Abu Dhabi’s cultural offering is becoming broader and more varied. Alongside landmarks that tell the story of the UAE, the emirate is investing in museums, immersive art and experiences built around globally recognised stories.
This development forms part of a wider ambition. Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030 aims to increase annual visitor numbers to 39.3 million and raise tourism’s contribution to GDP to AED 90 billion by 2030. Enhancing cultural sites and experiences is one of the areas supporting that growth. We are contributing to this landscape by developing and operating cultural and entertainment experiences across Abu Dhabi. Our portfolio now extends from Emirati heritage and natural history to digital art and immersive storytelling.
Bringing Emirati Heritage Closer to Visitors
Qasr Al Watan gives visitors an opportunity to understand the UAE through its history, traditions and system of governance. More than an architectural landmark, the working Presidential Palace provides insight into the country’s heritage and the principles that have shaped its development.
The attraction is part of our portfolio and is operated by Miral Experiences. It brings cultural heritage into a wider portfolio that also spans leisure and entertainment experiences.
For Abu Dhabi, experiences such as Qasr Al Watan help make local history accessible to an international audience while giving visitors a stronger understanding of the destination they are exploring.
Experiencing Art Differently at teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi
On Saadiyat Island, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi takes a different approach to culture. The 17,000-square-metre experience brings art, science and technology together in an environment where the artworks respond to visitors and their surroundings.
Developed by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi in partnership with Miral and art collective teamLab. Through Miral Experiences, we now operate the attraction as part of Abu Dhabi’s expanding cultural offering.
Its presence within Saadiyat Cultural District demonstrates how Abu Dhabi is expanding the way visitors can engage with art. Rather than only observing works in a traditional gallery setting, visitors become part of an evolving experience.
Looking at Natural History Through an Arabian Lens
Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi adds another dimension to the emirate’s cultural landscape. The 35,000-square-metre museum takes visitors through 13.8 billion years of natural history, from the origins of the universe to the development of life on Earth.
Importantly, the story is presented through an Arabian lens, connecting global natural history with the region’s own landscapes and natural heritage.
In partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, we contributed to the development of the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi.
Adding Global Stories to Abu Dhabi’s Visitor Experience
Abu Dhabi’s cultural appeal also includes stories that are already familiar to audiences around the world.
At Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, together with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences, we are developing a Harry Potter-themed land. The project will allow visitors to step into locations and stories inspired by the Wizarding World.
Harry Potter represents a different form of cultural experience from Qasr Al Watan or the museums of Saadiyat Island. Its significance lies in bringing globally recognised storytelling into Abu Dhabi’s growing entertainment landscape and giving international audiences another reason to experience the emirate.
A Broader Cultural Destination
What is emerging in Abu Dhabi is not one definition of culture. Visitors can explore Emirati heritage at Qasr Al Watan, encounter interactive digital art at teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, discover the natural world at Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and, in the future, enter the world of Harry Potter on Yas Island.
Abu Dhabi’s cultural landscape continues to evolve, bringing heritage, art, science, technology and global storytelling together in one destination. Through Miral Destinations and our wider work across development and operations, we are contributing to this growth and helping create experiences that give visitors more reasons to discover Abu Dhabi.
