United Arab Emirates
Creating a new luxury destination for Dubai, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab
Contact
AZ
Asim Zafar
Associate Director
Project overview
A spotlight on the natural world
Conceived and developed by the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT) in partnership with Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi features some of Earth’s rarest natural history specimens. Covering an area of more than 35,000 sqm and located in Saadiyat Cultural District, the museum joins the global community of leading natural history museums committed to public education and scientific study. The museum officially opened to the public on 20 November 2025.
The facility features a diverse range of galleries and exhibition areas, exploring the history of the universe and the story of life on Earth. Amongst its highlights is the Murchison meteorite, estimated to be 7 billion years old, and a world-famous 67-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus rex specimen.
Beyond exhibitions, the institute includes state-of-the-art research laboratories, establishing a regional hub for scientific study and education.
The museum was one of a number of projects driving Saadiyat Vision 2025, which aimed to grow the city’s domestic, regional and global visitor numbers and develop its tourism ecosystem.
Project story
Delivering cost control and management
We provided pre- and post-contract cost management services for the project. The works 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 collaborated with global and regional stakeholders to successfully bring the iconic and high-profile museum project to life. We accommodated project complexities such as continuous design changes and procured and managed numerous highly specialist packages in which commercial risk management was a priority. We also oversaw 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.
Sustainability considerations were embedded throughout the design and construction approach, with a strong emphasis on energy efficiency and environmental impact, reflecting the project’s commitment to responsible and future-focused delivery.
“Turner & Townsend’s diligent monitoring and attention to detail have contributed to effective cost management throughout. Your collaboration with other team members has played a significant role in managing key cost risks and the overall progress of the project.”
Anan Hawash,
Associate Director Project Controls
Miral
related
You might also be interested in these projects
Get our latest insights direct to your inbox
Sign up for our quarterly newsletter - trends, market intelligence and expert perspectives.
Get our latest insights direct to your inbox
Sign up for our quarterly newsletter - trends, market intelligence and expert perspectives.