With a focus on exceptional specimens and immersive displays, the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi takes visitors on a journey from the beginning of the universe to the story of life on Earth and our shared planetary future.
KEY INFORMATION
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Date started: 2019
Completion date: 2025
Client type: cultural Institution
Main capabilities: cost and commercial management, procurement and supply chain
A spotlight on the natural world
Conceived and developed by the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) in partnership with Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi atures some of Earth’s rarest natural history specimens. Covering an area of more than 35,000 sqm and located in Saadiyat Cultural District, The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi is the largest museum of its kind in the Middle East and joins the global community of leading natural history museums committed to public education and scientific study.
The museum features a diverse range of galleries and exhibition areas taking visitors on a journey from the beginning of the universe to the story of life on Earth and our shared planetary future. Amongst its highlights includes the Murchison meteorite, estimated to be 7-billion years old, and a world-famous 67-million year-old Tyrannosaurus rex specimen.
Beyond exhibitions, the museum includes state-of-the-art research laboratories, establishing a regional hub for scientific study and education in fields including palaeontology, zoology, marine biology, molecular research and earth sciences.
The museum is one of a number of projects driving Saadiyat Vision 2025, which aims to grow the city’s domestic, regional and global visitor numbers and develop its tourism ecosystem.
Delivering cost control and management
We have been providing pre- and post-contract cost management services for the project since 2019. The work has included detailed cost estimation, tender evaluation, contractor and consultant billing, plus variation assessments. Ensuring the appointment of best-value suppliers and the most reputable contractors, we prepared tender documentation for 19 provisional sum packages.
We have collaborated with global and regional stakeholders to successfully bring the iconic and high-profile museum project to life. We ensured project complexities such as continuous design changes and have procured and managed numerous highly specialist packages, in which commercial risk management was a priority. We have also overseen claims and assessed variations for over 20 specialist sub-contractors which required meticulous co-ordination and dedication.
Encouraging sustainability through awareness
The museum is designed to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its commitment to public education, encouraging visitors to think about sustainability and the impact of human activities on the planet, as well as through their innovative research facility.
The facility focuses on areas including marine biology, earth sciences, zoology, palaeontology and molecular research. The research will contribute to conservation efforts, and it also aligns with the SDGs’ broader aims of fostering innovation and building sustainable communities.
The museum aims to achieve a LEED Gold rating and/or Estidama Pearl 2 rating. This reflects a high level of commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility in the design and construction of the museum.
Anan Hawash, Associate Director, Project Controls, Miral, said:
Turner & Townsend’s diligent monitoring and attention to detail have contributed to effective cost management throughout. Our collaboration with other team members has played a significant role in managing key cost risks and the overall progress of the project.
