Dubai is known for its many attractions, the tallest skyscrapers, and luxury shopping. But buried within Dubai Mall is one of the most intriguing historic jewels that the Dubai has to offer: Dubai Dino. Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in Earth’s prehistoric past in this gigantic dinosaur fossil.
Dubai Dino is a unique experience as it combines science, history, and entertainment, in a place that is one of the world’s busiest shopping destinations, unlike many dinosaur skeletons in museums, Dubai Dino is not only a unique experience but it is also a very educational one.
What Is Dubai Dino?
The fossilised skeleton of a diplodocus longus is known as Dubai Dino, a giant plant-eating dinosaur of the Late Jurassic Period. With a length of about 24.4 metres (80 feet) and a height of almost 7.6 metres (25 feet), it instantly catches the eye of visitors when entering the Grand Atrium at Dubai Mall.
This fossil is so amazing due to its authenticity. It is one of the most complete finds of a Diplodocus discovered, with over 90% of the skeleton remaining original fossilised bones.
Dubai Dino at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Name | Dubai Dino |
| Species | Diplodocus longus |
| Age | Approximately 155 million years |
| Period | Late Jurassic |
| Length | About 24.4 metres (80 feet) |
| Height | Around 7.6 metres (25 feet) |
| Diet | Herbivore (Plant-eater) |
| Discovery Location | Dana Quarry, Wyoming, USA |
| Discovered | 2008 |
| Displayed in Dubai | Since 2014 |
| Location | Grand Atrium, Dubai Mall |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Original Bones | Over 90% of the skeleton |
| Best For | Families, students, tourists, and dinosaur enthusiasts |
The Story Behind Dubai Dino
It was discovered in the Dana Quarry in Wyoming, USA in 2008 and its journey began there. The skeleton was carefully excavated, preserved and transported over the years before being officially unveiled in 2014 at Dubai Mall. It is now one of the most photographed and admired places in Dubai since then.
Where Can You Find Dubai Dino?
Dubai Dino is suspended above visitors in the impressive Grand Atrium of Dubai Mall. It’s located in the middle of the mall, is easily accessible during mall tours, and there is no entrance charge to view it.
From shopping to dining, or even for nearby attractions, a visit to Dubai Dino is convenient and worthwhile.
The Discovery of Dubai Dino
Dubai Dino is a small, 15-meter-long dinosaur that was originally found in the Dana Quarry, Wyoming, USA in 2008. Paleontologists were amazed by its excellent condition, with more than 90% of the original bones preserved. The fossil has been carefully excavated and restored, and is now on display at Dubai Mall since 2014.
The Dinosaur Behind the Fossil
Dubai Dino is a Diplodocus longus, a giant herbivorous dinosaur that was around 155 million years ago. It was long legged for reaching vegetation and had a whip-like tail that it may have used for defense. Although very large, it fed on plants.
Why Is Dubai Dino So Famous?
Dubai Dino is famous due to being one of the most complete dinosaur skeletons in the world. The majority of fossils have replica bones, but this fossil has over 90% of the original skeleton. It also features in Dubai Mall, making it one of the only di-nosaur fossils that can be viewed by millions of people without entering a museum.
Why It Is Displayed in Dubai Mall
Dubai Dino is not kept in a normal museum, but is housed within Dubai Mall to be seen by millions of visitors each year. The exhibit will be open to visitors free of charge and is one of Dubai’s most accessible educational attractions.
A Great Learning Experience
Dubai Dino educates visitors on dinosaurs, fossils and the prehistoric history of the Earth. Interesting display panels describe the discovery of the fossil and the information that has been gained from studying it, and this is an enjoyable experience for everyone – children and adults.
Interesting Facts About Dubai Dino
These are some interesting facts:
- Its life span was in the Late Jurassic Period.
- Diplyodocus dinosaurs were plant eaters.
- They could be taller than many of today’s buildings.
- They had long necks so that they could eat the tall plants.
- They had whip-like tails which may have been used for defense.
- The fossil had to be carefully excavated and prepared for months before being shipped to Dubai.
Photography and Visitor Experience
The large size of the dinosaur makes it a great place to photograph in Dubai Mall. It can be seen from several levels of the mall, providing different views and plenty of photo opportunities all day long.
If you’re looking for less crowds and better views, then you should try visiting in the morning or early afternoon on weekdays.
Nearby Attractions Worth Visiting
Dubai Dino is within Dubai Mall and so visitors can easily visit a number of world famous attractions. Planning a full day of sightseeing is easy as all the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain and KidZania are within walking distance.
Why You Should Visit Dubai Dino
Dubai Dino is not only a fossil, it’s a history, science and tourism all in one. This extraordinary exhibit is sure to be a memorable experience, and it’s free to enter, whether you’re travelling with family, interested in dinosaurs or just exploring Dubai Mall.
Tips for Visitors
To get the best from your trip:
- Refrain from traveling during peak hours.
- Take a camera to take wide angle photos.
- Read the educational display panels on the exhibit.
- Make it a day of sightseeing, near and far.
- Leave about 20 – 30 minutes to take in the exhibit.
Final Thoughts
Dubai Dino demonstrates that Dubai has much more to offer than luxurious shopping and modern architecture. As one of the city’s most unusual attractions, this amazing fossil brings visitors back a million years to a time before humans. Dubai Dino is a landmark that should be a part of every Dubai itinerary, regardless if you have a penchant for history, a family to visit, or are just curious about dinosaurs.
FAQs
Was Dubai Dino a real dinosaur skeleton?
Yes. It is one of the most complete Diplodocus fossils in the world with more than 90% of the skeleton being original fossilised bones.
What is the now age of Dubai Dino?
Dubai Dino was believed to have lived around 155 million years ago in the Late Jurassic Period.
Can visitors to Dubai go for a dino ride?
Yes. Dubai Dino is available to be viewed by anyone at Dubai Mall, and it is free and will be available during the mall’s hours.
How do I spend my time in Dubai Dino?
The average visitor takes about 20-30 minutes to see the fossil and read the information panels and take photographs.
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