A 'Modern-Day Noah’s Ark’: Colossal Biosciences and UAE Unveil Ambitious BioVault Project to Preserve Life

For decades, headlines have warned about endangered species being on the brink of disappearing from the world forever. Sadly, many animals appeared to suffer that fate. However, a newly announced BioVault project could help make animal extinction a thing of the past.

Colossal Biosciences and the UAE Launch Landmark BioVault and Lab Project at Dubai’s Museum of the Future

On February 3, 2026, Forbes reported on a new partnership between Colossal Biosciences, and the United Arab Emirates to launch a BioVault and lab. The project is planned to come to life at Dubai's Museum Of The Future and has been likened to "a modern-day Noah's ark" by Colossal Biosciences CEO Ben Lamm.

Announced by the Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the facility is envisioned as the first in a global network of BioVaults. The Forbes article states that the UAE has provided major funding for the project as part of the partnership

Colossal Biosciences is dedicated to bringing animals back from extinction. Supported by the likes of Tom Brady, Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Tiger Woods, Tony Robbins, Paris Hilton, and the Hemsworth brothers, the company has now taken a major step forward. By making plans to protect the cells of the very animals it aims to revive, it has put itself in a position to make de-extinction potentially possible on a grand scale.

While the facility is currently in the planning stages, a Colossal Biosciences news release outlines how animal DNA preservation will begin and the project's ultimate goal. The Dubai facility will "house millions of samples representing more than 10,000 species, with initial focus on the 100 most imperiled species not currently banked elsewhere."

'A True Backup Plan for Life on Earth': What Colossal and UAE Leaders Are Saying

For anyone interested in science or animal preservation, learning about the BioVault project is fascinating. Still, the Forbes article included powerful quotes from key figures that highlight the ambitious scope of what they intend to accomplish. For example, Colossal Biosciences CEO Ben Lamm explained that the project hopes to create a "backup plan for life on Earth."

“Through this visionary partnership, Colossal has the opportunity to expand into a critical region and advance our mission on a global scale. We are losing species at an alarming rate, and the world urgently needs a distributed network of global BioVaults—a true backup plan for life on Earth. Today’s biobanking efforts are underfunded, fragmented, and often inaccessible, lacking the collaboration and international support that this crisis demands.”

Similarly, the Museum of the Future’s executive director, Majed Al Mansoori, highlighted the project's goals and first-year focus.

“I believe the future belongs to those who harness technology and innovation to address our greatest challenges. By working with Colossal Biosciences, leaders in synthetic biology and conservation, we are taking a bold step to advance science that safeguards our planet, restores ecosystems, and builds a sustainable legacy for future generations. In its first year, the initiative will prioritize fieldwork and DNA research across species, laying the scientific groundwork for future biodiversity protection and conservation."