Dubai Museum of Art: Sheikh Mohammed unveils city’s new cultural landmark
Visionary architect Tadao Ando merges light, silence, and soul in form
DUBAI – His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has unveiled the Dubai Museum of Art (DUMA), a landmark development by the Al-Futtaim Group that will redefine the city’s cultural landscape.
The project, designed by the globally acclaimed Japanese architect Tadao Ando, represents Dubai’s latest step towards solidifying its reputation as a global centre for creativity, culture, and innovation.
شهدنا اليوم إطلاق معلم أيقوني جديد في دبي .. " متحف دبي للفنون" .. متحف يطفو فوق مياه خور دبي ليزيد من تألقها .. وليعكس روح دبي الحضارية ويكون مرآة لثقافتها وفنونها .. ويضيف تنوعاً جديداً في معالمها ولوحة جمالها المعمارية .
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) October 25, 2025
تقديرنا وشكرنا للأخ عبدالله الفطيم وابنه عمر الفطيم… pic.twitter.com/1cNjaK6W2V
Speaking at the unveiling, the Dubai Ruler said: “Culture and art are the soul of a city and a lens through which its progress is seen. They reflect its vision and the depth of its humanitarian mission. The Dubai Museum of Art will be a new beacon for the city, enhancing its arts scene and further strengthening its global cultural status.”
HH Sheikh Mohammed added that Dubai has become a home for artists, innovators, and creative communities worldwide, describing DUMA as a model of public-private collaboration that exemplifies Dubai’s spirit of ambition and partnership. “We thank Al-Futtaim for their efforts to bring this monument to life and for their contribution to Dubai’s cultural ecosystem,” he said.
The unveiling was attended by several dignitaries, including Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee, and Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, alongside senior ministers and business leaders.
Dubai Museum of Art
The Dubai Museum of Art will be developed by the Al-Futtaim Group on the waters of Dubai Creek, blending deep-rooted Emirati culture with contemporary design. The architectural concept by Tadao Ando combines symbolic meaning with human-centred dimensions, offering a sensory experience that transcends the confines of physical space.
Rising five storeys above the water, the museum’s structure will include flexible exhibition galleries on the first and second floors, while the third floor will feature a restaurant and a VIP lounge. The ground and basement levels will accommodate support and service facilities.
Beyond exhibitions, DUMA will host artist talks, panel discussions, and educational programmes, fostering creativity and cultural dialogue. Dedicated event spaces will support a rich calendar of art fairs, workshops, and collaborative initiatives, making it a hub for artistic exchange and innovation.
Inspired by the sea and the pearl, symbols of Dubai’s heritage, DUMA’s architectural design captures the emirate’s enduring connection to nature and discovery. The museum’s curved shell encloses a circular exhibition hall representing unity and continuity, while a central cylindrical opening allows natural light to cascade through the structure, mirroring the shimmer of a pearl.
The museum is envisioned as both a cultural symbol and a global platform for emerging and established artists. Its design embodies openness – inviting the world to experience Dubai’s creativity while encouraging collaboration across cultures.
Omar Al Futtaim, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Al-Futtaim Group, said: “It is an honour to be part of this exceptional cultural creation, which embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to position Dubai as a global hub for culture and creativity. For us, the Dubai Museum of Art is more than an architectural landmark; it is a cultural statement that reflects Dubai’s openness to creativity and affirms its role in connecting cultures and celebrating talent from around the world.”
He added that the Group is committed to delivering the project with excellence and sustainability, highlighting the cultural sector’s importance in shaping inclusive progress.
Who is behind the design?
The architectural mastermind behind DUMA, Tadao Ando, is one of the most influential figures in contemporary architecture. Known for his minimalist designs that harmonise with natural surroundings, Ando’s work often uses concrete, light, and space to evoke a sense of calm and contemplation.
A 1995 Pritzker Architecture Prize laureate – often described as the Nobel Prize of architecture – Ando’s portfolio includes the Chichu Art Museum in Japan, the Bourse de Commerce in Paris, and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth in Texas, USA. His design for the Dubai Museum of Art continues his signature dialogue between nature and structure, capturing what he describes as “the language of light, silence, and soul.”
In Dubai, Ando’s vision translates into a museum that stands as a serene dialogue between water, architecture, and the human spirit. The design embodies timeless elegance and restraint, perfectly aligned with Dubai’s pursuit of architectural excellence.
What will visitors experience?
The Dubai Museum of Art is designed to engage all senses, offering experiences that blend art, architecture, and emotion. Its exhibitions will showcase a diverse range of modern and contemporary works from both regional and international artists, curated to reflect Dubai’s spirit of innovation and inclusivity.
The museum’s programmes will include educational initiatives, artist residencies, and world-class training courses aimed at nurturing the next generation of creative leaders. A dedicated library and study spaces will serve as resources for researchers, students, and art enthusiasts seeking to deepen their knowledge.
Beyond its role as an exhibition space, DUMA is expected to serve as a catalyst for empathy, curiosity, and cross-cultural dialogue. It aims to bridge modern and contemporary artistic movements, positioning Dubai as a leading force on the global art map.
When will it open?
While the official completion date has not been announced, the Dubai Museum of Art will form a key part of the city’s long-term vision to strengthen its cultural infrastructure and expand its creative economy, projected to contribute Dh19 billion to Dubai’s GDP by 2026.
Once complete, DUMA will join other notable cultural landmarks such as Alserkal Avenue, Jameel Arts Centre, and the Etihad Museum in shaping the city’s artistic narrative. Its location on Dubai Creek – a site deeply connected to the city’s origins – further underlines its symbolic value as a bridge between past and future.