Abu Dhabi: moving and uniting people through artistic expression on the largest cultural route on the planet

Commitment to culture: with 7 cultural institutions – from the iconic Louvre to the imposing Guggenheim –, the Saadiyat Cultural District in Abu Dhabi dedicates extensive territory to museums, exhibitions and art schools Synonymous with luxury and unparalleled experiences, Abu Dhabi has entered the tourist map of travelers passionate about art, history, and innovation. Capital of the United Arab Emirates and territory where the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is located, the city has been on its way to becoming one of the largest cultural hubs on the globe.Famous for its amidst skyscrapers, resorts, shopping malls, beaches, and gastronomic hotspots, the Saadiyat Cultural District stands out as a home to museums, exhibition centers, cultural events and art schools. Celebrating diversity, the history of humanity and uniting people through artistic expression.HE Mohamed Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said:“Culture transcends mere connections; it shapes our very evolution and broadens our perspectives. Here in Abu Dhabi, we embrace this influence, fostering a deep appreciation that resonates throughout our community."Located on the famous Island of Saadiyat, the District has been establishing itself on the world map since its creation in 2006. In addition to the already renowned Louvre Abu Dhabi, Berklee Abu Dhabi, Manarat Al Saadiyat and teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, the District will soon have the Zayed National Museum, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and the Abu Dhabi Natural History Museum (all scheduled to open by 2025), which promise to further enrich this cultural route.“Saadiyat Cultural District embodies ‘cultural hope’. It is a place that celebrates art forms and artists from Africa, Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe, and North and South America. Saadiyat Cultural District is somewhere people can come to learn from the past, understand our present and focus on our future,” says Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak.Check out each of the attractions to be explored in the destination below and access, exclusively, more details about the spaces that will be opened:Louvre Abu DhabiThe Louvre Abu Dhabi is the first universal museum of the Arab world. The museum tells stories of cultural connections through its collection and public programme. The museum shapes new perspectives on the global history of art. Through its innovative curatorial approach, the museum shows artworks from different cultures side by side, telling stories of human creativity that transcend civilizations, geographies and times, building understanding across cultures. The museum’s collection spans thousands of years of human history and inspires new generations through educational and research programmes. Firmly rooted in the region, the museum’s iconic architecture and monumental dome creates a unique social space that brings people together. Louvre Abu DhabiDepartment of Culture and Tourism – Abu DhabiGuggenheim Abu DhabiThe Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will be a preeminent platform for contemporary art and culture that will present the most important artistic achievements of our time. From its location, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi contributes to an inclusive and expansive view of art history that emphasises the convergence of local, regional, and international sources of creative inspiration. The Museum’s collection encompasses art from the 1960s to the present day produced around the world and in all media. Through its collection, exhibitions and educational programs, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will bring attention to under-researched and lesser-known histories and will re-evaluate those chapters that have defined the art historical canon to date.Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Image Courtesy of Gehry Partners, LLPZayed National MuseumThe National Museum of the United Arab Emirates. Designed as a civic place, the museum will enable visitors to encounter an unparalleled collection of art and artefacts from ancient and living cultures of the United Arab Emirates and the region. The Museum provides engaging learning experiences telling the story of the history of the land, the people of the United Arab Emirates and the Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Through its research initiatives, the museum will empower a new generation of Emiratis to research and study the history of their country and its relations with the world. Through its diverse exhibits and outreach programmes, Zayed National Museum showcases the nation's history, culture, and social and economic transformation.Zayed National Museum © Foster+PartnersAbu Dhabi Natural History MuseumThe Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi is dedicated to building knowledge and offering experiences that cultivate an awareness of our planet’s extraordinary evolution. By igniting a life-long passion for the natural world in visitors locally, regionally, and internationally, the Museum and Research Institute empower a new generation of advocates to help shape the next chapter of our planet’s remarkable story. The Museum tells this universal story through an Arabian lens. Fusing scientific and cultural research, it explores our planet’s natural and cultural diversity, enriching our present and helping imagine possible futures.Abu Dhabi Natural History Museum© Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu DhabiTeamLab Phenomena Abu DhabiteamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi redefines the boundaries between art and space. This immersive artistic experience invites visitors into a world where art and technology converge, encouraging exploration, curiosity, and a deeper connection with the environment. Designed to inspire endless wonder, teamLab Phenomena stands as a testament to Abu Dhabi's commitment to fostering innovation and creativity in the way it develops its cultural scene.TeamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi© Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu DhabiBerklee Abu DhabiBerklee Abu Dhabi is the first institution in the UAE offering high-calibre musical and performing arts education. With a commitment to enriching the musical landscape of the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, it provides a nurturing ground for young talent through the Performance Artistry and Leadership program that empowers artists with skills in song writing, production, and entrepreneurial ventures. The facility, formerly the UAE National Pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai Expo, boasts state-of-the-art equipment and spaces for a comprehensive learning and creative experience. As an extension of Berklee College of Music, established in 1945 and renowned for its significant contributions to contemporary music, Berklee Abu Dhabi continues the legacy by fostering musical innovation and excellence.Berklee Abu DhabiDepartment of Culture & TourismManarat Al SaadiyatSince its opening in 2009, Manarat Al Saadiyat has been at the forefront of Abu Dhabi’s cultural scene, offering a dynamic platform for exhibitions, events, and creative artistic expression. As a key venue for the annual Abu Dhabi Art fair and Culture Summit Abu Dhabi, it brings together artists, thinkers, and cultural leaders from around the globe to foster cultural exchange and innovation. The 15,400 square metre space is designed to support the emirate’s cultural ecosystem, providing state-of-the-art facilities for artists and audiences alike. With its commitment to enriching lives through artistic exchange, Manarat Al Saadiyat continues to contribute to the rich cultural landscape of Abu Dhabi.Manarat Al SaadiyatDepartment of Culture & TourismFor more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat Cultural District, please visit: dct.gov.ae, visitabudhabi.ae and abudhabi.culture.ae.Be moved in a thousand ways:Instagram: @SaadiyatCulturalDistrict YouTube: @SaadiyatCulturalDistrictAbuDhabi Twitter: @SCDAbuDhabi Facebook: @SaadiyatCulturalDistrictAbuDhabiTikTok: @saadiyatculturaldistrictSnapchat: SaadiyatCulturalDistrict