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UAE Moments
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- UAE Moments
Louvre & Guggenheim Are Just a Walk Apart in This Art Hub
Until now, visiting both the Louvre and the Guggenheim in a single day meant hopping between countries. But by the end of this year, you'll be able to stroll between them on foot, no borders, no flights, thanks to Abu Dhabi's ambitious cultural district on Saadiyat Island. Join our FREE WhatsApp channel to dive into a world of real-time engagement! This long-awaited hub brings together some of the world's most iconic cultural institutions in one place. Alongside the Louvre and Guggenheim, the district will also house the stunning Natural History Museum, an interactive teamLab digital art space, and the Zayed National Museum, among others. A Cultural Cluster Like No Other 'Plenty of cities have great museums, and many have been around much longer than ours,' says Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. 'But what makes this special is how close everything is... you can walk between them all.' Spread across 2.43 square kilometres and designed by award-winning architects like Jean Nouvel, Frank Gehry, and Norman Foster, the district is one of the largest cultural investments ever. Visitors can explore its museums via shaded, nature-inspired 'cool paths,' designed to make walking enjoyable even in Abu Dhabi's warm climate. Top Sights in Saadiyat Cultural District Here's a guide to what you can experience: Louvre Abu Dhabi Opened in 2017, the Louvre Abu Dhabi brings together art from all over the world, under Jean Nouvel's iconic dome, a masterpiece of light and shadow inspired by Islamic architecture. Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Expected to open by late 2025, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will showcase contemporary art from the 1960s to today, with a focus on West Asian, North African, and South Asian artists. The building itself, designed by Frank Gehry, is a work of art. Zayed National Museum Dedicated to the UAE's history and its founding father, Sheikh Zayed, this museum will feature galleries exploring everything from Bedouin traditions to the nation's rise as a global hub. It's set to open in late 2025. Natural History Museum Scheduled to open later this year, this science-focused museum will feature a T. rex fossil, ancient meteorites, and exhibits telling the story of the universe. At 35,000 square metres, it's the largest of its kind in the region. teamLab Phenomena This immersive art experience is already open, offering 25 digital installations that play with water, light, and sound a mesmerising mix of art and technology. More to Explore on Saadiyat Island Beyond its museums, Saadiyat Island is full of experiences worth checking out: Mamsha Al Saadiyat: A vibrant promenade lined with restaurants and cafés, perfect for waterfront dining. Soul Beach & Saadiyat Beach Clubs: Relax on pristine white sand or book a day at one of the island's upscale beach clubs. Bassam Freiha Art Foundation: A private collection of art open to the public for free. Abrahamic Family House: An interfaith site featuring a mosque, church, and synagogue, symbolising harmony and coexistence. Manarat Al Saadiyat: An arts centre hosting exhibitions, events, and workshops. Saadiyat Beach Golf Club: A scenic course where Arabian gazelles sometimes wander across the greens. Berklee Abu Dhabi: A hub for music, dance, and theatre with regular performances and programs. Why Saadiyat Stands Out Despite some challenges including concerns about labour conditions and debates over artistic freedom, the district is shaping up to rival cultural destinations like Berlin's Museum Island and Hong Kong's West Kowloon. With more than 1.7 million square feet of museum space and a world-class lineup of attractions, Saadiyat Cultural District is positioning Abu Dhabi as a global arts and culture hotspot. By the end of this year, you can ditch the flights and simply walk between the Louvre and the Guggenheim... All under the Abu Dhabi sun, in one incredible setting.
CNN
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
You can walk between the Louvre and the Guggenheim in this new art district
Right now, if you'd like to visit the Louvre and the Guggenheim in one day, you'd need to cross international borders. But with Abu Dhabi's long-awaited cultural district on Saadiyat Island nearing completion, by the end of the year, you'll be able to walk between them. The new cultural district will feature international outposts of the world-famous Louvre and Guggenheim museums, along with other institutions, including an immersive digital art space from teamLab and a natural history museum. 'Many places around the world have fantastic cultural institutions; many of them are much older than these. But I think the proximity of all of them is what makes this quite special,' says Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi. The project is piloting a network of 'cool paths,' which implement nature-based shading techniques, to allow visitors to navigate between the museums and cultural sites on foot, says Al Mubarak. The multi-billion-dollar, 2.43 square kilometer museum complex is one of the largest cultural investments of its kind in the world, and its design — by 'starchitects' like Jean Nouvel, Frank Gehry, and Norman Foster — is expected to be as much of an attraction as its artworks. Dr Peter Magee, director of the Zayed National Museum, currently under construction, describes the district as 'a constellation of stars' illuminating the region's history, culture, and art. The project broke ground in the mid-2000s and has not been without controversy. Human Rights Watch raised concerns about conditions for migrant workers, which were refuted by Abu Dhabi's Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC), which was overseeing the project. Others have questioned whether the Unites Arab Emirates' censorship laws are aligned with the values of the Louvre and Guggenheim. But Abu Dhabi will be hoping the complex, which will have more than 1.7 million square feet of space across its five main institutions, will become a world-renowned tourist destination in the same way as Hong Kong's 98-acre (40-hectare) West Kowloon Cultural District and Berlin's 21-acre (8.6-hectare) 'Museum Island.' As several of the museums prepare to open later this year, take a look at what to do in Saadiyat Cultural District. Abu Dhabi's science-focused museum explores the 13.8-billion-year story of our universe, complete with a research center. When it opens later this year, the 35,000-square-meter (377,000-square-foot) museum will be the largest of its kind in the region. Its star attraction is Stan, the world's most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, which was purchased for $31.8 million in 2020. The 67-million-year-old fossil will be on display alongside the Murchison meteorite, which crash-landed in Australia in the 1960s and contains organic compounds never identified on Earth, as well as 'pre-solar grains' formed before our own sun, and to date, the oldest material discovered on Earth. Named after the UAE's founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, this Foster + Partners-designed museum will showcase Emirati history and culture through six permanent indoor galleries. Opening late 2025, visitors can expect to journey through 300,000 years of local and regional history, including the evolution of the nation's unique desert landscape, the settlement of Bedouin ancestors, and the role of the UAE as a global trading hub. Opened in 2017, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is the first international outpost of the iconic French museum. Its 23 galleries showcase a range of works, from Ancient Egyptian sculptures to Italian Renaissance masterpieces to 20th-century abstract paintings. The collection includes a number of works of regional significance, too, including a 3,000-year-old Middle Eastern gold bracelet, and the oldest known photograph of a woman wearing a veil. The museum — designed by Pritzker Prize-winning French architect Jean Nouvel — has become an Abu Dhabi icon, with a domed roof and geometric patterns inspired by elements common in Islamic architecture. First opened in New York in 1959 in a groundbreaking building by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum now has outposts in Bilbao and Venice, and very soon, Abu Dhabi. The collection of contemporary art will be housed in an experimental building designed by American architect Frank Gehry, and construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Focused on work produced since the 1960s, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will particularly highlight West Asian, North African and South Asian art and commission original works for its expansive galleries. Prev