Abu Dhabi has announced Dar al Funoon (House of the Arts), a new performing arts venue near Saadiyat Island's Cultural District. Designed by the late Frank Gehry, the project was commissioned by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and is expected to open in 2030. His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, attended the launch.
The complex will feature four performance venues designed for different types of events. These include a multipurpose hall with more than 2,000 seats, a 3,500-seat open-air amphitheatre, a 400-seat studio theatre, and a 250-seat jazz venue. Together, the spaces will accommodate more than 6,000 visitors.
Dar al Funoon will host opera, ballet, theatre, concerts, and other live performances throughout the year. The venue will also support artistic residencies and international collaborations with performing arts institutions worldwide. The building's design draws inspiration from music and the performing arts, with a transparent façade created to reflect Abu Dhabi's role as a centre for cultural exchange.
Located within Saadiyat Island's growing cultural district, Dar al Funoon will join major institutions including Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, and teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi. The nearby Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, also designed by Frank Gehry, is currently under construction.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said the project represents a long-term investment in Abu Dhabi's cultural sector and will provide a platform for artists and performing arts companies from the UAE, the region, and internationally.
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