Dubai has announced the launch of the Dubai Museum of Art (DUMA), a new architectural and cultural landmark set to redefine the city’s creative landscape. The project was unveiled in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and will be developed by Al-Futtaim Group on the waters of Dubai Creek. Designed by world-renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando, the museum is envisioned as a beacon of creativity and innovation, strengthening Dubai’s position as a global capital of culture.
DUMA reflects Sheikh Mohammed’s vision of transforming Dubai into a global destination for culture and creativity. The museum will serve as a dynamic platform for artists and visitors from around the world, fostering collaboration, education, and artistic exchange. Through exhibitions, residencies, and public programmes, DUMA aims to inspire dialogue across cultures while supporting the growth of the UAE’s creative economy.
Tadao Ando’s design for DUMA is a masterpiece of symbolism and precision. Drawing inspiration from the sea and the pearl, the structure’s curved shell and circular exhibition hall represent unity, discovery, and continuity. A central opening allows natural light to cascade through the interior, echoing the iridescence of a pearl, a poetic tribute to Dubai’s maritime heritage. Rising five storeys above the water, the museum will house adaptable exhibition spaces, a restaurant, VIP lounge, and a library, along with areas dedicated to education, dialogue, and world-class art training.
Beyond its architectural marvel, the Dubai Museum of Art will stand as a centre for global artistic collaboration. Hosting international exhibitions, artist talks, and educational programmes, it will serve as a hub for creative innovation and cultural understanding. Designed to capture the spirit of Dubai — open to the sea, sky, and world — DUMA embodies the city’s balance between heritage and modernity, and its vision of art as a bridge for empathy, curiosity, and shared progress.
