Painting a picture of local heritage or capturing an imagined future, uncover the best of Dubai through its leading art institutions and districts this summer.
Alserkal Avenue
Alserkal Avenue is the living, beating heart of Dubai’s burgeoning art scene, set amid an industrial neighbourhood. It blends into its surroundings with galleries and community art spaces housed in large warehouses, but breathes colour through events such as the hotly anticipated Quoz Arts Fest and a regular rotation of creative showcases.
Book an appointment with galleries such as The Third Line, Lawrie Shahbibi and more to see their latest collections up close, or visit the Alserkal Online initiative to take virtual, 3D tours of their spaces. It’s easy to spend an entire day wandering its avenues in the pursuit of evocative art, all while stopping for coffee and treats at independent cafes or designing a bespoke carpet for home at The Rug Company. Better yet, exercise your creative flair at photography workshops with Gulf Photo Plus, from photoshoots for social media to film developing and video editing.
Jameel Arts Centre
Perched along Dubai Creek at Jaddaf Waterfront, Jameel Arts Centre’s minimalist and modern exteriors hide within them a world of vibrant paintings, sculptures and onsite exhibitions. Artists from near and far showcase their work here, with a special spotlight on creatives in the UAE, Middle East and South Asia.
Watch a thought-provoking sci-fi film by Jordanian artist Larissa Sansour, see Palestinian artist Taysir Batniji’s visual letter to his late brother or explore a multi-narrative display by Michael Rakowitz. Summer is the best time to visit this indoor centre, exploring its many gallery spaces, contemporary architecture and library. Return in the winter to make the most of their eight gardens and the Jaddaf Sculpture Park.
Museum of Illusions
See the world from a whole new perspective at the Museum of Illusions – literally! Located in Al Seef, this quirky attraction has mastered mind games with rooms designed to trick your brain into seeing things a little differently.
Snap photos hanging right side up in an upside-down room, challenge proportions on a seemingly massive chair and learn how easy it is to trick the human eye. The museum is a favourite for all ages, and easily one of the city’s most Instagrammable locations too with enough exhibits for a full photoshoot. Let your mind boggle as you wander each display, then head out for lunch at a nearby restaurant. For something different, sample camel meat delicacies at Dukkan Burger.
Tashkeel
Tashkeel tends to stay under the radar, putting more focus on nurturing local artists through hands-on workshops, residencies and exhibitions. If you’re curious to see which culture creators are about to break into Dubai’s art scene, Tashkeel is a good place to start. Scope out talent, or maybe join a one-day workshop on their calendar, for an art experience off the beaten path. You might even see talented creatives hard at work in Tashkeel’s studios during your visit, or take home a body of work.
Dubai Design District
Always trendy and breaking boundaries, Dubai Design District, or d3, is here to remind us that art takes all kinds of forms. Fashion and its namesake design lead the way for a buzzing calendar with the avant-garde Fashion Forward Dubai and Dubai Design Week. Even between these showstoppers, art enthusiasts are sure to find remarkable experiences here.
Sconci Gallery displays commercial art by international artists while Sinyar Gallery and Blue Cave shed a light on regional names and up-and-coming creators. Shop haute-couture by homegrown designers such as Furne One and Rashid Ali’s Amato or functional homeware at The Lighthouse. It's an immersive art experience, from the district's modern architecture to sculptures and creative design scattered between the avenues.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
For a deep dive into local culture and heritage, there’s no better place than Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. Tucked away in the Bastakia area of Bur Dubai, it is home to art galleries, museums, age-old architecture and relics of a bygone era that still permeate Emirati identity. Wander its alleys – or Sikka – that host a vibrant arts festival in March, but even year-round, you’ll find stunning creative experiences hidden within. XVA Gallery, located in XVA Hotel & Cafe, features contemporary pieces within a traditional setting.
It’s one of the leading art galleries in the Middle East, displaying an array of rising and established names, with immersive exhibitions available at all times. A short distance away located in a fort originally built in 1787, the Dubai Museum invites you to learn about the region's inhabitants from a long time ago, and the artefacts, traditions and lifestyles that paved the way for a cosmopolitan civilization.
Dubai International Financial Centre
DIFC has a lot more tucked away in its cosmopolitan alleys apart from housing some of the biggest financial firms and offices. Famous for its delicious and upmarket dining destinations, this urban complex is also home to commercial art of note. Not only will you find the esteemed auction house Sotheby’s displaying valuable pieces, but also modern and contemporary Middle Eastern art at Tabari Artspace, founded by collector and art consultant, Maliha Tabari. Visit The Empty Quarter for the region’s first and only gallery dedicated exclusively to fine photography, or explore the second outpost of Sconci Gallery.
