As construction of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi progresses at the Saadiyat Island Cultural District, several Emirati women are playing pivotal roles in developing what will become one of the region's most important cultural institutions. Their contributions span from ensuring structural integrity to protecting art collections and creating cultural programs, highlighting their impact as the UAE celebrates Emirati Women's Day.
Laila Ahmed Al Rais, design and development manager at Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, expressed her pride in the project. "Being an Emirati woman working on such a unique project, I think the least I can say is that I am very proud and thankful for all opportunities given to us to showcase our talent and ambition to the world," she said. As an architect by training, Al Rais oversees complex design packages on site, ensuring that construction matches official drawings and specifications.
The work is intricate and demanding, given the architectural complexities of the building designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, who also created the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain. "It is painstaking work," Al Rais explains, "given the intricacies of the architecture, with its massive structures and seven facade systems, but worth it, because at the end of day, it will eventually lead to a spectacular, iconic piece of architecture that will add to Abu Dhabi skyline."
The UAE site is set to become the latest and largest outpost of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, which operates four international museums. Scheduled for completion later this year, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will cover 30,000 square meters, stand 88 meters tall, and feature several cone-shaped structures that will serve as spaces for both commissions and acquisitions. The museum will join other landmark cultural institutions in the Saadiyat Cultural District, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Natural History Museum, and the Zayed National Museum.
"The building is unique in its architecture," Al Rais notes. "There is no space, not even a single line, like another structure. Guggenheim Abu Dhabi has cones that will be used as external exhibition areas. All those internal and external galleries are totally different in geometry, size and altitude, which makes each exhibition space unique for both art curators and visitors." She adds that managing the design of each gallery space presents its own challenges, but the unique and flexible design will allow different curators to showcase their art in an adaptive working environment.
While Al Rais focuses on the structural complexities, Wadeema Al Hammadi takes responsibility for the artwork that will fill the galleries. As an associate registrar, her role centers on safeguarding the collection and ensuring its long-term care. "My journey began as both an art teacher and practicing artist, which gave me a strong appreciation for how art should be cared for and shared," Al Hammadi explains. "Over time, I was drawn to the registrar role because it focuses on the responsibility of protecting artworks and ensuring their proper documentation."
Al Hammadi's work involves managing the movement, documentation, and storage of artworks, from detailed condition reporting to coordinating logistics. "Much of our work is behind the scenes," she says, "yet, it is fundamental to the success of any exhibition." As the museum prepares for its opening, the team applies the highest standards of preventive conservation and documentation, including climate-controlled storage, detailed condition checks, and accurate digital records for every work.
Connecting audiences with art is equally important, which is where Khawla Ali Al Marzooqi, public engagement programs specialist, makes her contribution. "I'm passionate about storytelling," she says. "I explore this within my practice as a painter, and I was eager to take the opportunity to share other artists' stories with our community. It has been highly rewarding to see how people connect with art and have a hunger for it."
As an Emirati woman, Al Marzooqi believes her perspective helps bridge cultures. "I bring a deep understanding of our nuances, traditions and community rhythms," she explains. "This helps me bridge local and international art communities. This balance helps ensure the programs feel authentic and rooted in place, but still innovative and globally relevant." Some of her proudest moments have come from collaborating with other young Emiratis, noting that "seeing the passion and excitement my community has for art is refreshing and pushes me to work harder to create better community initiatives to give back."
Al Marzooqi envisions that as Emirati women step into more leadership roles, their impact on the cultural sector will deepen. "We are storytellers and bridge-builders, preserving heritage while experimenting with new mediums and ideas," she says. "I see our role continuing to grow, especially in shaping narratives about the Gulf that are led by us, not defined for us." The mission, she adds, is to create spaces that are inclusive, daring, and rooted in authenticity.
This sentiment is shared by her colleagues, who view their work as both a professional responsibility and a national duty. Al Rais concludes with gratitude: "I would like to express my gratitude to the UAE government and more specifically to Mother of the Nation, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, for her continuous support and faith in us. We would not be here acting in these important roles without her efforts towards women empowerment." Al Rais believes that visitors to Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will enjoy the building's architecture, art exhibits, and landscape together, creating an unforgettable experience full of wonderful memories.
