You Can Now Name a T Rex & a Blue Whale in Abu Dhabi

Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi has launched a public competition inviting people to name two of its most significant specimens, with the winning names to be displayed permanently alongside them.

The specimens include a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton considered among the five most complete ever discovered and a 25-metre blue whale, the largest animal species known to have lived. This is the second male T. Rex skeleton, displayed alongside Stan, while the female blue whale washed ashore on Canada's east coast in 2021.

The names will be used by scientists, tourists and school groups for generations and will also feature in educational materials produced by the museum.

Participants are encouraged to approach the task as a scientist, storyteller and historian, with original names that reflect the significance of the specimens. Names that translate well between Arabic and English and carry meaning in both languages are particularly encouraged.

Entries are currently open until October 25th. There is no limit to the number of names that each participant can submit, and entries can be made for either specimen or both.

To enter, participants must visit the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi website and select the “Name two giants. Your chance to make history” icon, then choose “submit a name” for the T. Rex, blue whale or both. Entrants must provide their proposed name and explain the reasoning behind it, before submitting their name, phone number, email address and nationality.

A jury comprising experts from the museum and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi will assess the entries, with the winning names set to be announced in November. Each winner will receive a commemorative prize from the museum.