Abu Dhabi to build new Frank Gehry-designed cultural landmark

Abu Dhabi is planning a new performing arts venue designed by acclaimed architect Frank Gehry in Saadiyat Cultural District. Scheduled to open in 2030, Dar al Funoon Abu Dhabi (House of the Arts) will become one of the region’s largest and most technologically advanced performing arts venues.

Commissioned by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the development will feature a 2,000-seat performance hall, a 3,500-seat open-air amphitheater, a 400-seat studio theatre and a 250-seat jazz venue, with capacity for more than 6,000 guests. The venue will host year-round programmes spanning opera, ballet, theatre and other live performances.

Dar al Funoon Abu Dhabi aims to strengthen the emirate’s cultural ecosystem through residencies, international partnerships and co-productions with leading institutions. The venue will also support the next generation of Emirati and regional creative talent. 

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Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Dar al Funoon Abu Dhabi reflects the emirate’s long-term investment in artistic expression and will strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a global centre for creativity, cultural exchange and world-class performances.”

The project forms part of the continued expansion of Saadiyat Cultural District, alongside Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, another Gehry-designed landmark set to become the world’s largest Guggenheim museum when it opens in 2026. The district is also home to Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi.

The announcement follows growing international recognition for Abu Dhabi’s cultural sector after Zayed National Museum was named among the World’s Most Beautiful Museums in the 2026 Prix Versailles awards unveiled at the Unesco Headquarters in Paris.

For more information, visit www.dct.gov.ae