I was honoured to make a presentation at ICOM 2025 Dubai in the NATHIST committee session held on Saturday 15 November 2025 at the Terra Pavilion at Dubai Expo City.

This was in a session entitled – Traditional Ecological Knowledge in Museums: Challenges and Ethics in Exhibiting Living Knowledge Systems, moderated by Phaedra Fang (Secretary of ICOM NATHIST) in Session 2 from 14:00 – 14:30 PM.

The presentation was entitled:

Abu Dhabi 7 million years ago – the making of a new gallery at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi

The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi has curated an exceptional gallery dedicated to the Late Miocene fossils discovered in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi emirate in the United Arab Emirates. This gallery is a significant scientific and cultural endeavour, showcasing fossils that date back approximately 7 million years. The exhibition provides a comprehensive insight into the prehistoric biodiversity of the region, highlighting the rich palaeontological heritage of Abu Dhabi. The gallery features an extensive collection of Late Miocene fossils, meticulously collected and documented from the Al Dhafra region. Some of these fossil sites were first discovered by the local Bedouin communities, who kindly shared their knowledge. These sites offer invaluable insights into the fauna and flora that once thrived here. The museum has incorporated highly detailed, scientifically accurate reconstructed models of the animals that existed during this period. These models are crafted to provide visitors with a vivid and immersive understanding of the prehistoric ecosystem. The gallery serves as an educational platform, offering visitors the opportunity to learn about the evolutionary history and environmental changes that have shaped the region over millions of years. The Baynunah Formation is unique within the Arabian Peninsula due to its rich assemblage of Late Miocene fossils. This formation is particularly significant as it is one of the few sites in the Arabian Peninsula where such a diverse range of terrestrial vertebrate fossils has been discovered, offering a rare glimpse into the ancient biodiversity of the area.

Full name of authors: Mark Jonathan Beech¹ and Luca Bellucci²

Museum/Organisation:  Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi

Position: Acting Head – Geoscience¹ and Curator – Geoscience²

Mark Jonathan Beech¹
Dr. Mark Jonathan Beech is a distinguished palaeontologist and archaeologist known for his extensive work in the United Arab Emirates, particularly in the field of Late Miocene palaeontology, prehistoric archaeology and environmental archaeology. He serves as Acting Head of Geoscience at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi at the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi. Dr. Beech specializes in the study of ancient environments and human interactions with them, with a particular emphasis on the Arabian Peninsula’s palaeontological and archaeological record.

Luca Bellucci²
Dr Luca Bellucci is a noted paleontologist recognised for his contributions to the study of ancient life and ecosystems. He serves as Curator of Geoscience at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi. Dr Bellucci is involved in research that enhances the understanding of prehistoric life, focusing on fossil records and their implications for evolutionary biology.

---

Last updated: 15 November 2025:  15:00 PM (GST Gulf Standard Time)