Saadiyat Cultural District
News from Abu Dhabi
Credits © Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi
In recent years, we went from I just want to see the Grand Mosque to I want to visit and discover Abu Dhabi. We knew this moment would come, and we are proud of it!
Increasingly, the UAE capital, the beautiful and elegant Abu Dhabi, is attracting visitors for its beaches, its stunning hotels, its playgrounds and its international beauty and importance of its museums, especially of Saadiyat Island (which means 'happiness' in Arabic).
The Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by the architect Jean Nouvel, has been open for 6 years and welcomed 1.2 million visitors just in 2023! It is not only a symbol of collaboration between the two countries but also the most significant cultural project of France abroad. Currently, it is the largest museum in the country and an architectural marvel that embodies the essence of the unity of the arts.
The museum, which features a massive metal dome mimicking the interlacing of palm trees covering Bedouin homes, appears to float on the waters of Saadiyat Island. The permanent collection provides a global perspective on art from all eras and styles. The temporary exhibitions are the result of high-level curatorial work, ensuring a unique experience with every museum visit.
Manarat Al Saadiyat is already a recognized center for artistic creativity and hosts important initiatives in the capital's annual cultural calendar, such as the Abu Dhabi Art fair and the Culture Summit.
There are also significant new developments: the Saadiyat Cultural District aims to become the country's leading cultural district with the opening of new museums and institutions. Let us look at them in detail:
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, designed by Frank Gehry (scheduled to open in 2025).
The impressive building stands out as a representative work of the renowned architect's style, maintaining his signature while being inspired by local architectural features such as courtyards and wind towers. It will house a collection of 600 artworks from 1960 and will delve into transcultural exchanges, with a particular focus on the Gulf region and WANASA (West Asia, North Africa, South Asia).
The Sheik Zayed National Museum, designed by Foster + Partners (scheduled to open in 2025), will be dedicated to the figure of the UAE's Founding Father, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It will be a tribute to his legacy and the country's transformation project. The building’s silhouette is already well defined on Saadiyat Island, characterized by five solar towers mimicking the wings of a falcon, which also function as air cooling systems. Thanks to an agreement with the British Museum in London, the collection will offer visitors a detailed overview of the country’s history, culture, and economic transformations.
Natural History Museum, designed by Mecanoo (scheduled to open in 2025).
It will take visitors on a journey of 13.8 billion years through time and space, offering an inspiring perspective on a sustainable future for the Earth. The Natural History Museum will be a research and scientific teaching institution and an educational resource for understanding the evolving history of our planet, aiming to ignite a lasting passion for the natural world in visitors of all ages.
TeamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, designed by ARQA (scheduled to open in 2024). It will not be just a museum but an immersive experience. Through cutting-edge installations that blend art and technology, it is set to become an inspiring space that will spark curiosity, imagination, and creativity in all its visitors.
The Department of Culture and Tourism (DTC) of Abu Dhabi has launched a communication campaign for the Saadiyat Cultural District, titled Be moved in a thousand ways, which conveys an important message about the transformative power of culture in uniting, inspiring, and opening minds.
You can view the campaign video by clicking here.
Saadiyat Cultural District website.