His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has 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-storey 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.”
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 storeys 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.
