Imagine, if you will, a world ruled by giants. Right here in Dubai Mall’s Grand Atrium stands a testament to that era: DubaiDino.
This isn’t just any skeleton. DubaiDino is a 155-million-year-old Diplodocus longus. She hails from the late Jurassic period. Her bones tell a silent story of a world vastly different from our own.
Let’s journey back to 2008. Paleontologists unearthed DubaiDino in Dana Quarry, Wyoming. Picture the scene: dusty earth yielding the secrets of a prehistoric giant. It was an extraordinary find. Nearly 90 percent of her bones were intact. Most Diplodocus finds only have around 30 percent.
Consider her size for a moment. DubaiDino stretches almost 25 meters long. She towers at nearly eight meters high. This makes her as long as five cars bumper to bumper. She’s as tall as five people stacked on top of each other. Imagine this gentle giant lumbering through ancient forests. She weighed as much as five elephants.
But why Dubai? Emaar, the Dubai-based developer, recognized the educational and awe-inspiring value of this exhibit. They brought DubaiDino to the heart of Dubai Mall. The unveiling drew crowds eager to witness this marvel.
Fun fact: DubaiDino’s tail bones show signs of injury. Experts believe this might be from a predator’s bite or a battle. This detail adds a layer of intrigue to her story. It hints at the challenges she faced in her ancient world.
Quickly, a contest arose to name this incredible specimen. Over 6,000 entries flooded in using the hashtag #NameTDMDino. The winner was Johara Al Bayedh. She named this amazing creature DubaiDino. Her prize? A trip for four to Jurassic Park at Universal Studios in Orlando.
Consider the effort it took to assemble this exhibit. Paleontologists carefully pieced together DubaiDino’s skeleton. They ensured every bone was in its correct position. This allows for an accurate representation of her original form. She is the first sauropod skeleton to be mounted upright.
The exhibit is more than just a display. It’s an educational experience. Touch-screen monitors provide information about DubaiDino’s life. Volunteers share insights about the Diplodocus longus species.
DubaiDino stands as a unique attraction. She bridges the gap between the ancient world and modern life. She inspires imagination and a sense of wonder. As you stand before her, consider the vastness of time. Think about the creatures that roamed the Earth millions of years ago. DubaiDino is real.