Museum of the Future and Dubai Municipality Launch ‘Urban Future Week’

Dubai, United Arab Emirates - October 26, 2025: The Dubai Museum of Art (DUMA) has officially been unveiled in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Developed by the Al-Futtaim Group and designed by renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando, the museum is set to become one of Dubai’s most important cultural and architectural landmarks — a symbol of the city’s enduring ambition to lead the global creative economy.

A Cultural Beacon for Dubai’s Future

The Dubai Museum of Art represents the next milestone in Dubai’s strategy to position itself as a global capital for culture, creativity, and innovation. The project reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to establish Dubai as a destination where artists, designers, and innovators can collaborate and thrive.

The museum will serve as a global hub for artistic exchange, hosting international exhibitions, residencies, and educational programmes. With its wide-ranging initiatives, DUMA will nurture creativity, strengthen Dubai’s international cultural partnerships, and inspire a new generation of artists and art enthusiasts.

Architectural Poetry in Motion

Set on the waters of Dubai Creek, the museum’s design blends local symbolism with modern minimalism, a hallmark of Tadao Ando’s architectural philosophy. The structure takes inspiration from the sea and the pearl, two powerful emblems of Dubai’s history and identity.

The curved, shell-like form envelops a circular exhibition hall symbolising unity, discovery, and continuity. A striking cylindrical opening at the centre allows natural light to pour into the galleries, echoing the glow of a pearl under sunlight. Rising five storeys above the water, the building appears to float, a seamless connection between earth, sea, and sky.

A Global Stage for Artistic Dialogue

DUMA will host adaptable exhibition spaces, an expansive library, study rooms, and educational centres that promote art appreciation and critical dialogue. Its third floor will feature a fine-dining restaurant and VIP lounge, designed to host collectors, curators, and patrons from around the world.

The museum will also serve as a venue for artist talks, panel discussions, and international art fairs, positioning it as an integral part of the region’s growing creative infrastructure. Purpose-built spaces for workshops and residencies will encourage collaboration and cultural exchange, establishing DUMA as a key player in shaping the global conversation on contemporary art.

Architecture as a Bridge Between Cultures

Tadao Ando’s design philosophy, blending light, geometry, and nature, is embodied in every aspect of DUMA’s architecture. The museum’s minimalist concrete form interacts harmoniously with the Creek’s natural environment, while its interplay of shadow and reflection creates a meditative experience for visitors.

The architect’s previous works, including the Chichu Art Museum in Japan, Bourse de Commerce in Paris, and Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth in the United States, have redefined museum design globally. With DUMA, Ando extends his architectural legacy to the Arab world, crafting a space that captures Dubai’s unique balance of tradition and modernity.

Redefining the Art of the Possible

More than a museum, the Dubai Museum of Art is envisioned as a living space for creativity — one that reflects the spirit of Dubai: open, ambitious, and globally connected. Through its architecture, programming, and community initiatives, DUMA will celebrate human creativity and the universal language of art.