Even if you’re used to riding around in your luxury car or Uber, there might be a new reason to consider the Dubai Metro: Dubai is about to transform its metro stations, which attract more than 137 million visitors per year, into cultural spots and galleries exhibiting artistic works.
Following the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in order to turn the city’s metro stations into art platforms.
The first MOU covers the transformation of six of the Dubai Metro stations into museums showcasing artistic and creative cultural works, a project that carries a total price tag of AED/SAR 184 million. The other MOU provides budget for decorating bridges and underpasses in Dubai in order to embellish the streets of the Emirate.
The Burjuman Station will be transformed into a music and art gallery, the Emirates Towers Station will be embellished with Islamic illuminations and manuscripts, the Financial Center Station will be transformed into an Islamic Numismatics Gallery, the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station will be turned into an e-library, and finally, the Business Bay Station will host a photo gallery. But the most impressive change will be made at the Noor Bank Station, which will host a Museum of Contemporary Art, featuring paintings, designs, graphics, and sculptures.
According to an official statement, the project is due to be completed by March 2015.
