Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s greatest concentrations of cultural institutions, is on track for 2025 completion, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has reaffirmed.
Saadiyat Cultural District is a global platform, emanating from a rich cultural heritage, celebrating traditions, and advancing equitable culture. It showcases museums, collections, and narratives that celebrate the region’s heritage while promoting a diverse global cultural landscape.
Once completed, the diversity of Saadiyat Cultural District’s institutions will make the district one of the world’s most unique cultural platforms.
The current construction progress of the soon-to-open institutions in Saadiyat Cultural District stands at 76 per cent.
It is already the home of
Louvre Abu Dhabi – the first universal museum in the Arab world – showcasing artwork from different cultures side by side and telling a story of human connections. Since opening in 2017, Louvre Abu Dhabi has welcomed 5 million visitors and is recognised for its breathtaking architecture. Nearby,
Berklee Abu Dhabi offers music, educational and performing arts programmes throughout the year.
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A conceptual illustration of Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi
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Additionally,
Manarat Al Saadiyat serves as a centre for creative artistic expression and is home to two significant initiatives in Abu Dhabi’s cultural calendar: Abu Dhabi Art and Culture Summit Abu Dhabi.
The
Abrahamic Family House, also situated in Saadiyat Cultural District, welcomes people to connect, explore, and reflect, all while deepening their understanding of our common humanity through mutual dialogue and knowledge exchange.
Zayed National Museum, the national museum of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), will celebrate the nation’s rich history and culture, as well as honour the legacy of the country’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Additionally,
teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi will invite visitors on an ever-changing exploration that will transcend the limits of their imagination.
It will be joined by the
Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, which will include a research and teaching institution that will take visitors on a 13.8-billion-year journey through the story of our universe and our planet.
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A rendering of Saadiyat Cultural District_teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi.
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Another landmark,
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will be a pre-eminent museum for contemporary art and culture that will present the most important artistic achievements of our time.
Saadiyat Cultural District pays homage to the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed, who, starting in the 1950s, defined the cultural agenda and unveiled the history of the UAE to the world through archaeological excavations and findings. This legacy began with the establishment of Al Ain Museum, the first museum in the UAE, which opened in 1971. It continued with the inauguration of the Cultural Foundation in 1981. Today, Sheikh Zayed’s legacy continues to evolve under the guidance of HH Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and HH Sheikh Khaled Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
Saadiyat Cultural District is a testament to Abu Dhabi's commitment to preserving heritage while embracing a forward-looking vision. The District invites the world to engage with diverse traditions, fostering dialogue and exchange, and offers a global cultural space that empowers the region and the global south.
DCT Abu Dhabi has also launched a compelling campaign titled ‘Be Moved in a Thousand Ways’, introduced by media executive and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey. The campaign film delivers a powerful message on the transformative power of culture to unite, inspire, and open minds.
The film can be viewed
here.
Imagine having museums, collections and narratives that celebrate the region’s heritage all under one *imaginary* roof! That’s going to be the Saadiyat Cultural District and it’s nestled in Abu Dhabi. Studded with several prestigious institutions, the diversity will make the District one of the world’s most unique cultural platforms
This isn’t just any cultural hub; it’s a global sensation packed with museums, art, and a dash of heritage celebrating both local and international flavors.
The Saadiyat Cultural District in Abu Dhabi is buzzing with excitement and is all set to open its doors in 2025.
For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat Cultural District, please visit:
dct.gov.ae and
visitabudhabi.ae and
abudhabiculture.ae
* All images courtesy of ©Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi. The [buildings] depicted in the images are conceptual illustrations. Actual buildings and layouts may differ from the representations shown here by the time of completion. All rights to the images and their contents are reserved. Unauthorised use, reproduction, or distribution of these images is strictly prohibited.
