His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, unveiled plans for Dubai Museum of Art (DUMA), a project to be developed by the Al-Futtaim Group.
Sheikh Mohammed reviewed the museum’s distinctive design by acclaimed Japanese architect Tadao Ando, known for his use of light, spaces and geometry, and the DUMA will be no exception. The five-story building will appear to float on Dubai Creek.
His Highness commented: “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.
“Dubai has become a destination of choice for creatives from around the world, home to communities and industries working together to accelerate the growth of the creative economy. This new cultural landmark advances our strategic goal to position Dubai as a global hub for creativity and culture, and cements its place on the modern art map.
“The Dubai Museum of Art showcases the power of public-private partnerships to spark bold ideas, deliver projects that exceed expectations, and create world-class landmarks worthy of Dubai. We thank Al-Futtaim for their efforts to bring this monument to life and for their contribution to Dubai’s cultural ecosystem.”
Distinct design
Later, Sheikh Mohammad wrote on his x post: “Today, we witnessed the launch of a new iconic landmark in Dubai, a museum that floats above the waters of Dubai Creek to enhance its brilliance, and to reflect Dubai’s civilisational spirit and serve as a mirror to its culture and arts, and to add a new diversity to its landmarks and the canvas of its architectural beauty.”
Ando, a 1995 Pritzker Architecture Prize laureate – widely regarded as the Nobel Prize for Architecture – is one of the world’s most celebrated and influential architects, known for his minimalist concrete structures that harmonise with nature through masterful use of light, shadow, and spatial balance.
Among Ando’s notable projects are Japan’s Chichu Art Museum, the Bourse de Commerce in Paris, France, and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth in Texas, USA.
The Dubai Museum of Art (DUMA) will feature a captivating, one-of-a-kind architectural design. It blends the essence of deep-rooted local culture with modern architecture and emphasises the key qualities of symbolic meaning, human-centred dimensions, dynamic purpose, and strong appeal to artists and art enthusiasts, offering a sensory experience that transcends the confines of physical space.
Rising five stories above the water, the museum will feature adaptable exhibition galleries across the first and second floors, a restaurant and VIP lounge on the third floor, as well as ground and basement levels.
Beyond exhibitions, the museum will host artist talks, panel discussions, educational programmes, and art fairs. Purpose-built event spaces will enable a curated calendar of cultural programming that fosters learning, dialogue, and creative innovation.
Al-Futtaim Group promise
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 Arts 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.
“We are especially proud to have entrusted the design of DUMA to the world-renowned architect Tadao Ando, whose architecture speaks the language of light, silence, and soul. In Dubai, his vision for the Museum of Art will stand as a serene dialogue between nature, water, and the human spirit, a masterpiece of restraint and emotion that embodies both ingenuity and timeless elegance, perfectly capturing the depth of his philosophy.
“The Al-Futtaim Group remains dedicated to delivering this landmark with excellence, reflecting our enduring commitment to sustainability and the cultural sector’s vital role in shaping inclusive progress.”
The architecture is inspired by the sea and the pearl, symbols of Dubai’s heritage and spirit. The museum’s curved shell encloses a circular exhibition hall. A central cylindrical opening allows natural light to cascade through the structure, evoking the gentle shimmer of a pearl.
DUMA is envisioned as a global platform for both emerging and established artists, and a source of inspiration for visitors from around the world. Its collection will showcase a diverse selection of modern and contemporary art.
To deepen its educational impact, the museum will include a library and study rooms, as well as world-class training programmes designed to nurture future generations of creative leaders.
The launch event was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee; Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and His Excellency Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, among many other dignitaries.
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