Khaberni - Extensive gains across cultural, social, and educational dimensions are to be achieved by "Dubai Museum of Arts DUMA".
The museum, whose launch was announced on Saturday in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, is being developed by "Al-Futtaim Group" on the banks of Dubai Creek. It represents a leading cultural initiative that embodies the objectives of the Year of Society scheduled for 2025.
The "Dubai Museum of Arts" is not only a civilizational addition to the UAE's cultural scene but also stands out as an inspiring model for the integration of roles between the public and private sectors in delivering projects and initiatives that enrich the cultural work system in Dubai.
This was expressed by Dr. Anwar Gargash, the Diplomatic Advisor to the President of the UAE, who tweeted on Sunday via his "X" account, stating: "I was honored to attend the launch by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, of the Dubai Museum of Arts, a wonderful initiative by the generous Abdullah Al Futtaim family, designed by the global Japanese architect Tadao Ando, to become a new icon enriching the cultural scene in Dubai and the UAE."
He continued: "Initiatives by the national private sector continue to contribute to community service, and thanks are due to brother Omar Al Futtaim for his initiative and outstanding work."
Objectives of the Year of Society
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, announced that 2025 will be designated as the "Year of Society" under the slogan "Hand in Hand," a national initiative that reflects the leadership's vision towards building a cohesive and prosperous society.
The "Year of Society" aims to strengthen bonds within families and the community through the development of intergenerational relationships and the creation of inclusive spaces that embody values of cooperation, belonging, and shared experiences, in addition to preserving cultural heritage.
It also aims to encourage everyone who considers the UAE their homeland to actively contribute to society through community service, volunteering, and impactful initiatives that establish a culture of shared responsibility and drive collective progress.
The "Year of Society" focuses on unlocking the potential and capabilities of individuals, families, and institutions through skill development, nurturing talents, and encouraging innovation in various fields including entrepreneurship and future industries like artificial intelligence and other national priorities of the UAE, thus ensuring inclusive growth and a positive, sustainable impact that contributes to the national building narrative.
The initiative invites all who consider the UAE their homeland, both citizens and residents, to participate through their ideas and suggestions that contribute to enhancing social bonds, achieving social progress, and celebrating the cultural diversity that characterizes the Emirates, in support of building a strong and prosperous nation.
And these objectives are all achieved through the leading cultural initiative represented by "Dubai Museum of Arts".
Museum Launch
The event was witnessed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Saturday, announcing the Dubai Museum of Arts "DUMA" being built by the "Al-Futtaim Group" to become an architectural and cultural landmark added to the enchanting icons of the cultural landscape in Dubai Emirate.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum examined the museum's globally unique designs, created by the renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stated: "Culture and arts are the soul of cities... and a mirror reflecting their development.. and a fundamental component that reflects their civilizational vision and the depth of their human message.. Dubai Museum of Arts "DUMA" represents a new landmark in the emirate.. adding to its artistic diversity.. and consolidating its global cultural status."
He added: "Dubai has become a destination for creators from around the world.. and today hosts comprehensive communities and extensive sectors working together to double the growth of the creative economy.. Launching such an art edifice serves the national strategic objectives in making Dubai a global capital for creativity and culture.. and enhances its global position on the map of modern art."
He continued: "Dubai Museum of Arts is a model for partnership with the private sector that yields creative ideas and projects that exceed expectations, and global landmarks suitable for Dubai and its future that we are building together.. We thank the Al-Futtaim Group for its efforts in establishing this cultural landmark and its role in enhancing the art scene in the emirate."
In turn, Omar Al Futtaim, Vice President and CEO of Al-Futtaim Group, said: "We in Al-Futtaim Group take pride in being part of this exceptional cultural project that embodies the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in making Dubai a global center for culture and creativity, where the Dubai Museum of Arts "DUMA" represents for us more than just an architectural landmark, but an artistic and civilizational message that reflects the spirit of Dubai, open to creativity, and confirms its status as a global bridge connecting cultures and celebrating talents from around the world."
He continued: "We are committed in Al-Futtaim Group to leveraging our expertise and capabilities to complete this edifice according to the highest global standards, for the Dubai Museum of Arts "DUMA" to extend the group's approach in supporting the sustainable development journey in various fields, with the cultural sector being a fundamental corner in the prosperity of societies and their development."
Dubai Museum of Arts DUMA Design
Iconic Civilizational
The museum stands out as an iconic global building enchantingingly floating on the water's surface, with unprecedented creativity, as it extends over the waters of Dubai Creek, and includes 5 floors whereby the first and second floors house 4 flexible-designed galleries to accommodate various exhibitions, while the third floor includes a restaurant and a VIP lounge, in addition to the ground and basement floors.
The museum internally includes comprehensive service facilities, a gift shop, and branded merchandise and books, as well as external museum areas featuring restaurants, cafes, and spaces for painting and practicing arts overlooking Dubai Creek and the urban scene in Dubai city that blends authenticity and modernity in harmony and synchrony.
Al-Futtaim Group is undertaking the museum's construction on the banks of Dubai Creek, in an inspiring model of integration between the roles of the public and private sectors in delivering projects and initiatives that enrich the cultural work system in Dubai, and contribute to enhancing Dubai's position as a global center for culture and creativity.
The museum draws its elements from nature, where water, sky, wind, and light form essential components in its design, with design symbols embodied in the seashell, pearl, moving water, and winds of change, reflecting concepts of exploration, the power of change, and inspiration, to narrate the story of art as a driving force for culture and identity.
The museum's design features a three-dimensional curved seashell with a spiral rotation, embracing a circular exhibition hall shaped like a pearl, mimicking the pearl's radiance from within the seashell where an open cylindrical space in the heart of the exhibition hall brings natural light from the sky to the lower floors, in addition, another open space extends along the city's axis, seamlessly integrating the building with its urban surroundings.
The spaces in the museum come to life through the interaction of light and shadow, changing with time and the changing seasons, and within this authentic architecture, visitors will experience a dynamic and evolving environment, and through reconnecting people with water, sky, and wind, the museum will become a source of creative inspiration.
It is expected that the Dubai Museum of Arts "DUMA" will serve as a global platform for emerging and talented artists and a source of inspiration for visitors from around the world, offering captivating artistic and human experiences, enhancing cultural connections, and opening new horizons for personal growth and knowledge exchange.
The museum will house a global collection of modern artworks, carefully selected to align with the spirit of Dubai, and will offer a variety of experiences for visitors through organized exhibitions and temporary events, featuring multidisciplinary exhibitions within a series of educational events and programs to enhance public engagement and appreciation of art, while the museum will also showcase local artwork at events, providing a platform to support emerging artists and enhance its educational impact, the museum will include a library and study halls, targeting to organize educational programs lasting 3 to 6 months providing world-class training during this period.
Tadao Ando, the famous Japanese architect known for his simple designs using concrete that blend and harmonize with nature through captivating interactions, particularly through the use of light, shadow, and open spaces, creatively designed the museum.
In designing the museum, educational and enlightening dimensions were considered, including a library and study halls, targeting to organize educational programs during which world-class training is provided, contributing to enriching the creative and cultural scene with more promising talents.
The museum hosts multidisciplinary exhibitions, within educational programs and events aimed at enhancing public participation and art appreciation, and will showcase local artworks in events, providing a platform that supports emerging artists and enhances their chances of featuring their works.