Next Japanese art collective teamLab opened its first immersive digital art experience in the UAE earlier this year with teamLab Phenomena in Saadiyat Cultural District. Designed in collaboration with Abu Dhabi firm MZ Architects, the 17,000-square-meter (183,000-square-foot) cloud-like building is teamLab's largest location to date and features 25 installations that blend science, art, and technology. For example, 'Floating Microcosms,' an exhibit in the 'wet' area of the museum, features unanchored ovoid sculptures in ankle-deep water. As visitors wade through the water, the waves ripple out, toppling the sculptures and changing their sound and color, creating tactile, unique experiences. Prev Next Abrahamic Family House: Designed by Ghanaian British architect David Adjaye, this interfaith center features a mosque, church and synagogue on one site, as a symbol of peaceful coexistence and a celebration of diversity. Bassam Freiha Art Foundation: The only private art foundation in Saadityat Cultural District, this non-profit gallery offers free entry to view the artworks accrued by its founder, art patron Bassam Said Freiha, who has collected for the past 50 years. Dine at Mamsha Al Saadiyat: This beachfront pedestrian promenade is bursting with cafés and restaurants, including the Bib Gourmand awarded Beirut Sur Mer; Niri, a sushi and highball bar listed as one of the Middle East's 50 Best Restaurants; and Emirati coffee specialists Coffee Architecture. Soul Beach: Also known as Mamsha Beach, this stretch of powdery white sand and turquoise water is a favorite with locals and tourists alike. As with most beaches in the UAE, visitors have to pay for a day pass, starting from AED 125 ($34) for adults. Beach clubs: Just along the coast from Soul Beach, Saadiyat Beach is littered with beach clubs. The expansive Saadiyat Beach Club has day passes starting from AED 225 ($61), and the Rixos Hotel offers a luxurious all-inclusive day package (AED 695, $189). Kai Beach Club provides a more affordable option, starting from AED 150 ($41), while the Buddha-Bar Beach at The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort offers beach access in its classic weekend brunch. Manarat Al Saadiyat: A dynamic arts center hosting exhibitions, workshops and events, including film screenings, comedy nights, and the annual Abu Dhabi Art Fair. Berklee Abu Dhabi: In addition to its education programs, the first Middle East location for the Massachusetts-based institute of contemporary music, dance and theater also hosts public performances. The building, designed by Foster + Partners, initially served as the UAE's pavilion at the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai, China, and was relocated to the cultural district when the event concluded. Saadiyat Beach Golf Club: Designed by champion golfer Gary Player, this scenic beachfront course has views across the Arabian Gulf, incorporating saltwater lakes and beach dunes. Additional reporting by Kayla Smith, CNN.
Emirates Woman
16-07-2025
- Emirates Woman
14 stunning museums to visit in the UAE this summer
The United Arab Emirates, often celebrated for its futuristic skyline and golden deserts, harbors a lesser-known treasure beneath its modern veneer—a thriving cultural landscape where ancient heritage and visionary innovation converge in remarkable museums. Far more than repositories of artifacts, these institutions serve as vibrant portals into the soul of the nation, telling stories that span millennia while shaping contemporary dialogues about art, science, and identity. From meticulously preserved archaeological wonders that tell tales of Bronze Age traders to avant-garde exhibitions redefining the boundaries of digital art, the UAE's museums offer an intellectual and aesthetic feast for discerning travellers. While their climate-controlled galleries are perfect places to explore this summer, their true value lies in their power to transport visitors across time and space—whether to the courts of Islamic scholars, the workshops of Emirati pearl divers, or laboratories of future technologies. Bait Al Banat Women's Museum, Dubai Located in Dubai's historic Al Fahidi neighborhood near the Gold Souk, Bait Al Banat Women's Museum is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the contributions of Emirati women throughout history. The museum showcases personal artifacts, letters, and photographs that highlight the lives of pioneering female artists, educators, and leaders. Visitors can explore rotating contemporary art exhibitions featuring works by emerging Emirati women artists. With its intimate atmosphere and thought-provoking displays, this museum offers a unique perspective on the UAE's social evolution. Louvre Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Situated