Italian Cultural Institute in Abu Dhabi

The Italian Cultural Institute in Abu Dhabi is part of Italy's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. It acts as the cultural branch of the Italian Embassy in the United Arab Emirates. Its work is to promote the Italian language and Italian culture, through cultural, artistic and scientific events that keep Italy at their centre, alongside Italian language courses. It was the first Italian Cultural Institute in the Gulf Cooperation Council states.

The institute occupies a three-storey building in Al Bateen with a multi-purpose space for events, and its events range across art, music, literature and academic subjects. It opened in June 2021 with DIVA! Italian Glamor in Fashion Jewellery, curated by Alba Cappellieri (23 June to 23 July 2021). The show brought together some 200 pieces of Italian fashion jewellery made from the 1950s onwards. On 6 October 2021 the building opened its doors to all visitors, when Fabrizio Plessi's exhibition Plessi's Digital Wall went on view until 7 November 2021. Its first director was Ida Zilio-Grandi.

Its 2026 programme includes Cacciatori di sogni (Dream Hunters), a performance by Fabio Ingrassia for AMACI Contemporary Art Day on 9 October. It also includes CONVIVIO Exhibition: From Italian Language to Art, from 21 October to 6 November 2026.