The Abu Dhabi Guggenheim Museum designed by prestigious architect Frank Gehry is part of an arts centre park on Saadiyat, a natural island 500m from the mainland of Abu Dhabi. The museum is expected to be completed by 2014, will be the property of A.D. Tourism Development and Investment Company but the management of programming will be under the authority of The Guggenheim Foundation. Sensitive to and respectful of the local culture, exhibits will be carefully vetted to avoid any themes pertaining to religion or nudity.

The architect wished to incorporate the surrounding features of blue water and sandy beaches in addition to the quality of light within his design. The 4 level building contains rooms and galleries of varying dimensions to accommodate different types of contemporary art, even the largest installations. The sustainability of the building has been taken into consideration with the feature of cone shaped tubes, inspired by the open-top teepee, which provide a natural form of ventilation. Various methods are being considered on this flexible ongoing project in order to make the museum as energy efficient as possible such as water walls and a profusion of outdoor spaces.

The complete Saadiyat island project will contain several museums within the arts centre park and also facilities for tourists and an estimated 150.000 residents. Complete with 29 hotels, marinas and golf courses, this could become the new vacation and residential destination for both locals and visitors.