The Dubai Museum of Art (DUMA) was revealed on 25 October 2025. The project, developed by the Al-Futtaim Group on Dubai Creek waters, is designed by renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando.
DUMA aims to become a prominent cultural and architectural landmark that will reshape the city's skyline and enhance Dubai’s artistic scene.
The museum demonstrates Dubai’s ambition to establish itself as a global hub of culture, creativity, and innovation, and as a preferred destination for creatives worldwide. The goal is for it to become a new landmark for Dubai’s arts community, as well as a platform for global artists to collaborate, exchange ideas, and celebrate innovation.
At the launch, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said:
“Culture and art are the soul of a city and a lens through which its progress is seen. They reflect its vision and the depth of its humanitarian mission.
"The Dubai Museum of Art will be a new beacon for the city, enhancing its arts scene and further strengthening its global cultural status.”
Showcasing modern and contemporary art
The Dubai Museum of Art features a distinctive design that seamlessly blends local culture with contemporary architectural styles.
Inspired by the sea and the pearl—symbols of Dubai’s heritage and spirit—the museum’s curved shell encloses a circular exhibition hall that represents unity, discovery, and continuity. A central cylindrical opening allows natural light to flood through the structure, evoking the shimmer of a pearl.
DUMA, rising five storeys above the water, will feature versatile exhibition galleries on the first and second floors, a restaurant and VIP lounge on the third floor, as well as ground and basement levels.
Alongside its exhibitions, the museum will organise artist talks, panel discussions, educational programmes, and art fairs. Custom-designed event spaces and a dedicated VIP lounge will enhance a curated cultural programme aimed at fostering learning, dialogue, and creative innovation.
To enhance its educational role, the museum will incorporate a library and study rooms, along with training programmes aimed at developing the next generation of creative leaders.
The Government of Dubai Media Office says:
"The Dubai Museum of Art captures the spirit of Dubai—open to the vast sea and sky, in harmony with its natural surroundings, and inspired by the city’s deep-rooted heritage. The Museum will showcase modern and contemporary art that reflects Dubai’s spirit and diversity.
"It will offer artistic and human experiences that strengthen cultural ties and open new paths for personal growth and knowledge exchange, using art as a catalyst for empathy, curiosity, and social transformation."
Elsewhere in Dubai's museum scene, the Museum of the Future debuted the latest version of Ameca earlier this year, an AI-enabled humanoid robot with lifelike facial expressions and interactive features.
Charlotte Coates is blooloop's editor. She is from Brighton, UK and previously worked as a librarian. She has a strong interest in arts, culture and information and graduated from the University of Sussex with a degree in English Literature. Charlotte can usually be found either with her head in a book or planning her next travel adventure.
