Latest news with #Phenomena
Emirates Woman
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Emirates Woman
How Saadiyat Cultural District invites discovery and cultural exchange
Saadiyat Cultural District is home to Louvre Abu Dhabi, Manarat Al Saadiyat, teamLab Phenomena and the future home of soon-to-open cultural destinations Zayed National Museum, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, and Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi that invite discovery and information exchange. Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi versity of the UAE's multi-cultural eco-system with renowned institutions that support preserving the region's heritage while embracing a forward-looking vision. 'Saadiyat Cultural District invites people from the UAE, the region, and the world to experience the transformational, uniting power of art and culture, and how these pillars of human expression unite us all. Collectively, these museums are repositories for education, innovation, imagination, and possibility. Our goal is that the District's impact will be felt for generations to come,' shares His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT). Louvre Abu Dhabi Opened in 2017, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is the first universal museum of the Arab world. Recognised for its breathtaking architecture, the museum continues its legacy in the region through stories of cultural connections across cultures through a line-up of well-curated exhibitions and performances in its programmes that create a unique space that brings the community together. Zayed National Museum Abu Dhabi On track for completion this year, Zayed National Museum aims to celebrate the rich history, culture, and stories that highlight the narratives of its people from ancient times to modern day. Exploring over 300,000 years of history, landscapes, languages, and culture, it also tells the story of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose enduring example still guides the nation and its people today. Through its exhibitions, research and public programmes, Zayed National Museum explores the legacy and cornerstone values grounded in solidarity, tolerance, among others, that Sheikh Zayed embodied and their lasting influence on the country he founded. teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi If you haven't heard of teamLab Phenomena yet, the multi-sensory experience by a Japanese art collective that creates other-worldly immersive digital experiences with next-generation storytelling has opened in the capital's cultural district. Officially launched on April 18, 2025, it comprises mesmerising interactive exhibits within the 17,000 square-meter space that play with light, sounds, shape, video, and movement. teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi resides at the intersection of art, theatre, technology, and theme park. Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi aims to put a spotlight on the evolution of the universe through engaging site-specific installations and immersive displays that serve as educational resources. Not only does it aim to ignite the minds, but the museum is also thinking ahead with initiatives set in place before the opening to encourage women to pursue careers in the fields of science, archaeology, and conservation. 'We hope that through our programmes that highlight different characters and people from this region that we don't normally hear about, young girls and women will be encouraged to enter these fields. There is so much potential here and so many routes to go down, it is just a case of finding the area you are interested in and following that,' says Noora Abdulla Albalooshi, Assistant Curator at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi. Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Set to be completed in 2025, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will be the region's enigmatic destination for contemporary art, showcasing artworks from across the globe housed under a floor area of 80,000 square meters designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Frank Gehry. This collaboration between DCT and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation will comprise 28 galleries with an international collection of artworks commissioned for the exceptional spaces within the museum. Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will also serve as a thought-provoking forum for research and cultural dialogue amongst artists, scholars, curators, and other like-minded creative thinkers through a dynamic programme that explores the careers of individual artists and the histories of art movements. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied
Time Out Abu Dhabi
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi's new ride will break four world records
