The Museum of the Future is one of the most recognisable buildings in Dubai: a 77-metre silver ring on Sheikh Zayed Road, wrapped in Arabic calligraphy. Since it opened in February 2022 it has taken visitors on immersive journeys into possible futures. On 1 September 2026 it closed temporarily to build a whole new generation of experiences, due in 2027. Here’s what we know, how you can still see the building, and what to do instead.
H2: Closed for a Revamp: What We Know
The museum announced in August 2026 that it would close on 1 September to create its ‘next generation of experiences’, which will explore the scientific and technological shifts expected to change how we live. The new experiences are timed for the museum’s fifth anniversary in 2027, and they draw on more than 1,000 ideas sent in by the public. We’ll update this page as soon as an opening date is announced.
H2: The Building Itself
Even closed, the museum is worth seeing. Its torus shape, a ring with an empty centre, rises 77 metres above Sheikh Zayed Road. The facade is made of 1,024 stainless steel panels, and the Arabic calligraphy isn’t decoration: it forms the building’s windows. Designed by Killa Design, it’s often described as a giant silver eye looking out over the city.
H2: What the Calligraphy Says
The facade carries three quotes by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, written by Emirati calligrapher Mattar bin Lahej:
- We may not live for hundreds of years, but the products of our creativity can leave a legacy long after we are gone.’
- ‘The future belongs to those who can imagine it, design it and execute it.’
- ‘The secret of the renewal of life, the development of civilisation and the progress of mankind is in one word: innovation.’
H2: How to See It Now
The interior is closed, but the building itself is one of the best photo stops in the city.
H3: From the Outside
Get the classic shot from across Sheikh Zayed Road, or walk the bridge from Emirates Towers Metro station for a close-up view. The building is especially striking when it’s lit up after dark.
H3: On Our Dubai City Tour
Our Dubai City Tour includes a photo stop at the Museum of the Future, along with the city’s other landmarks.
H2: Things to Do Instead
Looking for something futuristic or high-up while the museum is closed? These are our favourites.
H3: Dubai Frame
See old and new Dubai in one view from a 150-metre sky bridge with a glass floor.
H3: Burj Khalifa
Head up the world’s tallest building, a short drive along Sheikh Zayed Road.
H3: Lost World Aquarium
Explore 14 immersive, projection-lit rooms and 65,000 sea creatures at Atlantis The Palm.
H3: Helicopter Tour
See the museum, the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah from the air.
H2: Before the Closure: What the Museum Offered
Until August 2026, visitors explored five experiences: the OSS Hope space station, the HEAL Institute rainforest, the Al Waha wellness sanctuary, Tomorrow Today and the Future Heroes area for children. These are being replaced by the new experiences opening in 2027.
H2: Getting There
The museum is on Sheikh Zayed Road, next to Jumeirah Emirates Towers. Take the Metro Red Line to Emirates Towers station, which connects to the museum by an air-conditioned bridge.
H2: Good to Know
- The museum is temporarily closed until its 2027 reopening
- You can still see and photograph the exterior
- Tickets for the renewed museum aren’t on sale yet
- Check the official website for the latest updates
