Abu Dhabi celebrates the groundbreaking of Dar al Funoon, a stunning new performing arts center designed by the late Frank Gehry, set to become a vibrant cultural landmark by 2030.
- Multiple venues with a 6,000-person total capacity
- Iconic cascaded fabric-inspired design by Gehry
- Part of Abu Dhabi’s expanding cultural tourism strategy
What happened
Dar al Funoon Abu Dhabi has officially broken ground on Saadiyat Island, marking one of the last major designs of Frank Gehry, who passed away in late 2025. The center will feature four performance spaces including a main hall for over 2,000 spectators, a 3,500-seat open-air amphitheater, a 400-seat studio theater, and a jazz venue with 250 seats. Together, they create a versatile cultural complex intended to host a wide range of performing arts.
Commissioned by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism, the project is scheduled for completion by 2030. It will complement nearby landmark developments such as the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and reinforce the island’s position as a leading cultural destination in the Gulf region.
Why it feels good
Dar al Funoon’s design embraces Gehry’s signature style, featuring cascading, rippled forms reminiscent of flowing fabric that wrap around transparent facades. This openness symbolizes Abu Dhabi’s welcoming spirit toward creativity and cultural exchange, making the arts center an inviting beacon to visitors and locals alike.
Beyond its architectural beauty, the center is poised to boost cultural tourism and nurture the local creative community. It will provide a home for international touring performances, artist residencies, co-productions, and community programs—all contributing to a vibrant cultural ecosystem rooted in the city’s values and ambitions.
What to enjoy or watch next
Once complete, audiences can look forward to year-round programming spanning opera, ballet, theater, jazz, and intimate studio performances. The range of venues allows for both large-scale productions and smaller, experimental shows, catering to diverse tastes and inspiring a new generation of artists and art lovers across the region.
As the project progresses alongside other cultural icons on Saadiyat Island like the Louvre and Zayed National Museum, the Dar al Funoon will help position Abu Dhabi as a global hub for arts and innovation. Keep an eye out for announcements around inaugural performances and community events as opening day approaches.