Dubai has once again pushed the boundaries of architectural innovation with the unveiling of the Dubai Museum of Art (DUMA), a stunning cultural landmark that appears to float on water. Inspired by the sea and the pearl — two enduring symbols of Dubai’s heritage — the museum is designed to reflect the city’s spirit of unity, discovery, and forward-thinking. Developed by the Al-Futtaim Group and masterminded by the globally acclaimed Japanese architect Tadao Ando, DUMA is set to become a beacon of modern art and cultural exchange. Located on an island in Dubai Creek, the museum’s design features a curved shell that encloses a circular exhibition hall, with a central cylindrical opening allowing natural light to cascade through, evoking the soft shimmer of a pearl. Rising five storeys above the water, DUMA seamlessly blends local culture with contemporary architectural sensibilities. Inside, visitors can explore exhibition galleries across the first and second floors, a restaurant and VIP lounge on the third floor, and support spaces on the ground and basement levels. Beyond its exhibitions, DUMA will host artist talks, panel discussions, educational programmes, and art fairs, supported by purpose-built event spaces. The museum will showcase modern and contemporary art, reflecting Dubai’s diversity and creative energy, while serving as a global hub for artists to collaborate and innovate. Designed by Tadao Ando, a 1995 Pritzker Architecture Prize laureate, DUMA embodies his philosophy of harmonising architecture with natural elements. This ambitious project underscores Dubai’s aspiration to be recognised as a global capital of culture, creativity, and innovation, enriching its artistic landscape and solidifying its position on the world stage of modern art.