Dubai Unveils the Floating Dubai Museum of Art

Developed by Al-Futtaim Group and designed by Pritzker Prize-winning Japanese architect Tadao Ando, DUMA will rise five storeys above the water on its own island. The structure’s curved form takes inspiration from the sea and the pearl – symbols of Dubai’s history – while its central oculus allows natural light to filter through like the glow of a pearl beneath the waves.

Inside, the museum will feature two floors of galleries, a restaurant and VIP lounge, and spaces dedicated to artist talks, educational programmes, and international art fairs. The design reflects Ando’s signature harmony between light, water, and concrete, creating a serene environment where architecture and nature coexist.

DUMA will focus on modern and contemporary art that captures Dubai’s creative diversity and forward-looking spirit. As part of the city’s growing network of cultural landmarks, it reinforces Dubai’s ambition to become a global capital of art, design, and innovation – a place where ideas from around the world converge, much like the waters surrounding it.