Dar Al Funoon Abu Dhabi will open in Saadiyat Island’s Cultural District in 2030.
Designed by Frank Gehry, the House of the Arts will feature a flowing, fabric-like design.
The venue will include a 3,500-seat open-air amphitheatre, 400-seat studio theatre and 250-seat jazz venue.
Dar Al Funoon Abu Dhabi is set to become one of the region’s most advanced performing arts venues.
Abu Dhabi is rapidly cementing its reputation as one of the world’s leading cultural destinations. Home to a collection of world-class museums, galleries, and cultural institutions, the emirate continues to attract visitors seeking art, history, and innovation. Now, another landmark is set to transform the capital’s creative landscape: Dar Al Funoon Abu Dhabi, also known as the House of the Arts.
Officially announced in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Dar Al Funoon represents another major milestone in Abu Dhabi’s long-term cultural vision. Once complete, it will become one of the Middle East’s largest and most technologically advanced performing arts venues.
Dar Al Funoon Abu Dhabi will be located in Saadiyat Island’s Cultural District, joining some of the UAE’s most iconic cultural attractions. Neighbours include Louvre Abu Dhabi, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, and the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. Construction is already underway, with the House of the Arts scheduled to open in 2030.
Dar Al Funoon is designed by the late Frank Gehry, the world-renowned architect behind the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. Inspired by music and live performances, the building features a flowing, fabric-like design that makes it appear to be in motion. It will also have a transparent facade, giving visitors a glimpse inside. With its contemporary design, Dar Al Funoon is expected to become one of Abu Dhabi’s newest architectural icons.
Dar Al Funoon is set to be one of the region’s most technically advanced performing arts venues. The venue will feature a multipurpose 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. Altogether, its performance spaces will accommodate more than 6,000 guests, making it suitable for everything from intimate shows to large-scale international productions.
Unlike its neighbouring museums, Dar Al Funoon is dedicated entirely to the performing arts. The venue will become Abu Dhabi’s permanent home for opera, ballet, theatre, and live performances from around the world, while also providing a platform for artistic residencies, international touring productions, and creative collaborations. It aims to bring together leading artists from across the globe, creating opportunities for cultural exchange while inspiring the next generation of performers and creatives.
Beyond performances, Dar Al Funoon has been designed as a community-focused cultural hub. The project will offer educational programs, artistic workshops, and interactive experiences aimed at encouraging greater participation in the arts. It also seeks to develop local creative talent, make the performing arts more accessible, and embed them in everyday life across the UAE.
When this House of the Arts opens in 2030, it will bring a new dimension to Saadiyat Island’s cultural landscape, becoming a leading destination for opera, theatre, ballet, and live performances. It will further strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a global cultural hub.
Where: Dar Al Funoon, Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Opening 2030
Contact: https://visitabudhabi.ae