Buckle up, thrill-seekers – Abu Dhabi's iconic Ferrari World is about to unleash a record-breaking roller coaster that promises to shake up the global theme park scene. According to developer Miral (the company behind the island's mega attractions, including the upcoming Disney Abu Dhabi), this jaw-dropping new ride will set four world records. Yes, four. Roller coaster fans, this one's for you. Mohamed Al Zaabi, group chief executive of Miral, said to reporters during the recent Arabian Travel Market that the new 'significant and signature ride in Ferrari World will have four records worldwide and roller coaster fans will be very excited to hear that news soon'. But that's just the beginning of the Yas Island glow-up. Over at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, two brand-new signature rides are being added to the roster and phase two of Yas Waterworld's big expansion is making waves with 12 new rides dropping this summer. If your summer plans weren't sorted yet, they are now. Looking even further into the future, a Disney theme park was just announced. As well as being the most advanced version yet, it's also expected to boost house prices in the area and create thousands of jobs. Talk about a glow-up. Theme park visits alone surged 20 percent last year, helping drive Yas Island to a whopping 38 million visits. Hotels are also smashing it – occupancy hit 82 percent, with guests staying longer and shelling out more. The average hotel rate jumped 17 percent and Miral is now planning to add 30 percent more hotel rooms over the next five years to keep up with demand. Culture lovers, you're in luck too. Over on Saadiyat Island, The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi is on track to wrap up construction by the end of the year and teamLab Phenomena has already been pulling in crowds. Still to come? The hotly anticipated Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. Oh and for Potterheads: work on the magical Harry Potter attraction inside Warner Bros. World is underway – so hold on to your broomsticks. This all feeds into Abu Dhabi's ambitious Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to pull in nearly 40 million visitors a year, create 178,000 new jobs and contribute Dhs90 billion to the local economy. With 1.4 million overnight guests already clocked in Q1 2025 alone and hotel revenues surging to Dhs2.3 billion, the capital is cruising toward its goals. From blockbuster rides and cultural icons to next-level hotel stays, Yas Island is fast becoming a destination where you can do it all – and then some. More in Abu Dhabi… Everything happening in Abu Dhabi in 2025 From new openings to big events, this is shaping up to be quite a year It's official: Abu Dhabi Comedy Season is returning for a second edition with some huge names Wow, look at this line-up The 2025 concert line-up in Abu Dhabi just keeps getting better and better So many big names coming to the capital
What's On
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
10 amazing new things to do for your UAE summer wishlist 2025
'Twas the UAE summer of 2025… And we had the most fun we've ever had …is what we're trying to say when we look back on this time come October/November/December/a combination of any of those months. This is the only wishlist you need for summer – all of the new, mad fun things you can do during the warmer months. See you when the sun's out. PAC-MAN Live Studio PAC-MAN Live Studio invites thrill-seekers, gamers, and families alike to step inside the legendary PAC-MAN universe, powered by augmented reality and state-of-the-art digital projections. In PAC-MAN Dubai, players will dash through a full-scale PAC-MAN style maze, collecting Power Pellets and dodging digital ghosts in an immersive environment of vibrant visuals, neon lights, and sound effects. PAC-MAN Live Studio, Active Games, Al Quoz, Mon to Wed, 12pm to 10pm, Thurs to Fri, 10am to 11pm, Sat and Sun, 9am to 11pm, @pacmanuae teamLab Phenomena The wait is finally over. Set within the booming Saadiyat Cultural District, the unprecedented art megaproject will span 17,000 sq. metres and will house exhibits like nothing you've ever seen before. Here, you'll be able to experience a truly unique, one-of-a-kind experience – because admittedly, no two experiences shall be the same. With stunning visuals, light displays and music that puts you in a trance, this is an experience of a lifetime. Read more here. teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, opens Friday, April 18, from Dhs150, Yas Waterworld (the expansion) Abu Dhabi aqua lovers, we hear your favourite water wonderland in the capital is about to get grander than ever. With an astounding 16,900 square-metre expansion about to bring you 18 new rides and experiences in addition to the current 45, your plans for warmer days are sorted and how. Notable additions will include a swim up bar, a high-thrill boat ride, racing and tube slides, family raft rides, and a duelling master blaster. Read more here. Yas Waterworld, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Mon to Fri 10am to 6pm, Sat 10am to 4pm, Sun 9am to 2pm. Tel: (0)2 414 2000, @yaswaterworldyasisland Replay Replay is the first and only karaoke lounge to offer the highest collection of songs in over 20 languages with state-of-the-art karaoke systems. Replay will be landing in JBR soon, and there will be up to 80,000 songs in over 20 languages, each seamlessly programmed into ultramodern karaoke systems. Aspiring singers visiting this exciting new indoor karaoke bar in Dubai are promised hours of unlimited fun – the perfect spot to keep the party going post-brunch or to just enjoy quality time with the crew. SENSAS SENSAS invites guests to disconnect from the ordinary and dive into a thrilling, 2-hour journey that puts all five senses to the test. It is designed as a group experience where participants explore a series of immersive workshops, often in complete darkness. Teams can be from 4 to 15 people. Each challenge focuses on a single sense and pushes participants to rely on intuition, teamwork, and trust to complete tasks that are equal parts fun and unexpected. SENSAS