Monday – Thursday

10am to 6:30pm

5:30pm

Friday – Sunday

10am to 8:30pm

7:30pm

How long does it take to visit the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi?

Most visitors spend 2–3 hours exploring the museum’s permanent galleries, interactive exhibits, and central atrium. Families with children or guests visiting temporary exhibitions often spend closer to 3–4 hours, especially if taking breaks in Al Masar Garden or cafés.

Best time of day to visit

Morning (10am – 12pm)

The calmest time to visit, with fewer school groups and shorter security lines. Ideal if you want to explore galleries at an unhurried pace and interact fully with hands-on exhibits.

Late afternoon & evening (after 4:30pm)

Weekday late afternoons are quieter, while weekend evenings offer a relaxed atmosphere with extended hours and cooler outdoor temperatures in the Cultural District.

Best days to visit

Weekdays (Monday–Thursday) are best for a crowd-light experience. Fridays and weekends are busier, particularly from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm, due to family visits and tourists combining multiple Saadiyat Cultural District attractions.

Seasonal variations & special days

The museum sees higher footfall during school holidays, Eid periods, and winter months (November–March). Summer months are generally quieter indoors despite higher overall tourism. Special exhibitions may extend opening hours temporarily.

Last entry & re-entry policy

Last entry is one hour before closing on all days. Re-entry is not permitted once you exit the museum, so plan café visits and outdoor breaks before leaving the building.

Frequently asked questions about Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi timings

The museum is open daily from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm on weekdays and 10:00 am to 8:30 pm on weekends. Hours may change during holidays or special events.