Abu Dhabi Begins Construction on Frank Gehry Performing Arts Complex
Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism announced the official start of construction on Dar al Funoon, a new performing arts venue designed by Frank Gehry.
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| Credit: Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi |
The project occupies a site on Saadiyat Island and has a planned completion date of 2030.
The development serves as one of the final completed designs by the Canadian-American architect who passed away in December 2025 at the age of 96.
The complex spans several venues with a combined capacity to host over 6,000 spectators across multiple distinct performance spaces.
Renderings released by the government show a sculptural building defined by a sweeping, undulating envelope that resembles a suspended piece of fabric wrapped around the structures.
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| Credit: Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi |
The design team stated that the transparent facade intends to reveal the creative process and strengthen the relationship between the building and the city.
The design features a dramatic wavy appearance where the outer walls wrap around the inner concert spaces. The architectural renderings illustrate how the glass and metal exterior simulates fluid motion along the waterfront location.
The project's main venue consists of a multipurpose performance hall with more than 2,000 seats and an orchestra pit built to accommodate up to 120 musicians.
This main hall will host technically demanding productions including opera, ballet, and major international touring theater companies.
The complex also features a 3,500-seat outdoor amphitheater that extends the programming options outside during favorable weather conditions.
Two smaller spaces complete the performance layout within the facility. A 400-seat studio theater will accommodate experimental and smaller-scale theatrical productions.
A 250-seat jazz club and small-format performance hall will also provide an intimate setting for live music and local talent.
The construction plans dedicate nearly 5,000 square meters of space to premium restaurants, cafés, retail outlets, and a waterfront event terrace.
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| Credit: Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi |
The Department of Culture and Tourism stated that the venue will operate year-round rather than closing for specific seasons.
The scheduling goals include continuous artist residencies, festivals, international co-productions, and touring partnerships.
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| Credit: Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi |
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, detailed the long-term intent of the new infrastructure project through an official statement.
"Dar al Funoon Abu Dhabi represents our long-term investment in artistic expression and reflects our integrated approach to cultural development," Al Mubarak said.
The chairman emphasized that the complex will provide a permanent space for local and international creators.
"It will serve as a permanent home for performing arts at the highest international standards, bringing together artists, companies, and creative talent from the UAE, the region, and across the globe." Al Mubarak added.
The site puts Dar al Funoon inside the Saadiyat Cultural District, directly alongside several other high-profile architectural projects.
The venue sits near the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, which Frank Gehry also designed and which construction crews are currently finishing.
Other neighboring institutions include the Louvre Abu Dhabi by Jean Nouvel, the Zayed National Museum by Foster + Partners, and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi by Mecanoo.
Local authorities are positioning the performance complex to support the growth of the emirate's creative industries and expand the tourism sector.
The project matches the city's broader economic strategy to use cultural institutions as drivers for employment and international visitation.
Dubai Opera currently operates as a major regional competitor with a 2,000-seat capacity, meaning Dar al Funoon will surpass it as the largest performing arts complex by audience capacity in the Gulf region.
