Sheikh Mohammed: Museum of the Future blends Arab authenticity with our global ambitions

UAE Vice President and Dubai Ruler visits landmark that will make area driver for sustainability and development

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, watches the installation of the final piece of the facade of the Museum of the Future, in downtown Dubai.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, attends a ceremony to mark the completion of the facade of the Museum of the Future, accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Dubai Crown Prince, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, attends the installation of the final piece of facade of the Museum of the Future, accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Dubai Crown Prince, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai. The Museum of the Future was named one of the 14 most beautiful museums on the planet by 'National Geographic' magazine.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, with Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Managing Director of the Dubai Future Foundation, as Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, looks on.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, with Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Managing Director of the Dubai Future Foundation.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, views the facade of the Museum of the Future. The facade consists of 1,024 plates manufactured entirely by robots, a first-of-its-kind venture in the Middle East.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, at the installation of the final piece of facade of the Museum of the Future. The stainless steel facade extends over 17,000 square metres.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, at the installation of the final piece of facade of the Museum of the Future. The facade is illuminated by 14,000 metres of Arabic calligraphy, designed by Emirati artist Mattar bin Lahej.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, stands in front of the spectacular facade of the Museum of the Future. Design and engineering software company Autodesk described the museum as one of the most innovative buildings in the world.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, stands in front of the Museum of the Future, accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Dubai Crown Prince, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai.

The ceremony for the installation of the final piece of the facade of the Museum of the Future. The seven-storey pillarless structure stands 77 metres tall.

The Museum of the Future will be home to a research centre with labs and classrooms, as well as showcasing exhibitions, immersive theatre and themed attraction. Organisers say it will invite visitors to 'look beyond the present to the possible'.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, at the installation of the final piece of facade at the Museum of the Future. He was accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Dubai Crown Prince, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, attended a ceremony to mark the start of the final phase of construction for the Museum of the Future.

Sheikh Mohammed saw the final piece of the structure's facade being installed.

"Covering an area of 30,000 square metres, the seven-storey column-less marvel stands at 77 metres high, with 1,024 Arabic Calligraphy panels on the facade manufactured by robots," he tweeted on Saturday night.

The building "speaks Arabic", Sheikh Mohammed said, and it combined "our authentic Arab culture and far-reaching ambitions".

The Dh500 million museum, which will be home to a research centre with labs and classrooms, and a sprawling space for visitors to experience new technology, is one of Dubai's most keenly-anticipated attractions.

“Our goal is not to merely build engineering icons. Rather, it is to inspire mankind to build a better future," Sheikh Mohammed said.

"Dubai continues to build and the UAE continues on its path of achievements. Progress favours those who know what they want.

“With the addition of the Museum of the Future alongside Emirates Towers and the Dubai International Financial Centre, this area will be the most innovative and influential region in the future industry and driving sustainability and development.”

With Sheikh Mohammed were Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, who is chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs.

Mr Al Gergawi is also managing director of the Dubai Future Foundation.

The foundation was set up to help develop strategies to ensure Dubai plays a leading role on the regional and international stage for years to come with new technology and innovations.