on Saadiyat Island, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is renowned for its stunning architecture by Jean Nouvel and its groundbreaking collection that bridges Eastern and Western civilizations. The museum's permanent galleries display masterpieces ranging from ancient artifacts to modern works by artists like Monet and Picasso. Its iconic rain of light effect, created by sunlight filtering through the geometric dome, makes every visit visually breathtaking. Special exhibitions, kayak tours around the museum's lagoon, and family workshops ensure there's always something new to discover. Museum of the Future, Dubai Standing dramatically along Sheikh Zayed Road, the Museum of the Future is instantly recognizable by its torus-shaped, Arabic calligraphy-covered exterior. Inside, visitors embark on a journey through possible futures, with interactive exhibits exploring artificial intelligence, sustainability, and space exploration. The museum's innovative design includes a completely column-free interior and windows formed by the building's calligraphic patterns. Highlights include a replica Amazon rainforest ecosystem and the famous robotic penguin that flies through the central atrium. Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi This magnificent presidential palace in Abu Dhabi's Al Ras Al Akhdar district offers visitors a glimpse into the UAE's governance and cultural heritage. Qasr Al Watan's grand halls feature exquisite craftsmanship, from intricate mosaics to a 12-ton crystal chandelier. The Knowledge Gallery displays rare Islamic manuscripts and historical artifacts, while the Presidential Gifts exhibition showcases remarkable presents received from world leaders. Evening visitors can enjoy a spectacular light and sound show that brings the palace's architecture to life. TeamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Located in Saadiyat Cultural District, this immersive digital art museum by the renowned TeamLab collective transforms visitors into part of the artwork. Spanning 17,000 square meters, the space features ever-changing installations that respond to human interaction, such as the mesmerizing Wind Form tunnel and the gravity-defying Biocosmos. Each visit offers a unique experience as the artworks evolve in real-time. The museum's cutting-edge technology and dreamlike environments make it a must-see for art and tech enthusiasts alike. Al Shindagha Museum and Perfume House, Dubai Nestled in Dubai's historic Al Shindagha neighborhood along the Creek, this museum complex tells the story of Dubai's transformation from a fishing village to a global city. The Perfume House is a standout attraction, tracing the history of Emirati fragrance traditions and displaying rare ingredients like oud and ambergris. Other exhibits explore pearl diving, traditional architecture, and the ruling family's legacy. The beautifully restored heritage buildings and multimedia presentations provide a rich, sensory journey through time. Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, Sharjah Housed in a converted souk with a striking golden dome on Sharjah's Corniche, this museum offers a comprehensive look at Islamic achievements across centuries. Its galleries display over 5,000 artifacts including scientific instruments, textiles, and ceramics that demonstrate Islam's contributions to fields like astronomy and medicine. The Islamic Faith Gallery contains significant religious objects, while the Abu Bakr Gallery of Islamic Coins features rare currency from throughout the Muslim world. The museum's central location makes it easy to combine with other cultural sites in Sharjah. Mleiha Archaeological Centre, Sharjah Set against a dramatic desert landscape, the Mleiha Archaeological Centre introduces visitors to the UAE's ancient past through interactive exhibits and outdoor sites. The museum displays artifacts from the region's Bronze and Iron Ages, including jewelry, weapons, and the famous 130,000-year-old stone tool. Visitors can join guided tours to nearby archaeological sites like the Umm Al Nar tombs or try their hand at fossil hunting. The center's modern architecture blends seamlessly with the surrounding dunes, creating a striking contrast between past and present. Al Jahili Fort, Al Ain One of the UAE's most important historical sites, Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain dates back to the late 19th century and is surrounded by lush date palm groves. The fort's massive walls and distinctive circular towers showcase traditional Emirati military architecture. Inside, exhibits highlight the adventures of British explorer Wilfred Thesiger and his Bedouin guides in the Rub' al Khali desert. The peaceful gardens and regular cultural events make Al Jahili a favorite