Nigeria’s creative and tourism ambitions are set to take center stage globally with the unveiling of plans for a 10,000-capacity cultural and music venue in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) — a project designed to celebrate African, and particularly Nigerian, excellence in music, art, food, and design.
The landmark initiative, a key component of the Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere campaign, is being developed through a public-private partnership (PPP) under the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy. Talks are currently ongoing with UAE government agencies and private sector stakeholders to actualize the vision.
Beyond serving as a major performance destination, the upcoming complex will feature an exhibition hall, Nigerian culinary zone, retail gallery for African design, and a multidisciplinary artisan academy focused on nurturing emerging talents across fashion, music, food, and storytelling.
The project’s architectural design is being led by Seun Oduwole of Living Object, the acclaimed architect behind Lagos’ award-winning JK Randle Centre, who promises a design that merges cultural symbolism with contemporary innovation.
According to Boye Balogun, CEO of Futuretech Media and Director of Nigeria Everywhere, the project represents a milestone in cross-continental collaboration.
“This venue represents more than just architecture – it’s a cultural bridge between Africa and the Middle East,” he said. “Nigeria has become a global creative powerhouse, and the UAE a leader in cultural innovation. This space will host everything from intimate exhibitions to large-scale headline performances – where legends and emerging voices perform side by side. It’s powered by Nigeria, but for Africa.”
The development underscores Nigeria’s strategic drive to position itself as a global hub for art, culture, and creative exchange, while fostering deeper ties between Africa and the Middle East through tourism and shared cultural experiences.
