Groundbreaking Performing Arts Venue 'Dal Al Fanoun Abu Dhabi' to Open, Further Advancing Abu Dhabi's Cultural Vision

New performing arts venue designed by the late Frank Gehry to be home to a wide range of performances, from ballet to opera

Scheduled to open in 2030, the venue will feature a year-round programme, hosting events and performances 365 days a year.

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES — June 25, 2026 (Local Time) — The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) today announced the commencement of construction for the landmark Dal Al Fanoun Abu Dhabi (House of Arts), set to be built on Saadiyat Island. Upon its opening in 2030, the venue is poised to become one of the most technologically advanced performing arts venues in the region. Symbolising a significant investment in cultural infrastructure, the facility embodies Abu Dhabi's vision to create a world-class platform for artistic excellence, international collaboration, and cultural exchange.

Artist's Impression

Through its continuous investment in culture, creativity, and knowledge, Abu Dhabi is solidifying its position as a global cultural hub, building a vibrant cultural ecosystem that connects local audiences with leading international artists and institutions.

His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: "Dal Al Fanoun Abu Dhabi embodies our long-term investment in artistic expression and reflects our holistic approach to cultural development – one that is rooted in our values, shaped by our people, and open to the world. This is a deliberate investment in the future of our cultural ecosystem, and the scale of its ambition is clear. Dal Al Fanoun Abu Dhabi will be a permanent home for the highest standards of international performance, bringing together world-class artists, companies, and creative talent from across the UAE, the Middle East, and the globe. Through artist residencies, international partnerships, and world-class performances, we will expand opportunities for cultural exchange, inspire the next generation of creators, and further strengthen Abu Dhabi's position as a global centre for creativity, exchange, and artistic excellence."

A Hub for Performing Arts

Located on Saadiyat Island, adjacent to the Saadiyat Cultural District, Dal Al Fanoun Abu Dhabi is set to become one of the largest and most technologically advanced performing arts-dedicated venues in the region. The highly adaptable complex will serve as a permanent home for opera, ballet, theatre, and other world-class live performances, bringing together renowned artists and emerging talent from across various artistic disciplines, both from the region and around the globe. Audiences will be able to enjoy a diverse range of artistic experiences, from intimate performances to large-scale productions.

Dal Al Fanoun Abu Dhabi will host events, performances, and activities 365 days a year, day and night.

The facility will include a multi-purpose performance hall with over 2,000 seats, an outdoor amphitheatre with 3,500 seats, a studio theatre with 400 seats, and a jazz venue with 250 seats, bringing the total capacity across all spaces to over 6,000 people. The new performing arts venue is also envisioned as a platform for long-term artist residencies, touring partnerships, and co-productions with world-leading performing arts organisations. It will create new opportunities for local emerging artists and talent to share the stage with prominent artists and ensembles visiting Abu Dhabi.

Expanding Abu Dhabi's Cultural Landscape

Dal Al Fanoun Abu Dhabi was designed by one of the world's most renowned architects, the late Frank Gehry, who also designed the planned Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The venue is conceived as an architectural embodiment of music and performance, featuring a flowing, fabric-like exterior at the heart of the site.

Its transparent facade opens the creative process to the public, reflecting Abu Dhabi's commitment to openness, participation, and cultural exchange.

This architectural work by Frank Gehry signifies Abu Dhabi's commitment to architectural excellence and the emirate's cultural aspirations, demonstrating a strategic decision to invest in exceptional design that inspires people.

Abu Dhabi has a long history of developing performing arts, including its designation as a UNESCO 'City of Music', the annual Abu Dhabi Festival, the Berklee Abu Dhabi Centre for Performance Arts Education, Bait Al Oud Music Academy, its role as host of the 2025 International Jazz Day, and numerous other festivals and concerts.

The announcement of Dal Al Fanoun Abu Dhabi reflects the emirate's focus on investing in culture as a means of sustainable development. Beyond its cultural significance, the institution is expected to bring lasting benefits to the community and socio-economy through job creation, the development of local skills and talent, the attraction of cultural tourism, and the strengthening of the creative economy as a driver of Abu Dhabi's long-term growth.

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About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi's culture, tourism, and creative sectors, fuelling economic growth and helping to achieve our global ambitions. By partnering with the organisations that define Abu Dhabi’s destination and uniting them around a common vision of the emirate’s potential, DCT Abu Dhabi delivers innovative solutions and the best tools, policies and systems that support the culture and tourism industries. DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by its people, history and landscapes. DCT Abu Dhabi works to enhance Abu Dhabi’s reputation as an authentic, innovative, and unique destination, known for its traditional hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thinking.

For more information about DCT Abu Dhabi and the destination, please visit dctabudhabi.ae, visitabudhabi.ae and abudhabiculture.ae.