among history buffs and photographers. Buhais Geological Park, Sharjah This unique museum in Sharjah's desert focuses on the region's fascinating geological history, revealed through its dramatic, fossil-inspired architecture. Exhibits explain how the area was once an ocean floor, displaying 93-million-year-old rock formations and marine fossils. Interactive displays and a 'time tunnel' take visitors on a journey through the Earth's evolution. The surrounding landscape offers hiking trails with panoramic views of the Hajar Mountains and opportunities for fossil hunting. Jumeirah Archaeological Site, Dubai Tucked away in Dubai's Jumeirah residential area, this often-overlooked site preserves remains from an important Abbasid-era settlement. The small museum displays artifacts excavated from the site, including pottery, coins, and jewelry that testify to Dubai's early trading connections. Outdoor panels explain the layout of the ancient town, which included a mosque, houses, and a caravanserai. The site provides a quiet, educational break from the city's modern bustle. Saruq Al Hadid Archaeology Museum, Dubai Located in the historic Shindagha district, this museum showcases finds from an important Iron Age metallurgy center discovered in Dubai's desert. The collection includes intricately crafted gold jewelry, bronze weapons, and hundreds of mysterious snake-shaped objects whose purpose remains unclear. Interactive screens allow visitors to virtually 'excavate' the site, while life-size dioramas recreate ancient metalworking techniques. The museum's modern design cleverly incorporates elements from the archaeological finds. Al Mahatta Museum, Sharjah As the site of the Gulf's first airport (opened in 1932), this museum in central Sharjah offers a nostalgic look at early aviation history. The original terminal building houses exhibits about the pioneering flights that connected Britain with India, complete with vintage luggage and passenger memorabilia. Outside, visitors can explore restored aircraft including a 1940s Douglas DC-3. The preserved control tower provides panoramic views of modern Sharjah's skyline. Off-Road History Museum, Sharjah This unexpected treasure in the Sharjah desert houses Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan's private collection of over 200 vintage vehicles. The massive hangars display rows of classic Land Rovers, rare American muscle cars, and quirky custom vehicles like the famous 'Pyramid Car.' Informative panels trace the history of off-road driving in the region, while the surrounding dunes make a picturesque backdrop for photos. The museum's remote location adds to its adventurous appeal. From ancient forts to futuristic wonderlands, the UAE's museums offer endless opportunities for discovery—perfect for beating the summer heat while expanding your horizons. Each institution tells a unique part of the nation's story, making them essential stops for both residents and visitors alike. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Pinterest
Indian Express
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Inside Kim Soo Hyun's $6 mn apartment at South Korea's most expensive address, also home to G-Dragon, SEVENTEEN's Dino and more
K-drama star Kim Soo Hyun's luxury apartment in Seongsu Dong has been in the spotlight lately, given his back-to-back real estate moves in one of Seoul's most elite neighbourhoods. Out of the three prime units he owned, the actor recently sold one in a massive $6 million USD deal, a property he had originally bought for $2.8 million a few years ago. The Galleria Forêt apartment, known as a celebrity hotspot, also houses Korean stars like BIGBANG's G-Dragon and SEVENTEEN's Dino. Built by Hanwha Corporation's construction wing, it has long held the title of South Korea's most expensive address. Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, the building wasn't just made to impress, it was imagined as Seoul's very own Hyde Park. Also read: Fact Check: Did Kim Soo Hyun sell his luxury apartment to pay for lawsuit costs? Know the real reason behind the Galleria Forêt $6.1 million deal Galleria Forêt, one of Seoul's most elite neighbourhoods, stands right beside Seoul Forest, an 11,600,000m² stretch often dubbed the city's answer to Central Park. The twin towers rise as far as the eye can see, with the Han River on one side and the forest on the other. The view alone adds all the posh this postcode needs. The property has 45 floors in total, and while the design borrows cues from the architect's most iconic Western works, every inch of its layout was made for exclusivity. No bland glass-and-concrete façade was used for the exterior. Inspired by the sails of a yacht, the towers are built using a curtain wall method. At night, the entire building