Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi is inviting the public to play a unique role in the story of two of its most remarkable exhibits by helping choose names for its Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton and 25-metre blue whale skeleton. Following an enthusiastic response from the community, the museum has now extended the deadline for its “Name Two Giants. Your Chance to Make History.” competition until midnight on 1 November 2026, giving participants additional time to submit their suggestions.
Memorable Rewards
The judging panel comprises experts from the Natural History Museum and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, who will assess the suggested names. The winners, whose names will be announced later this year, will receive a commemorative prize from the museum, along with the honour of having their chosen names displayed permanently alongside the two skeletons.
Inspiring Imagination
Judith McAllister, Acting Curator at the Natural History Museum – Abu Dhabi, emphasised the significance of names, stating that they carry meaning and can inspire imagination while enhancing our connection to the natural world. She clarified that the scientific identities of the Tyrannosaurus rex and the blue whale are already established. By hosting the “Share with Us the Name, and Be Part of a Special Moment” competition, the museum aimed to encourage the public to propose unique names that would help visitors identify and remember the specimens, fostering a deeper link to their stories.
“When we hosted Donald Johanson, the discoverer of the ‘Lucy’ fossil, at the Natural History Museum earlier this year, he spoke about the role her name played in bringing this extraordinary fossil closer to the public. The name ‘Lucy’ does not replace her scientific identity but provides people with another way to connect personally with her,” McAllister noted. “We hope to forge such a connection with the museum’s giants, encouraging visitors to look beyond their massive skeletons and imagine the lives these remarkable creatures once led.”
Scientific Naming
The practice of naming organisms with established scientific names is a crucial aspect of the scientific discovery process. Abu Dhabi has made its mark in the scientific record through fossils discovered within the emirate, which the museum showcases, including Abudhabia baynunensis, a type of extinct rodent found in the Baynunah Geological Formation and dating back approximately 7 to 8 million years, and Hipparion abudhabiense, a type of three-toed extinct horse that roamed the ancient meadows of the region, as well as Stegotetrabelodon emiratus, a four-tusked elephant.
The Museum’s Legacy
Judith McAllister reiterated that the names chosen for the Tyrannosaurus rex and blue whale skeletons will become part of the museum’s legacy, enhancing the experiences of visitors from the UAE and around the globe. By participating in this competition, the public contributes to crafting narratives that extend beyond the museum itself, enriching our shared natural heritage.