If you thought the Saadiyat Cultural District was the only area getting all the love, think again. Abu Dhabi is set to add another massive jewel to its crown, and this one hits right at home for millions of us.
Plans have been officially confirmed for the House of India—a dedicated cultural centre and museum in Abu Dhabi that promises to be a “lasting symbol of the India-UAE friendship.” The announcement dropped earlier this week during the whirlwind state visit of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to India on January 19, 2026.
For the 4.3 million Indian residents calling the UAE home (and the countless Bollywood, cricket, and chai lovers among us), this isn’t just a new building; it’s a celebration of a bond that goes back way before the skyscrapers rose from the sand.
Here is the lowdown on everything we know so far about this exciting project.
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— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 19, 2026
What Exactly is the House of India?
Think of it as more than just a quiet gallery. While the architects are probably still sharpening their pencils, the House of India Abu Dhabi is envisioned as a vibrant, living space.
According to the joint statement released by HH Sheikh Mohamed and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the centre will feature a museum dedicated to Indian art, heritage, and archaeology. It’s designed to be a “unique cultural heritage” project that reflects India’s ancient civilisation while celebrating its modern influence.
But let’s be real—cultural centres in the UAE are never boring. We’re expecting this to be a hub for literary festivals, art exhibitions, and perhaps even some high-profile creative exchanges. It’s not just about looking at artifacts; it’s about experiencing the culture that makes up such a huge part of the UAE’s DNA.
The “India House” vs. “House of India” Distinction
If you’ve been following the news, you might have heard this project referred to as “India House” in the past. But officials have cleared up the confusion.
The name has been finalised as House of India to make a very specific point: this is not a diplomatic office. “India House” is often the name given to embassy residences or High Commissions. By flipping the name, they are emphasising that this is a community destination—a place for people, not just politicians.
The project has been brewing for a while. A key meeting in March 2025, co-chaired by Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, UAE Minister of State, and K. Nandini Singla, Director General of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, laid the groundwork. They moved the idea from a concept to a tangible plan focused on “creative collaboration,” ensuring the centre would support startups and artists, not just house history.
More Than Just a Building: The “Jhula” Connection
To understand the vibe of this project, you just have to look at the personal touches from the recent visit. When HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed visited PM Modi’s residence in New Delhi, he was gifted a traditional ‘Jhula’ (a carved wooden swing) from Gujarat.
In Indian culture, the Jhula represents togetherness, conversation, and family bonding. That is exactly the energy the House of India aims to bring to Abu Dhabi. It’s a physical manifestation of that “brotherly” relationship we often hear about.
This cultural push is happening alongside some serious business, too. During the same visit, the leaders set a target to double bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032, discussed opening “Digital Embassies,” and even explored connecting our payment platforms. Basically, the UAE and India are getting closer than ever, and this museum is the cultural cherry on top.
Let’s be honest—the connection between India and the UAE is legendary. The Indian diaspora is the largest expatriate community in the country. We share food, we share festivals, and we share a lifestyle.
Establishing the House of India Abu Dhabi acknowledges that massive contribution. It creates a dedicated space for cultural exchange where the next generation can learn about their heritage, and where Emiratis and other expats can dive deeper into the rich tapestry of Indian history.
It is also a huge win for Abu Dhabi’s tourism scene. With the Louvre Abu Dhabi already drawing crowds and the Guggenheim on the way, adding a dedicated centre for Indian heritage makes total sense. It bridges the gap between the Middle East and South Asia in a way few other projects can.
What’s Next?
Okay, so when can we visit?
Right now, the exact location in Abu Dhabi and the opening date are still under wraps. However, given the high-level backing from both leaders, you can expect things to move fast. Will it be on Saadiyat Island? Or maybe closer to the diplomatic enclave?
We will be keeping a close eye on construction updates and design reveals. Until then, we’ll just have to wait for the ribbon-cutting (and hopefully, some excellent samosas at the opening).
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