Dar al Funoon is set to open its doors in 2030
Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi is getting a new cultural complex, Dar al Funoon — Arabic for “house of the arts.” The news comes via Time Out, citing Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism.
The center was designed by legendary architect Frank Gehry, who passed away late last year at 96. Once complete, the complex will hold up to 6,000 visitors across several venues: a 2,000-seat theater, a 3,500-capacity amphitheater, a 400-seat studio hall, and a jazz stage accommodating 250 guests.
The space is designed to run year-round, hosting opera, ballet, theatrical productions, and concerts, alongside artist residencies and collaborative projects with major cultural institutions from around the world.
The building’s design centers on a transparent façade — a deliberate choice meant to symbolize the emirate’s openness to creativity and cultural exchange.