Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a global centre for art, culture, and creativity. Adding to its impressive portfolio of architectural and cultural icons, the city is now set to welcome the Dubai Museum of Art DUMA, a striking new museum that will quite literally float on the waters of Dubai Creek.
His Highness Sheikh Rashid attended the launch of the project developed by the Al Futtaim Group and reviewed its striking design by the renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando.
Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the importance of art and culture in shaping a city’s identity, saying, “Culture and art are the soul of a city and a lens through which its progress is seen. The Dubai Museum of Art will be a new beacon for the city, enhancing its arts scene and further strengthening its global cultural status.”
Developed by the Al Futtaim Group, the Dubai Museum of Art will rise five stories above the creek, blending contemporary design with elements inspired by Dubai’s maritime heritage. The structure, shaped like a pearl surrounded by the sea, represents unity, discovery, and continuity themes deeply rooted in the city’s identity.
The museum will include flexible exhibition galleries, a restaurant, and a VIP lounge, along with event spaces and educational facilities. It will also host artist talks, panel discussions, workshops, and art fairs, creating a space where creativity, dialogue, and innovation come together.
The Dubai Museum of Art has been designed by Tadao Ando, one of the world’s most renowned architects and the winner of the 1995 Pritzker Architecture Prize. Famous for his minimalist style and thoughtful use of concrete, light, and nature, Ando’s renowned works include the Chichu Art Museum in Japan and the Bourse de Commerce in Paris.
The design for DUMA creates a serene dialogue between water, light, and space, capturing both the calmness and dynamism of Dubai. A central circular opening allows sunlight to pour through the museum’s heart, creating a natural glow reminiscent of a pearl’s shimmer.
More than just a museum, DUMA will serve as a global platform for artists, curators, and thinkers. It aims to inspire creativity, nurture emerging talent, and foster cultural exchange. Its collection will feature modern and contemporary art from around the world, reflecting Dubai’s cosmopolitan spirit and its role in the global art dialogue.
To deepen its educational impact, the museum will include a library, study rooms, and training programmes designed to nurture future generations of creative leaders.
The road ahead
The Dubai Museum of Art will stand as a lasting symbol of the city’s growing cultural scene, reflecting its values, heritage, and ambitions. It brings to life Sheikh Mohammed’s vision of making Dubai a global centre for creativity, where art and innovation move hand in hand with the city’s development.
At One Investments, we closely follow such developments as they influence the markets in which our clients invest. As Dubai continues to evolve, our focus remains on identifying opportunities that deliver enduring value and drive sustainable, long-term growth rather than short-lived gains.
