Dubai, UAE – His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has unveiled the Dubai Museum of Art (DUMA), a new architectural landmark set to be built on an island in the historic Dubai Creek. The project, developed by Al-Futtaim Group, will feature a striking design by Pritzker Prize-winning Japanese architect Tadao Ando.
The museum’s design is deeply symbolic, drawing inspiration from the sea and the pearl, both central to Dubai’s heritage. Envisioned as a structure that appears to float on water, DUMA will feature a curved shell enclosing a circular exhibition hall. A cylindrical opening at its core will allow natural light to fill the interior, reminiscent of the shimmer of a pearl. The five-storey building aims to blend local cultural motifs with modern architectural principles.
“The museum captures Dubai’s spirit: open to the sea and sky, rooted in heritage, and constantly looking forward,” stated the official announcement.
Inside, the museum is planned to house exhibition galleries on its first and second floors, with a restaurant and VIP lounge on the third. The ground and basement levels will contain support facilities. Beyond its permanent and temporary exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, DUMA is designed to be a dynamic cultural hub, hosting artist talks, panel discussions, educational workshops, and art fairs throughout the year.
The selection of Tadao Ando, a laureate of the 1995 Pritzker Architecture Prize, underscores the project’s global ambition. Ando is renowned for his minimalist concrete designs that harmonise with natural light and the surrounding environment, a philosophy that will be central to the museum’s aesthetic.
The launch of DUMA aligns with Dubai’s strategic goal to establish itself as a global capital for culture and creativity. The project is expected to significantly enrich the emirate’s artistic landscape and strengthen its position on the international art scene. This development complements a broader push across the UAE to build world-class cultural infrastructure, including Aldar’s new residential project, The Row Saadiyat, in Abu Dhabi’s Cultural District.