Dubai, 24 19D Street Goshi City Warehouse 4, Al Quoz Industrial Area 3, open daily, 2-hour experience, age 7+, from Dhs130, @sensas_uae Floating wellness This is the newest UAE summer trend, and will be a prime activity this summer. Floating yoga, floating breathwork and floating Pilates classes are all the rage right now, and if you're looking to try one. Floating Yoga and Pilates is back at ZETA Seventy Seven. Each class blends 40 – 50 minutes of yoga and Pilates led by expert instructors, followed by time to unwind in the rooftop pool. Find our full list here. Night swims Made for UAE summer – if you love swimming but aren't too keen on braving the heat, a night swim is your best bet. Post sundown, Cloud 22 at Atlantis the Royal is inviting guests for a dip in its iconic sky pool. The Moonlight Sessions, as it is aptly named, returns Thursday, May 1, 2025. The deal takes place from Thursday to Saturday, from 7pm to 11pm. Get all the details here. Cloud 22, Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah, 7pm to 11pm, Thurs to Sat, prices from Dhs300. Tel: (0)4 426 2700. @cloud22dubai Spot the Milky Way UAE residents are in for a treat this summer, as for the next five months, the Milky Way galaxy will be visible in the night sky. Also known as the Galactic River, the galaxy's main arm and core will be visible late at night, with the clearest and highest period for viewing being the months of July and August. As such, the galaxy is visible from May through October, and offers a stunning celestial sight which is as beautiful as it is rare. Find out more here. Adventure travel, made better UAE summer is for travelling – this summer, travel a little differently. Say hello to Raw Earth, a newly-launched, boutique travel company in Dubai that offers guided self-drive 4×4 expeditions through some of the most rugged and remote landscapes around the world. Essentially, Raw Earth will plan your entire trip for you, from the vehicle you drive to the local food you eat and the route, boutique stays, full immersion in the culture of the destination, local collaborations, and a built-in content creation experience – the whole itinerary. Discover more here. Catch a comedian Some incredible funnymen are making their way to the country this summer, and you should start blocking your calendars now, for it's all summer long. American comedian and actor Pete Davidson will be performing for the very first time in the region at Etihad Arena on June 25. Making his Dubai Comedy Festival debut, LA-based comedian and musician Morgan Jay is ready to light up the Dubai Opera stage on October 6 with his uniquely hilarious, genre-bending performance. For more like this, find our full list here. Images: Socials/Supplied
Al Etihad
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Experience other-worldly sci-fi reality as TeamLab museum opens in Abu Dhabi on April 18
18 Apr 2025 00:13 KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI) Growing up in Abu Dhabi as a child, Takashi Kudo would sit in the dunes of the Arabian desert. Scooping sand and pouring it slowly out of his hands, Takashi remembers how he marvelled at the gentle refraction of light through the grains of sediment. Years later, as an employee of TeamLab — a Japanese art collective known for their mind-bending installations around the world — Takashi shared this childhood story with an Emirati man, who sat next to him at a cultural summit in Abu Dhabi. That moment, he recalled, inspired his light-bending work as an artist. That man turned out to be Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, now Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi, and that conversation had set in motion a series of events that culminated in the opening of a first-of-its-kind permanent installation on the shores of the Arabian Gulf. 'He was sitting right next to me, and he's a cool-looking dude, you know, so we started talking. He told me, 'I work at TeamLab; it's good to be back home',' Mubarak recalled during a media briefing ahead of the much-anticipated TeamLab's Phenomena opening in Abu Dhabi on Friday. 'I was confused, what do you mean 'when you're back home'? I thought you were from Japan. He then told me that he had lived in Abu Dhabi and his father had worked in an oil company here. He said much of his creative mindset had been inspired by his very early visits to the deserts in Al Dhafra.' Following the conversation, Mubarak ended up flying to Tokyo, where he met TeamLab's founder Toshiyuki Inoko, and toured the famed Japanese exhibitions. Blown away by the almost hallucinogenic experience, Mubarak and the team at DCT approached TeamLab to bring the concept to Abu Dhabi. 'I told them that here in Abu Dhabi we don't like to do things easy. The easy thing is to just move the exhibition here, temporarily or permanently,' he said. 'But that's an easy way out. So, we sat down with them and said let's do something different. Let's create something together from scratch. Let's do something where your ideas aren't basically held down because of space.' 