Built as a beacon of cultural exchange and inspiration, Saadiyat Cultural District is a unique collection of cultural institutions and experiences in the heart of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi is distinctive in telling a global narrative that will collectively tell a story reaching back to the origins of our universe emphasising human connections and creativity through time – importantly, seen from the perspective of Abu Dhabi and its position in the global south.
It is a celebration of diverse cultures and shared experiences, charting the past, present and future. Visitors to its museums and institutions, housed in innovative architectural spaces, will discover how culture unites and allows a shared understanding and appreciation for each other and our planet.
Saadiyat Cultural District is a testament to Abu Dhabi’s belief in the power of creativity and innovation, qualities that build on the profound vision of the UAE’s founder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and it is driven by a heartfelt responsibility to future generations of all nations.
Sheikh Zayed was passionate about cherishing, protecting, and promoting the United Arab Emirates heritage and the diverse influences that shaped the country and its culture. The UAE was founded in 1971 and to document its history, Sheikh Zayed opened the first museum in the UAE, Al Ain Museum, to tell the story of the land and his nation.
The Cultural Foundation, the first cultural centre, opened in 1981. The Cultural Foundation, the first cultural centre, opened in 1981 to celebrate local and regional culture, encourage cross-cultural exchange and showcase a variety of art forms.
The present rulers, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, continue to build on his legacy. This enduring dedication to cultural heritage and advancement finds its latest expression in Saadiyat Cultural District, one of the greatest concentrations of cultural institutions.
The District is already home to Louvre Abu Dhabi, the first universal museum in the Arab world that has welcomed over five million visitors since opening in 2017. Its permanent collection includes the Asante Stool of the Queen Mother from 19th century Ghana embodying the rich heritage and artistic prowess of the Asante people, and in 2025, the museum plans to deliver Kings and Queens of Africa: Forms and Figures of Power, an impressive exhibition of African art and history explored through the lens of the continent’s royalty.
Close to Louvre Abu Dhabi is Berklee Abu Dhabi, the first Middle Eastern branch of the renowned Berklee music and performing arts institute, drawing talent from the Middle East, Africa and South Asia to its many prgrammes, and Manarat Al Saadiyat, a cultural centre that holds the annual Abu Dhabi Art Fair where Nigeria’s Ko Gallery debuted in 2022, and the Culture Summit Abu Dhabi, amongst other vibrant cultural events.
Saadiyat Cultural District will soon be completed by four further institutions. Zayed National Museum, the national museum of the UAE, will celebrate the nation’s rich history and culture, as well as honour the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, incorporating a research and teaching institution, 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 museum celebrating art from the 1960s to the present and the most important artistic achievements of our time including work by Ghanaian sculptor El Anatsui, one of the most highly acclaimed artists in African History and foremost contemporary artists in the world.
These significant institutions will also be joined by teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, an immersive space where art and architecture are combined with cutting-edge technology and science.
As a vibrant cultural destination, Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi bridges a rich cultural heritage with diverse artistic and creative expression, a welcoming place with its doors always open to the world.
Executive biography: HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak
A member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak is shaping the future of Abu Dhabi across the culture, tourism, real estate, leisure and entertainment sectors. He shares Abu Dhabi with the world, positioning the UAE capital as a vibrant city to live, work and play.