glows, half the light reflects into the forest, the other into the river. And when the sun rises, it glimmers like massive crystals slicing through Seoul's skyline. The mastermind behind it is Jean Nouvel, the Pritzker Prize-winning French architect, often hailed as the Nobel Laureate of architecture. Jean Nouvel also designed the Leeum Museum in Seoul and Torre Agbar in Spain. For Galleria Forêt, he chose the classic European layouts, separating private areas like bedrooms from common areas like living rooms. Every unit opens up to majestic views of both the Han River and Seoul Forest, and the structure's thousands of windows are layered with three panes of glass for extra energy efficiency. Inside, there are just 230 flats, each running between 231㎡ to 375㎡. Over six parking spots are allotted to every single apartment. Residents also get access to a sky garden on the 29th floor and a forest-style garden at ground level called 'A Window to the Forest,' designed by landscape architect Massimo Venturi Ferriolo. The whole thing gives off a castle-in-the-woods vibe. Also read: Kim Soo Hyun's accuser loses big in high-profile case against YouTuber Tzuyang; court slaps ₩10 million fine per video According to reports, SEVENTEEN's Dino bought a 195-unit here for ₩9 billion (roughly $6.63 million USD), breaking the price record for the Seongsu area. Kim Soo Hyun himself has occasionally dropped glimpses of his pad, caught sipping coffee, cruising on a late-night bike ride, or standing by the Han River in one of those quiet corners of the house. Galleria Forêt didn't just raise property values, it helped turn Seongsu Dong from an old factory belt into Seoul's next big luxury neighbourhood, the way Cheongdam and Gangnam once did.
CairoScene
16-06-2025
- CairoScene
Under the Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi's Mashrabiya-Inspired Dome
French architect Jean Nouvel looked at traditional Arabic architecture to create the world-renowned structure. Calm and complex, the Louvre Abu Dhabi's design is a serene medley of light, shadow and reflection. But did you ever wonder why its dome appears as if it's floating? Or why is it so cinematic when you stand under it? Well, in a nutshell, this majestic effect is the result of French architect Jean Nouvel's use of Arabic architecture, such as domes and mashrabiyas, masterfully blended with modern construction techniques. Located on Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Island, the world-renowned museum was built between 2013 and 2017. That said, its concept and design received awards before a single grain of sand was moved on the archipelago, and rightly so. Perforations that appear random, despite being meticulously calculated, created what the award-winning architect titled as the 'rain of light' effect. 'It's a project based on a major sign of Arabic architecture: the dome. But here the dome is a modern proposition due to the discrepancy it displays with tradition,' the Pritzker prize winning architect writes in the project's description. The double dome, 180 metres in diameter, is punctuated by bursts of sun through its seemingly random perforations. But, if anything, it couldn't be further away from being random. Visible from the sea and the city of Abu Dhabi, the dome consists of eight different layers: four outer layers clad in stainless steel and four inner layers clad in aluminium, separated by a steel frame five metres high. The frame is composed of 10,000 structural components pre-assembled into 85 super-sized elements, each weighing up to 50 tonnes. Constructed by the Austrian steel structures experts at Waagner Biro, the dome is supported by only four permanent piers, each 110 metres apart and hidden within the museum's series of contrasting white buildings, which were inspired from Arab settlements. Thus, the dome appears as though it's floating because you wouldn't be able to see its supports. The museum's buildings have facades that are covered by 3,900 panels of ultra-high performance fibre concrete. Those facades usually have serene lights beaming onto them due to the dome's perforations. Its complex pattern is repeated at various sizes and angles in the aforementioned eight layers. Each ray of light penetrates every single one of the eight layers before appearing and then disappearing. As a result, visitors experience a 'cinematic' effect as the sun moves throughout the day. Dubbed 'rain of light', this light effect was the result of meticulous modelling over years and offers perhaps one of the most astonishing contemporary applications of traditional Mashrabiyas. Like a sky full of stars, the dome gleams under Abu Dhabi's sun, providing an aesthetic consistent with the museum's role as a sanctuary for the world's most precious works of art.
