Abu Dhabi Announces New Performing Arts Center to Open in 2030
Frank Gehry-designed Dar Al Funoon will expand Abu Dhabi’s cultural scene with a major new performing arts centre by 2030.
Abu Dhabi has unveiled plans for a major new performing arts centre designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, set to open on Saadiyat Island in 2030. The project, named Dar Al Funoon Abu Dhabi (House of Arts), represents a significant expansion of the emirate's cultural infrastructure.
A Permanent Home for Performance
Dar Al Funoon will be developed by the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) and positioned next to the existing Saadiyat Cultural District. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, witnessed the project's launch and reviewed its plans, development phases, construction progress and technical capabilities.
"The venue is designed to support a wide variety of disciplines, from opera, ballet and theatre to orchestral concerts, musicals, festivals, cultural events and more intimate performances," according to official statements.
Scale and Facilities
The complex will include multiple performance spaces:
- Main multipurpose hall: Over 2,000 seats with acoustics designed for major productions and an orchestra pit capable of holding up to 120 musicians
- Outdoor amphitheatre: 3,500 seats for large-scale events and festivals
- Studio theatre: 400 seats for experimental and community productions
- Jazz venue: 250 seats for intimate, genre-focused performances
Supporting facilities will feature approximately 5,000 square metres of food and beverage and retail space, along with a rooftop terrace for special events.
"Dar Al Funoon Abu Dhabi will be a permanent home for performance, bringing together leading artists, companies and creative talent from the UAE, the region and across the world," said Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi.
Architectural Vision
The building was designed by Frank Gehry, one of the world's most influential architects, whose design is inspired by the rhythms of the local landscape and the movement of wind and water. Gehry, who died in December 2025 at age 96, is also the architect behind Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, another major cultural project on Saadiyat Island. His other notable works include the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and the Foundation Louis Vuitton in Paris.
Venue staff will offer year-round programming planned as a permanent home for major live productions. The facility will also support long-term artistic residencies, international touring partnerships and co-productions with performing arts institutions around the world.
Expanding Abu Dhabi's Cultural Landscape
The performing arts project is expected to broaden Abu Dhabi's capacity to host major international productions while supporting the development of local and regional talent. This comes as Abu Dhabi holds UNESCO Creative City of Music status, which the emirate has held since 2021.
The performing arts project adds to the broader cultural landscape developing on and around Saadiyat. Louvre Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum are already open, while Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is expected to welcome visitors later this year.
Authorities said the venue was intended to strengthen the emirate's position as a centre for the performing arts and provide permanent infrastructure for its wider cultural ambitions.