How much is a ticket to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and who gets in free?

An adult ticket costs AED 65 (≈ $18). Visitors under 18 get in free, as do UAE nationals and residents aged 60 and over and visitors with disabilities with one companion.

What are the Louvre Abu Dhabi opening hours, and which day is it closed?

The museum is closed on Mondays. The galleries are open 10:00–18:30 from Tuesday to Thursday and 10:00–20:30 from Friday to Sunday. The area under the dome stays open until 00:00.

How long do you need at the Louvre Abu Dhabi?

Two to three hours for the permanent galleries. Allow more if a temporary exhibition is on or you want time under the dome and on the waterfront.

Is the Louvre Abu Dhabi in Dubai?

No, it is in Abu Dhabi, on Saadiyat Island. From Dubai it takes about 1 hr 15 min by road, so it works as a day trip.

Is there a dress code at the Louvre Abu Dhabi?

There is no formal dress code, but modest clothing is expected: knees covered and nothing sheer or tight. Staff can refuse entry for clothing they consider disrespectful.

Visiting the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island

Q: Who designed the Louvre Abu Dhabi?

The French architect Jean Nouvel. His dome has eight layers of geometric pattern with 7,850 star-shaped openings that create the museum's "rain of light."

Art from the ancient world to the 20th century, arranged as one shared story under a dome that filters sunlight.

The dome of Louvre Abu Dhabi over the water

Museum entrance beneath the edge of the dome

Pool and white gallery buildings under the dome

Water and gallery buildings in the shade of the dome

"Rain of light" on the plaza under the dome

Gallery of Baroque and Rococo sculpture and painting

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AED 65 (≈ $18)ticket
Closed on Mondaysopening hours
19 minwalk to the beach
25 minfrom the airport

In short

Louvre Abu Dhabi is an art museum on Saadiyat Island, in the Cultural District of Abu Dhabi. It opened in November 2017 in a building by the French architect Jean Nouvel and was billed at its opening as the first universal museum in the Arab world. Instead of grouping art by country, the galleries follow one timeline of human history, from early civilizations and religious texts to painting of the 20th century.

The building is known for its dome. Eight layers of geometric pattern with 7,850 star-shaped openings let sunlight through in small moving spots, an effect known as the "rain of light." Beneath it, white gallery buildings stand on the water, with 9,200 m² of exhibition space.

The museum is in Abu Dhabi, not Dubai: about 25 min from Zayed International Airport and 1 hr 15 min by road from Dubai. Many people visit on a day trip from Dubai, which is why "Louvre Dubai" is a common search. It is an independent museum set up under an agreement with France, with its own building, its own collection and the Louvre name.

Tickets & prices

Adult, 18+AED 65 (≈ $18)
Under 18Free
StudentAED 31.5 (≈ $9)

as of October 2026

Entry is also free for UAE nationals and residents aged 60 and over, visitors with disabilities plus one companion, and holders of ICOM and ICOMOS cards and press accreditation. There is no combined ticket with the other Saadiyat museums. You can buy tickets online before you go.

Opening hours

Tue–Thu 10:00–18:30 · Fri–Sun 10:00–20:30 · Mon closed

The museum is closed on Mondays. The galleries stay open later from Friday to Sunday, and last entry is 30 min. The area under the dome stays open after the galleries close, until 00:00, with last entry at 23:00. Hours change during Ramadan and on some public holidays, so check the day before.

as of October 2026

What to see

The dome and the plaza: The spots of light on the plaza move with the sun, so the pattern looks different at noon and in late afternoon. Sunset is the best time to photograph the dome itself.
The main galleries in order: The route runs chronologically, and each room places objects from different regions of the same period side by side.
The waterfront: Steps lead down to the water under the dome, and the terraces look out across the bay toward the city.
Temporary exhibitions: The program changes through the year; check what is on at louvreabudhabi.ae before you go.

Tips

Allow time. Two to three hours covers the permanent collection. Add the Zayed National Museum nearby and plan on half a day for both.
Go late on a weekend. From Friday to Sunday the galleries close later, and you can stay under the dome after they close. An afternoon visit can end with sunset by the water without rushing the galleries.
What to wear. There is no written dress code, but staff can refuse entry for clothing they consider disrespectful. Cover your knees and avoid sheer or tight clothes. The galleries are air-conditioned and cool, so bring a light layer.
Audio guide. The free Louvre Abu Dhabi app has an audio guide in seven languages, including English, Arabic, French and German. Download it before you arrive.
Photos. Hand-held cameras and phones are fine, without flash. Tripods, selfie sticks and large equipment are not allowed.
Heat. The plaza under the dome is outdoors. From May to September, midday highs reach 44°C (111°F), so save the outdoor part for the evening.

Getting there

From hotels on Saadiyat
10–15 min by taxi.
From downtown Abu Dhabi
About 15 min by taxi. City bus route 94 stops at the museum, and the electric ART bus AR2 links teamLab Phenomena, the Louvre and Saadiyat Walk every 30 min. Bus fares are capped at AED 5 (≈ $1) with a Hafilat card.
From the airport
About 25 min by taxi, roughly AED 75 (≈ $20). There is no direct bus.
From Dubai
1 hr 15 min and about AED 350 (≈ $95) by taxi. Intercity buses E100 and E101 run to Abu Dhabi for AED 25 (≈ $7), and from there it's a short taxi ride. Saadiyat Island's official site also lists a free Cultural Express shuttle that leaves Sheraton Mall of the Emirates in Dubai daily at 9:00; check how to reserve a seat before you rely on it.
From Yas Island
19 km, about 15 min by taxi.