Construction has officially begun on Dar al Funoon Abu Dhabi, a major new performing arts center designed by the late architect Frank Gehry. The landmark project is expected to open in 2030 and will become one of the largest cultural venues in the United Arab Emirates.
Dar al Funoon, which means “House of the Arts,” has been commissioned by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism. The center is planned as a global destination for music, theatre, opera, ballet, and other live performances. It is also one of the final projects designed by Gehry, whose work has shaped some of the world’s most famous cultural buildings.
The new venue will stand on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi’s growing cultural district. The island is already home to several museums and cultural institutions and continues to develop as an international center for art, culture, and education.
Officials expect Dar al Funoon to host events throughout the year. The center is planned to operate 365 days and nights with performances, festivals, exhibitions, workshops, and community programs for visitors of all ages.
The venue will welcome both internationally known performers and emerging artists from the Middle East and around the world. Organizers say the goal is to create a place where different cultures can meet through music, dance, theatre, and creative expression.
The center will also support long-term artistic residencies, international touring productions, and partnerships with leading arts organizations. These programs are expected to encourage cultural exchange and create opportunities for artists to develop new work in Abu Dhabi.
Gehry designed the building as a flexible performing arts complex that can host productions of different sizes. The largest indoor performance hall will seat more than 2,000 people and will be suitable for opera, orchestral concerts, musicals, and major theatre productions.
An outdoor amphitheatre with seating for 3,500 guests will provide space for large concerts, festivals, and public performances. The open-air venue is expected to become one of the center’s main attractions.
The complex will also include a 400-seat studio theatre designed for experimental productions, educational programs, and community performances. A separate 250-seat jazz venue will offer a more intimate setting for live music and smaller performances.
Together, the different venues will provide seating for more than 6,000 people across the entire complex. Each performance space will feature advanced acoustic systems to deliver high-quality sound for audiences and performers.
The main performance hall will also include an orchestra pit that can accommodate up to 120 musicians. This feature will allow the center to stage large opera productions, symphony concerts, and ballet performances with full orchestras.
Visitors will also have access to restaurants, cafés, retail stores, and public gathering areas throughout the complex. A rooftop terrace will provide additional space for special events, receptions, and cultural programs while offering views of Saadiyat Island.
Dar al Funoon adds to Frank Gehry’s growing architectural legacy in Abu Dhabi. The renowned architect also designed the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, another major cultural project currently under development on Saadiyat Island.
Abu Dhabi has continued to invest in arts and culture over the past several years. The city was named a UNESCO Creative City of Music in 2021, recognizing its commitment to supporting music, creativity, and cultural development.
Officials believe Dar al Funoon will strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a global cultural destination by attracting artists, performers, and visitors from around the world. Once completed, the center is expected to become a landmark for performing arts and a major gathering place for cultural events across the region.
Construction is now underway, with the project moving toward its planned opening in 2030 as one of the most significant new performing arts venues in the Middle East.