'Their eyes sort opened up with excitement, and then we started working with them to create something that could ignite curiosity — and from there, it evolved and evolved and evolved, and we came to Phenomena.' Inside the Museum with Dozens of Rooms Nearly a decade in the making, the TeamLab's Phenomena exhibition is set to open to the public on April 18, joining a growing list of cultural institutions on Saadiyat Island, which is quickly becoming a cultural hub in the Middle East. The art museum has dozens of rooms, each containing expertly crafted installations that use light, water, space and even taste to transfer guests to an other-worldly, sci-fi reality. For Inoko, the space is all about creating a place that mimics, abstracts and explores nature in a way that is both awe-inspiring as well as provoking. He said the different exhibitions were all designed with interactive elements to instil a sense in the visitor that they were part of the artwork, rather than just passing through it. 'This concept is something that we call environmental phenomena. So, the environment produces various phenomena, and then those phenomena are the artworks themselves,' Inoko told Aletihad . 'We were interested in a different way of making from that of how people have created things so far, and transcending the conventional notions that people have towards objects. Whether that be by having ambiguous boundaries or this idea that even if people enter an artwork and break it apart, it repairs itself.' What's In Store for Visitors The rooms include a Blade Runner-esque black hole, known as 'the void'; a semi-submerged cloud room; and an interactive light garden where children can scan their drawings and watch them dart across the room moments later. Every space draws on elements from the natural world; using projectors, handcrafted sculptures and technology to create a space that is somehow simultaneously terrestrial but earthly. 'The artworks are all related. They're interconnected. So, they move into various rooms, they overlap, they intersect, they influence each other,' Inoko said. 'Truly, everything is connected and continuously changing. So, the space has a relation with yourself, but also other people in the space.'
Arab News
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
teamLab Phenomena opens in Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI: teamLab Phenomena opened its doors in Saadiyat Cultural District on Thursday, promising visitors a unique immersive experience. The Japanese multi-sensory art experience features huge transformative exhibits that aim to engage the senses of sight, sound and touch while encouraging guests to interact with the world around them. Divided into dry and wet zones, teamLab Phenomena is set to be 'somewhere where you can feel that the world is continuous, and to feel that continuity itself,' according to founder Toshiyuki Inoko. Divided into dry and wet zones, teamLab Phenomena is set to be 'somewhere where you can feel that the world is continuous, and to feel that continuity itself,' according to founder Toshiyuki Inoko. (Supplied) While it first opened in Jeddah in June last year, Inoko said that although the two experiences overlapped visually, the Abu Dhabi experience would be unique. 'Phenomena depicts ambiguous boundaries, or this idea that even if people enter an artwork and break it apart, it repairs itself. Or also transcending the notion of mass and floating material,' he said. Speaking to Arab News Japan, teamLab's global director, Takashi Kudo, said the Abu Dhabi experience introduced a brand-new concept — 'environmental phenomena.' This is rooted in triggering perception through natural yet unexplained phenomena, he explained. 'In one of the installations, water flows around visitors' feet, responding in real-time to their movements, illustrating how the environment and the individual are in constant dialogue,' Kudo said. 'We're not showing things that can be described in words. Instead, we're sharing something we feel is beautiful and that we hope people will experience emotionally. In the heart of Saadiyat Cultural District, teamLab is just one of the pieces that make up the UAE's growing arts and culture hub. (Supplied) 'When you're inside a teamLab space, you're not just seeing something, you're part of it. Your presence changes the art, and someone else's presence changes your experience. It's not about observing from the outside. It's about feeling with your body and connecting with others in that shared space.' Giving the examples of the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms or the shifting colors of a desert sunrise, he added: 'Life is full of small phenomena. We don't know if people will like it or not. But we want to awaken curiosity because curiosity makes life beautiful.' In the heart of Saadiyat Cultural District, teamLab is just one of the pieces that make up the UAE's growing arts and culture hub. The chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, Mohamed Al-Mubarak, described the district as a 'puzzle or a beautiful painting.' 'Whatever way you look at it, it consists of these institutions, these cultural institutions, that all sort of continuously redefine themselves … It's all sort of based on you as an individual,' he said. Comprising seven museums and cultural institutes including the Louvre, Zayed National Museum and the Natural History Museum, Al-Mubarak said the architecture of the buildings was intentional and represented elements of the UAE. 'When you look at the architecture of the buildings of these museums, they are themed. They are a celebration of our culture and heritage. All of our buildings in the district have subtle metaphors to our heritage,' he said. Visitors can see 12 artworks at the Abu Dhabi space, including the 'Levitation Void' and 'Massless Suns and Dark Suns.' Each exhibit relies on real-time depictions and complex algorithms to ensure no two experiences are the same.
