Mohammed bin Rashid witnesses the announcement of the Dubai Art Museum "DUMA" The new cultural edifice in Dubai

Dubai, 25 October / WAM / His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, “may God protect him”, witnessed the announcement of the Dubai Museum of Art “DUMA”, which is being built by the “Al-Futtaim” group to be an architectural and cultural edifice that will be added to the charming icons that characterize the cultural scene in the Emirate of Dubai. His Highness was briefed on the museum’s unique designs in the world, which were created by the international Japanese engineer. Tadao Ando.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: “Culture and arts are the soul of cities… and the mirror of their development… and an essential component that reflects their civilizational vision and the depth of their humanitarian message… The Dubai Art Museum “DUMA” represents a new landmark in the emirate… and adds to its artistic diversity… and consolidates its global cultural status.”
His Highness added: “Dubai has become a destination for creative people from all over the world… and today it embraces integrated communities and broad sectors that work together to double the growth of the creative economy… launching such an artistic edifice serves the strategic national goals of making Dubai a global capital of creativity and culture… and enhances its global position on the map of modern art.”
His Highness continued: “The Dubai Art Museum is a model of partnership with the private sector that produces creative ideas and projects that exceed expectations, and global monuments worthy of Dubai and its future that we are creating together. We thank Al-Futtaim Group for its efforts in creating this cultural landmark and its role in enhancing the artistic scene in the emirate.”
The announcement of the Dubai Art Museum was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the National Olympic Committee, and Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.
Also present were His Excellency Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, His Excellency Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to His Highness the President of the State, His Excellency Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation, and Omar Al Futtaim, Vice Chairman and CEO of Al Futtaim Group.

The Dubai Art Museum “DUMA”, which the “Al-Futtaim” group intends to build over the waters of Dubai Creek, comes with a captivating and unique architectural design created by international Japanese architect Tadao Ando, ​​to embody Dubai’s vision of consolidating its position as a global capital of the creative economy, and translates the growing cultural and artistic momentum in the emirate.
The new museum’s design is a reflection of the essence of ancient local culture and modern art, as the design focuses on key characteristics that include its symbolism, the human dimensions it represents, the dynamism of its goals, and its appeal to creative people and those interested in the arts, in a sensory experience that transcends the boundaries of the place.
The museum is unique in that it is a charming, international iconic building that floats on the water, with unprecedented creativity. The museum extends over the waters of Dubai Creek, and includes 5 floors, with the first and second floors containing galleries, 4 of which are flexibly designed to accommodate various exhibitions, while the third floor includes a restaurant and a VIP lounge, in addition to the ground and lower floors.
The museum includes integrated service facilities inside it, and a gift shop, merchandise and books bearing trademarks. The museum’s spaces also include outdoor areas that include restaurants, cafes, and spaces for drawing and practicing the arts overlooking the Dubai Creek and the cultural scene in the city of Dubai, in which authenticity and modernity blend in harmony and harmony.
Omar Al Futtaim, Vice Chairman and CEO of Al Futtaim Group, said: “We at Al Futtaim Group are proud to be part of this exceptional cultural project that embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to make Dubai a global center for culture and creativity. For us, the Dubai Art Museum “DUMA” represents more than just an architectural edifice, but rather an artistic and cultural message that reflects the spirit of Dubai that is open to creativity, and confirms Its position as a global bridge that connects cultures and celebrates talent from around the world.”
He added: “We are proud that the design of “DUMA” was entrusted to the international architect Tadao Ando, ​​whose works speak the language of light, silence and spirit. In Dubai, his vision will be manifested in the Dubai Art Museum as a harmonious expression between nature, water and man, presenting a work that combines precision and beauty, and reflects his distinctive creativity and the spirit of refined simplicity that characterizes his architectural philosophy.”
He continued: “We at Al-Futtaim Group are committed to harnessing our expertise and capabilities to complete this edifice in accordance with the highest international standards, so that the Dubai Art Museum (DUMA) will be an extension of the group’s approach to supporting the process of sustainable development in various fields, most notably the cultural sector, which is an essential pillar in the prosperity and development of societies.”
The museum’s elements are inspired by nature, as water, sky, wind, and light are essential components of its design, and the design symbols are embodied in the shell, pearl, moving water, and winds of change, reflecting the concepts of exploration, the power of change, and inspiration, to tell the story of art as a driving force for culture and identity.
The design of the museum comes in the form of a three-dimensional curved shell with a spiral rotation, and the shell houses a circular pearl-shaped exhibition hall. This design mimics the radiance of the pearl from within the shell, as a cylindrical open space in the heart of the exhibition hall transmits natural light from the sky to the lower floors. In addition, another open space extends along the axis of the city, integrating the building seamlessly with its urban surroundings.
The spaces in the museum thus come alive through the interaction of light and shadow, changing with time and the seasons. Within this authentic architecture, visitors will experience a dynamic and evolving environment. By reconnecting people with water, sky and wind, the museum will become a source of creative inspiration.
It is expected that the Dubai Art Museum (DUMA) will constitute a global platform for emerging and talented artists and a source of inspiration for visitors from all over the world, with the captivating artistic and human experiences it offers, strengthening cultural ties and opening new horizons for personal growth and knowledge exchange.
The museum will include a global collection of modern artworks, carefully selected to match the spirit of Dubai. Temporary exhibitions and events will provide a variety of experiences for visitors. Multidisciplinary exhibitions will be organized within the context of a series of events and educational programs to enhance public participation and appreciation of art. The museum will also display local artworks at events, providing a platform for emerging artists and to enhance its educational impact. The museum has a library and study halls. The museum aims to organize educational programs lasting from 3 to 6 months, during which world-class training is provided.
The design of the museum was created by Tadao Ando, ​​the Japanese architect who is considered one of the most famous and influential architects in the world. He is famous for his simple designs using concrete that harmonize with nature in a picturesque interaction, especially through his use of light, shadow, and open spaces.
Tadao Ando has received many prestigious awards, including the 1995 Pritzker Architecture Prize, which is considered the largest and most important architecture award in the world, and is often referred to as the Nobel Prize for Architecture.
Tadao Ando’s works reflect a special philosophy that closely integrates architecture with its surroundings. Among his notable works are the Chichu Art Museum in Japan, the La Bourse des Commerce Museum in Paris, and the Fort Worth Museum of Modern Art in Texas, USA.

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