Dubai has unveiled the Museum of Digital Art (MODA), the region’s first museum dedicated to digital art and emerging technologies, marking a major milestone in the emirate’s rapidly expanding cultural and creative sector.
Launched by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the museum will be located within the DIFC Zabeel District expansion project. The launch was attended by His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of the Dubai International Financial Center.
Positioned as a future-focused cultural institution, MODA will span five floors, bringing together art, technology, and innovation through immersive exhibitions, educational programs, research initiatives, and interactive experiences. DIFC will oversee the museum’s development, while Dubai Culture will lead its operations and strategic cultural direction.
“The Museum of Digital Art reflects Dubai’s long-term vision of culture as a catalyst for innovation, knowledge, and human connection,” said Sheikha Latifa. “As the first institution of its kind in the region, it marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Dubai’s cultural ecosystem and reinforces our commitment to shaping a future where creativity and technology converge.”
She added that the museum aligns with Dubai’s broader ambition to establish institutions that support artists, nurture emerging talent, and expand access to culture in an increasingly digital world.
The announcement coincides with the 20th edition of Art Dubai, underscoring the emirate’s continued efforts to strengthen its position as a global hub for culture and creativity.
According to DIFC Governor Essa Kazim, the launch represents the next phase of DIFC’s long-standing engagement with the arts sector. “The Museum of Digital Art represents a natural evolution of DIFC’s art legacy and reflects our commitment to advancing Dubai’s cultural ambitions through innovation and globally relevant experiences,” he said.
Designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, the museum aims to create a collaborative environment for artists, researchers, and emerging talent in the digital arts sector. The institution will host permanent and temporary exhibitions alongside immersive and interdisciplinary experiences intended to encourage experimentation and creative exchange.
Her Excellency Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, said the project reflects Dubai’s efforts to anticipate transformations in the cultural sector and adopt new approaches to how art is created and experienced.
“The museum is an interactive space where creativity meets advanced technology, fostering innovation among artists and giving them the room to develop ideas and strengthen their place in the cultural landscape,” she said.
MODA also forms a central pillar of DIFC’s newly launched long-term arts strategy, which aims to shape Dubai’s cultural evolution over the next two decades. The strategy brings together DIFC’s flagship cultural initiatives, including Sculpture Park, Art Nights, and Satellite Gallery, into a unified, year-round program.
His Excellency Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority and Chairman of Art Dubai, said the strategy marks “a new cultural chapter” for the district, positioning the museum as a key anchor within DIFC Zabeel District’s mixed-use expansion.
Beyond exhibitions, the museum will place a strong emphasis on education and future talent development through dedicated learning spaces and specialized programs. MODA will also introduce a “digital twin” model to enable global access and interaction beyond the physical museum space.
The initiative supports Dubai’s broader economic and cultural ambitions under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy by strengthening the contribution of cultural and creative industries to the emirate’s economy.
Once opened, MODA is expected to further diversify Dubai’s museum sector while reinforcing the city’s position as a destination for cultural tourism, innovation, and creative investment.