The whole family is sure to have a roar-ing good time
If your idea of a great day out involves a little roar and a lot of wonder, you’re in luck. Across the UAE, dinosaurs are stomping back to life in museums, theme parks and immersive attractions that turn a simple outing into a full-blown prehistoric adventure.
Expect lifelike giants, interactive exhibits and plenty of moments that’ll have little explorers wide-eyed in amazement.
ATTRACTIONS
Natural History Museum, Abu Dhabi
After waiting what feels like a few million years (very on brand for dinosaurs), the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi opened its doors in November 2025. At 35,000 square metres, it is the largest museum of its kind in the region and aims to take visitors on a journey through 13.8 billion years of natural history.
The museum explores life on earth from the Big Bang to the rise of humans, including the evolution of dinosaurs and the planet’s biodiversity. The museum brings the prehistoric giants to life, with towering skeletons and lifelike models that give a sense of how these creatures once roamed the Earth. Visitors can explore interactive displays, see bones up close, and learn about different species and their habitats. The highlights: Stan – one of the world’s most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeletons, and two apex predators locked in battle (based on fossil evidence). Follow their social media channel as they share interesting videos from assembling original T-Rex skeletons into rare displays to how fossils are mounted.
Location: Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island
Date/Time: 10am to 6:30pm on weekdays and until 8:30pm on weekends
Cost: Dhs70
Contact: nhmad.ae
Dinosaurs: The Immersive Odyssey
This new immersive and interactive experience at Dubai Festival City invites
you to step into the world of dinosaurs. From exploring a museum storage space – where no visitors are usually allowed – to walking among enormous dinosaurs through a VR simulation and grabbing a photo with enormous animatronic creatures for the ‘Gram – it’s an attraction the whole family can enjoy.
Post your explorations, relax and enjoy the creative activities. You can also shop for
a dino-themed gift or souvenir. Just don’t be an oviraptor and leave the eggs alone.
Location: Dubai Festival City Mall, Level 2, Dubai
Date/Time: Mon to Thurs 10.30am to 9.30pm, Fri to Sun 10.30am to 11pm
Cost: From Dhs79
Contact: dinosaursodyssey.com
Dubai Garden Glow
Dubai Garden Glow is one of the city’s brightest attractions – a large outdoor display of colourful, illuminated sculptures that are bold enough to feel almost visible from space. After a little makeover, it shifted closer to the Dubai Frame with two new attractions in one: Fantasy Park and Dinosaur Park.
The latter brags a thrilling collection of lifelike animatronic creatures. Don’t worry, they don’t bite, so you can snap the perfect photo and even pick up a few fun educational facts along the way. It is said to be the largest dinosaur park and is home to a towering T-Rex, the gentler dinosaurs, and realistic soundscapes that transport you straight to the Jurassic era.
Location: Zabeel Park near Al Jafiliya Gate 3, Area A
Date/Time: Daily 10am to 9pm
Cost: Dhs73.50 (ticket gets you access to Dinosaur Park and Fantasy Park)
Contact: dubaigardenglow.com
Lost Valley – IMG World of Adventures
If just seeing dinosaurs doesn’t thrill you enough, head to Lost Valley and you can experience them through hair-raising rides and themed activities. Hop on the The Forbidden Territory cruise and get up-close with the dinosaurs complete with smoke, strobe lights and dramatic sounds. For thrills, The Velociraptor is sure to spike your heart rate, and Predator takes you on a vertical plummet to earth.
For a tamer ride for little ones, there’s a dino carousel and a sand play area with slides for toddlers. For a tasty chomp, there’s a dino-themed restaurant serving Indian cuisine buffet-style called Spice Valley and a casual sit-down cafeteria, 360 Express.
T-Rex Glamping
Did you know you can sleep amongst dinosaurs right here in Dubai? And no, we don’t mean up in a tree with a brachiosaurus waking you up (although, that would be cool). We mean, the Trex Glamping spot at Dubai Parks & Resorts. It’s an all-new glamping experience, the first of its kind retreat and unlike anything else in the region.
The escape invites explorers and dinosaur enthusiasts to stay in a luxury-meets-prehistoric-adventure setting. Tents are based on different prehistoric eras, from Triassic Megapods to T-REX Terahavens. Opt for the Signature Jurassic Tents, which include garden views and BBQs, or the Premium Tent with private pools and added luxuries.
Besides taking photos with the animatronic dinosaurs, little ones can dig and discover hidden fossils at the Excavation Site, watch the past come alive at the Lava Watchpoint, or swim in the Dinosaur Footprint Pool. Post sunset, you can watch a movie under the stars while the little ones enjoy playtime at the dedicated Kids’ Academy. For meals, dine at the dino-themed Roaring Dinosaur Café and Splashing Raptor pool bar.
Note: T-Rex Glamping is currently closed but stay tuned to their social media for opening annoucements.
Location: Dubai Parks and Resorts, Sheikh Zayed Road, Saih Shuaib 1
Cost: Prices start from Dhs360 for one night per room
Contact: (800) 2629464, dubaiparksandresorts.com
DINE
T-Rex Adventure Cafe
Located not too far away from the T-Rex Glamping site, you will find Dubai’s first dinosaur-themed restaurant at Riverland Dubai. Outside, you will spot dinos perched on the roof, while inside, raptors are hiding between tables. Pair it with plenty of hanging vines and you’ll feel like you’ve teleported back in time. You can even dine al fresco by the river. On the menu, you’ll also find popular dishes named after dinosaurs, including Caesar saladasaurs, nachosaurus, dino wings, veloci-velvet cheesecake and much more. Oh, and no. Your eyes aren’t deceiving you – the chef is a T-Rex with tiny arms. He’s called Rex.
Location: Dubai Parks and Resorts, Sheikh Zayed Road, Saih Shuaib 1
Date/Time: Daily 10am to 11pm
Contact: (800) 2629464, dubaiparksandresorts.com
Images: Supplied
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