Abu Dhabi has announced plans to build Dar al Funoon Abu Dhabi, a major new performing arts center that will become part of the emirate’s growing cultural district on Saadiyat Island. The landmark venue is expected to open in 2030 and will host world-class performances, artistic collaborations, and cultural events.
The new center has been designed by the late Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry, whose work is known around the world for its bold shapes and innovative designs. Newly released images of the project show flowing forms and curved structures that reflect Gehry’s distinctive architectural style.
Dar al Funoon Abu Dhabi will join several internationally recognized cultural institutions on Saadiyat Island. The district already includes the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum, the National History Museum Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, another Gehry-designed project that is nearing completion.
Officials said the new venue has been designed to encourage openness and cultural exchange. Its transparent exterior will allow visitors to see activity inside the building, creating a stronger connection between performances and the public.
The performing arts center will include a large multipurpose performance hall, an open-air amphitheater, a theater studio, and a dedicated jazz venue. Together, these spaces will provide seating for more than 6,000 people, making it one of the region’s largest performing arts destinations.
The venue will host a wide variety of performances, including opera, ballet, theater productions, concerts, and other live entertainment. Organizers expect the center to attract leading artists and performing companies from the UAE and around the world.
Officials also plan to support artistic development through residency programs, international partnerships, educational activities, and creative collaborations. These initiatives are designed to help local talent grow while encouraging cultural exchange with artists from different countries.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said the new center will become a permanent home for high-quality performing arts. He said it will bring together artists, performers, and creative professionals from the UAE, the wider region, and international communities.
He added that the project will create new opportunities for artistic cooperation, inspire future generations of creative talent, and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a global center for culture and innovation.
The announcement reflects Abu Dhabi’s continued investment in arts, culture, and tourism. Over the past several years, the emirate has expanded its collection of museums, galleries, and cultural landmarks as part of a long-term strategy to attract visitors and support the creative economy.
Saadiyat Island has become the centerpiece of that vision, bringing together internationally recognized institutions in one cultural destination. The addition of Dar al Funoon Abu Dhabi is expected to further enhance the area’s global profile.
Construction of the new performing arts center will continue over the coming years ahead of its planned opening in 2030. Once completed, Dar al Funoon Abu Dhabi is expected to become a major destination for live performances, artistic collaboration, and cultural exchange, reinforcing the UAE’s growing role in the international arts community.
