Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District on track for completion by 2025

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) led Saadiyat Cultural District has reached 76 per cent completion, with prominent institutions such as Zayed National Museum, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, and the Natural History Museum, all slated for completion by 2025.

A rich legacy

Saadiyat Cultural District – which was first proposed back in 2006 – has been in the making for almost two decades. A testament to Abu Dhabi’s commitment to preserving heritage while embracing a forward-looking vision, Saadiyat Cultural District pays homage to the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed, who defined the country’s cultural agenda and unveiled the history of the UAE to the world through archaeological excavations and findings.

This legacy began with the establishment of Al Ain Museum, the first museum in the UAE, which opened in 1971.

It continued with the inauguration of the Cultural Foundation in 1981.

The project has, over the past 7 years, opened some of its biggest attractions which have become global tourism destinations.

Among its already-open cultural institutions, Saadiyat Cultural District is home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the first universal museum in the Arab world, which has already welcomed 5 million visitors since its opening in 2017.

The museum is renowned for its breathtaking architecture and its varied collections that showcase artwork from different cultures side by side, brought together through the story of human connection.

Nearby, Berklee Abu Dhabi offers music, educational and performing arts programmes throughout the year, while Saadiyat Cultural District’s Manarat Al Saadiyat serves as a centre for creative artistic expression.

The latter is home to two significant initiatives in Abu Dhabi’s cultural calendar: Abu Dhabi Art and Culture Summit Abu Dhabi.

Today, Sheikh Zayed’s legacy continues to evolve under the guidance of Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and Sheikh Khaled Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

Building on this powerful vision and legacy, the DCT – Abu Dhabi confirmed that the milestone project is on track for completion next year.

Once completed, it will boast one of the most highly-concentrated amount of cultural institutions in the world, allowing visitors to experience a wealth of global talent in one world-class destination.

Soon-to-open projects at Saadiyat Cultural District

The national museum of the UAE, Zayed National Museum will celebrate the nation’s rich history and culture, as well as honour the legacy of the country’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Meanwhile, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi – a 17,000 sqm experiential art space – will invite visitors on an ever-changing exploration that will transcend the limits of their imagination.

These will be joined by the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, which will include a research and teaching institution that will take visitors on a 13.8-billion-year journey through the story of our universe and our planet.

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will be a pre-eminent museum for contemporary art and culture that will present the most important artistic achievements of our time.

Saadiyat Cultural District invites the world to engage with diverse traditions, and foster dialogue and exchange, through a global cultural space that empowers the region and the global south – and once complete, is set to be one of the most exciting destinations in the world for art enthusiasts and culture vultures across the globe.

To learn more, visit the website at scdabudhabi.ae.