A Frank Gehry-designed performing arts centre is coming up on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. It is expected to open in 2030 and will be situated next to the Saadiyat Cultural District. Called Dar Al Funoon Abu Dhabi, it translates to the house of the arts. As revealed by the Abu Dhabi Media Office, it is being developed by the Department of Culture and Tourism, and it will be a major addition to the cultural infrastructure of the emirate. Here’s all about it.
New Performance Arts Centre Coming Up In Abu Dhabi
خالد بن محمد بن زايد يشهد إطلاق مشروع “دار الفنون أبوظبي” بالقرب من المنطقة الثقافية بالسعديات في أبوظبي؛ وسموّه يطلع على الرؤية المعمارية للمشروع ومراحل تنفيذه، وما يتضمنه من مرافق وتجهيزات صُممت وفق أعلى المعايير العالمية لاستضافة أبرز الإنتاجات الفنية الدولية. pic.twitter.com/X6ojQarPHQ
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) June 25, 2026
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed, witnessed the launch of the project. The venue is still being designed in such a way that it supports a wide variety of disciplines. Whether it’s opera, theatre, ballet, or orchestra concerts, the venue will be able to host a variety of events from different disciplines.
Coming to the venue, it will feature a multipurpose performance hall, which will have more than 2,000 seats. Not to mention, acoustics have been designed for major productions, and the orchestra will be able to hold up to 120 musicians. This will be adaptable for opera, orchestral concerts, ballet, theatre, cultural events, musicals, and award shows as well.
What Will This Venue Feature?
Not only this, but the development will also feature a 3,500-seat outdoor amphitheatre. This will be perfect for large-scale events and festivals. Complete with a 400-seat studio theatre, this will be for experimental and community productions. There will also be a 250-seat jazz venue, which will be perfect for intimate and genre-focused performances. Complete with facilities that would extend to 5,000 m² of food and beverage and retail space, you can also expect a rooftop terrace for special events.
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It’s Coming Up On Saadiyat Island
With year-round events and a permanent home for some major live productions, it will support artistic residences, international tourist partnerships and more. This project is aligned with Abu Dhabi’s status as a UNESCO Creative City of Music, which the emirate has held since 2021. The building was designed by Frank Gehry, who was one of the most influential architects in the world.
So, with this new performing arts centre coming up in Abu Dhabi soon, you can truly expect it to be a brilliant addition to the city’s landmarks
Cover Image Courtesy: X/ADMediaOffice
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When is Abu Dhabi getting the new performance arts centre?
The new performance arts centre is expected to open in Abu Dhabi by 2030.
What will the new performance arts centre in Abu Dhabi feature?
The new performance arts centre in Abu Dhabi will feature a multipurpose hall with over 2,000 seats, a 3,500-seat outdoor amphitheatre, a 400-seat studio theatre and more.
Who is who has designed the Dar Al Funoon Abu Dhabi?
The performing arts centre, which is called Dar Al Funoon Abu Dhabi, has been designed by Frank Gehry, and it is coming up on Saadiyat Island.