The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced the construction of the Dar al Funoon Abu Dhabi (House of the Arts), a new performing arts center designed by the late Canadian American architect Frank Gehry. Located on Saadiyat Island, the venue is set to be completed in 2030.

Newly released renderings highlight Gehry’s signature architectural vocabulary of undulating forms and fluid geometries. The project advances alongside the architect’s Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, which is nearing completion, further consolidating the Saadiyat Cultural District. The area already includes the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum, the National History Museum Abu Dhabi, and teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi.

According to DCT Abu Dhabi, the building will feature a transparent façade allowing views into its interior spaces, a gesture described as reflecting the city’s “commitment to openness, engagement, and cultural exchange.” With its multipurpose performance hall, open-air amphitheater, theater studio, and jazz venue, the complex houses a combined capacity of over 6,000 seats. Programming is expected to span opera, ballet, theater, and other live performances. 

“Dar al Funoon Abu Dhabi will be a permanent home for performance at the highest international level, bringing together leading artists, companies, and creative talent from the UAE, the region, and across the world,” said Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, in a press statement. “Through artistic residencies, international partnerships, and world-class productions, it will expand opportunities for cultural exchange, inspire new generations of creatives, and further strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a global center for creativity, exchange, and artistic excellence.”

Joyce Lee is an editorial intern at ArtAsiaPacific.