Globalization, Economics and Museums: Saadiyat Island’s Cultural District in Abu Dhabi, UAE

The emirate of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates is in the process of positioning itself as an international tourist destination with an estimated $27 billion dollar development project on Saadiyat Island that includes museums, hotels, resorts, golf courses and housing that could accommodate more than 125,000 residents. An important component of Saadiyat Island is its Cultural District, which aspires to jump-start cultural tourism to Abu Dhabi and aid in the development of the local economy. Providing an overview of Saadiyat Island's Cultural District, this paper analyzes and critiques museum initiatives that were designed in part to develop the local economy and reflects upon the role of education within a museum context.