Abu Dhabi is set to expand its cultural landscape with Dar al Funoon (House of the Arts), a landmark performing arts institution designed by the late architect Frank Gehry. Commissioned by the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, the project is among Gehry’s final architectural works and is scheduled to welcome visitors in 2030.
Positioned on Saadiyat Island, the Emirate’s internationally recognized cultural district, Dar al Funoon has been conceived as a year-round destination dedicated to the performing arts. The venue is expected to present a continuous calendar of performances, exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural events throughout the year, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s ambition to establish itself as a leading global arts destination.
The new institution will provide permanent spaces for opera, ballet, theatre, orchestral performances, and multidisciplinary productions, accommodating both large-scale international spectacles and more intimate artistic experiences. Its programming aims to bring together acclaimed performers alongside emerging talent from the Middle East and across the world, fostering cultural exchange through diverse artistic expressions.
Beyond its role as a performance venue, Dar al Funoon is envisioned as a creative incubator supporting artist residencies, international touring productions, collaborative commissions, and long-term partnerships with cultural organizations worldwide. The institution is intended to encourage innovation in the performing arts while creating opportunities for dialogue between regional and global creative communities.
The project further strengthens Frank Gehry’s architectural legacy in Abu Dhabi, complementing the forthcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island. Together, these cultural institutions reflect the emirate’s sustained investment in arts and culture following its designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Music in 2021.
When completed, Dar al Funoon is expected to become both an architectural landmark and a vibrant cultural platform, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as one of the region’s foremost destinations for contemporary arts, performance, and international cultural collaboration.
Pic Courtesy: Dept of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi
