The Art of the Megascale: how the UAE makes museums fascinating

Museums may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of the Emirates. This is a place better known for luxury cars, the dazzling white robes of sheikhs, and skyline-piercing towers. But these desert-born cities have a knack for defying expectations. Yes, there are museums here — and they rank among the most ambitious in the world.

The UAE’s signature approach to culture blends modernity with interactivity — even when it looks back at history. You won’t find dusty showcases here. Everything gleams, responds, and invites conversation. These are spaces that pull you in, promising something bold and immersive.

From classical art to digital installations, from national pride to forward-looking innovation — the video platform Dubadu invites you to discover the UAE’s museums worth seeing, if only to earn a reputation as someone culturally informed.

Let’s begin with the classics, the past — and what lies ahead.

Louvre Abu Dhabi: a classic reimagined

What museum is instantly recognized around the world? The Louvre. So when Abu Dhabi set out to build its own global cultural landmark, it reached for the very top.

In a landmark agreement, the Louvre in Paris committed to a 30-year partnership: offering curatorial advice, loaning artworks, and allowing use of its name until 2037 — in exchange for over a billion euros. But calling Louvre Abu Dhabi a branch would be missing the point. It’s an independent institution with a powerful curatorial voice.

The museum brings together artworks across civilizations and centuries. A medieval icon might share space with a Buddhist sculpture. A Mesopotamian bronze sword could stand next to a painting by Bellini. And of course, the beloved Impressionists — Manet, Gauguin, and more — are there too. This isn’t just cultural diversity; it’s a reminder that humanity’s search for meaning has always followed similar threads.

Louvre Abu Dhabi was also meant to host one of the most talked-about artworks of our century: Salvator Mundi. Presented in 2011 as a lost masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci, it stunned the art world. Experts were split — some fiercely defended its authenticity, while others questioned its quality and origins.

Still, the painting was sold at Christie’s for a record-breaking $450 million (fees included), purchased by Saudi Prince Badr bin Abdullah on behalf of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. It was set to appear at the Louvre Abu Dhabi — but never did. Rumor has it the painting now resides on the prince’s yacht. A mystery worthy of its own gallery.

The painting’s authenticity remains a subject of ongoing debate. Will Salvator Mundi ever arrive in Abu Dhabi? Time will tell.

In the meantime, there’s more than enough here to satisfy even the most devoted lovers of classic art.

Museum of the Future, Dubai: peering beyond the horizon

Even from the outside, this museum is extraordinary — a sleek, edgeless ellipse wrapped in Arabic calligraphy. Its shape is symbolic: the circular form represents humanity, the green hill beneath it symbolizes Earth, and the empty space in the middle points toward the unknown future.

This is one of the UAE’s most in-demand attractions — getting tickets is no small feat. It’s easy to see why: from schoolchildren to CEOs, everyone wants a glimpse of tomorrow.

Inside, visitors encounter a robot dog, a flying fish, and a surreal digital library called the Vault of Life. Instead of books, this installation features floating capsules with 3D-printed specimens representing Earth’s biodiversity — from trees to microorganisms. The museum positions it as a genetic archive of life, designed to help future generations restore what we might one day lose.

Everything here is interactive. You don’t just observe — you participate. You can mix ingredients to create your own signature scent. You can contribute to collective visions of the future. Nothing is passive.

For younger guests, there’s the Future Heroes center — an immersive space where children aged 3–10 solve challenges, complete missions, and build problem-solving and teamwork skills.

For curious, forward-thinking minds, this museum is a must.

Etihad Museum, Dubai: a step into the Past

After a journey into the future, a step into history. The Etihad Museum is located at the exact site where the founding treaty of the United Arab Emirates was signed in 1971.

This is where the story of the nation unfolds — from desert sands to a federation with skyscrapers and space programs. The exhibitions are sleek and digital, yet rooted in archival truth. A major focus is placed on the country’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose leadership transformed the UAE in a single generation.

There are no paintings here in the usual sense. Instead, the museum houses handwritten drafts of laws, Sheikh Zayed’s personal items, and rare video footage of the early days of unification.

Visitors can explore timelines, watch historic clips, take quizzes, and interact with digital exhibits. You’ll also encounter the falcon — a long-standing symbol of the UAE, featured on the national emblem, with seven tail feathers representing the seven Emirates.

This museum is ideal for the detail-oriented, the historically curious, and anyone who prefers facts over fanfare.

A Home for Art

For years, the UAE was viewed as a land of oil and concrete. But if you look closely, you’ll see they’ve been building more than towers — they’ve been shaping a cultural identity.

The Emirates aim to craft a bold future, grounded in reverence for the past. Their museums reflect this vision: with daring architecture, inventive formats, and a welcome extended to all generations and nationalities, they’ve become homes for art — diverse, dynamic, and deeply alive.

And if you, too, are looking for a home — whether permanent or just for a while — the video platform Dubadu can help you find it. Browse, explore, dream. And most importantly: enjoy the journey.