Abu Dhabi Starts Construction of Dar al Funoon

Dar al Funoon to Expand Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Landscape

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced the start of construction on Dar al Funoon Abu Dhabi (House of the Arts), a new performing arts institution on Saadiyat Island. Scheduled to open in 2030, the project is part of the emirate’s continued investment in cultural infrastructure and creative development.

Dar al Funoon will serve as a venue for opera, ballet, theatre, music and other live performances, while also supporting artistic collaboration, cultural exchange and creative talent from the UAE and around the world.

Commenting on the project, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said the institution reflects Abu Dhabi’s long-term commitment to cultural development. He added that Dar al Funoon will provide a permanent home for performing arts, encourage international partnerships and artistic residencies, and create opportunities for local and regional talent to work alongside artists from across the world.

Located near the Saadiyat Cultural District, the venue has been designed by the late architect Frank Gehry. The building features a flowing architectural design inspired by movement and performance, with an open façade intended to connect visitors with the creative process.

The venue will include a performance hall with more than 2,000 seats, a 3,500-seat open-air amphitheatre, a 400-seat studio theatre and a 250-seat jazz venue, providing a combined capacity of more than 6,000 people. DCT Abu Dhabi plans to host performances, cultural programmes and activities throughout the year.

Dar al Funoon is also expected to support artistic residencies, touring productions and collaborations with performing arts organisations from around the world, while creating opportunities for regional artists.

The project forms part of its’s wider cultural strategy, which includes investments in arts, music and heritage. In addition to its cultural role, the institution is expected to contribute to tourism, job creation, skills development and the continued growth of the emirate’s creative economy.

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