Art Spaces and Galleries in The UAE: 8 Gems That Are A Must-Visit
From oil paintings to experiential installations, spend an art-filled weekend enjoying the Emirates’ most famous galleries
Art Galleries in The UAE: 8 Places In The Country That Are A Must-Visit
Within the UAE’s glimmering skyline hides a sanctuary of creative innovation and cultural exchange, a vibrant haven serving as a melting pot for diverse talents, where artists from around the world converge to weave stories, evoke emotions, and spark dialogues. Here, within the heart of this oasis, the UAE cultivates an environment where creativity flourishes, contributing to a rich tapestry of human expression and leading to cultural understanding and progression.
Explore with us as we turn the kaleidoscope and reveal the rich colours that hide within the depths of our cities. From the infamous Louvre Abu Dhabi to the rustic XVA gallery, Bazaar Arabia shares a list of art galleries in the Emirates that need to be on your radar.
8 Art Galleries in The UAE That Need To Be On Your Radar
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Bringing the celebrated Parisian art scene to the vibrant Saadiyat Marina District, Louvre Abu Dhabi showcases a collection of artworks by famous artists, spanning from Giovanni Bellini’s lifelike renditions of classical themes to Mondrian’s abstract compositions featuring his iconic red, blue, and yellow boxes.
Serving as a cultural crossroads, Louvre Abu Dhabi curates art pieces with religious themes and historical significance, housing ancient relics from Egypt and Rome.
International galleries, including Musée du Louvre, often lend their treasured masterpieces to Louvre Abu Dhabi, offering gallery visitors the remarkable opportunity to view the creations of Van Gogh, Monet, and da Vinci right here within the Emirate.
Location: Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi
For more information, visit louvreabudhabi.ae or call 600 565566.
Alserkal Avenue
Technically not one art gallery, but a collection of many, Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz, Dubai is the perfect destination to experience local culture through contemporary visual and performing arts while indulging in homegrown cuisines cultivated by talented chefs. With constant fine art exhibitions, film previews and musical performances, Alserkal Avenue provides a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talents and provides new perspectives to the ever-expanding world of Art.
Latest events include an exciting exhibition called “Alserkal Lates” where the community will gather to experience works of art as the sun sets to reveal hidden depths, and a musical feast by the Dubai-based quintet “The Tasty Biscuits” serving us some R&B mixed with Afro-beats.
Location: 17th St, Al Quoz, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1, Dubai
For more information visit alserkal.online or visit 04 333 3464
XVA Gallery
Nestled within the rustic XVA Hotel & Cafe in Dubai’s oldest Al Fahidi district, XVA Gallery is home to contemporary art exhibitions featuring work by masters from throughout the Middle East.
The gallery aims to express different cultural identities to inspire the viewer to tackle any prejudices that might plague their minds. XVA’s ongoing exhibition “Moving Art” explores the relation between subject-matter and medium, a thought-provoking quest to find out what brings life to art, or art to life. The show features works by artists with different cultural heritage and views, including Moroccan architectural designer Oussama Garti and Japanese graphic designer Yoshihiko Tsutsumi.
Location: Al Fahidi Neighborhood, 312th Road, Al Fahidi St, Dubai
For more information visit xvagallery.com or call 04 3535383
NYUAD Art Gallery
Located in a space bustling with curious minds and innovative thought processes, the New York University Abu Dhabi Art Gallery presents curated exhibitions that are of local relevance and international significance. With artistic and cultural influences throughout campus, the University encourages students and visitors to explore beyond gallery walls and participate in activities within the Project Room, a space dedicated to building collaborative community projects, and the Reading Room where new stories are waiting to be discovered. NYUAD celebrates local talents and showcases several significant artworks throughout campus including Emirati artist Hassan Sharif’s copper installation.
Location: The Art Gallery at NYU Abu Dhabi
For more information visit nyuad-artgallery.org or call 02 628 8000
Sharjah Art Foundation
The Sharjah Art Foundation is known to bring innovative initiatives and programs to the community, enriching minds with different cultural perspectives and supporting young talent through grants and commissions.
The Sharjah Biennial, inspired by Venice’s grandiose international cultural exhibition, takes place once every two years and hosts a number of multicultural artist with interdisciplinary talents. This celebration of great minds is spread throughout the different districts of Sharjah, making the Emirate the epicenter for contemporary art and artists.
The Rain Room is another exciting initiative by the foundation which allows visitors to walk through a hi-tech installation of falling rain without getting wet. The Sharjah Art Foundation holds fine art exhibitions throughout the year, with its ongoing exhibition, Lubaina Himid and Magda Stawarska: Plaited Time / Deep Water and Vantage Point Sharjah 11.
Location: Al Mureijah Art Spaces, Sharjah
For more information visit sharjahart.org or call 06 548 1381
Etihad Modern Art Gallery
Etihad Modern Art Gallery is home to a diverse range of artworks, welcoming new and upcoming Emirati artists as well as experienced and well-established global experts. The gallery encourages the production of artwork with local Arab influences and promotes new and emerging mindsets, aimed to positively impact the entire country, not just art lovers and enthusiasts.
Enjoy an artsy evening at the Etihad Modern Art Gallery with a cup of tea in hand from the gallery’s Pop Art inspired café and indulge in retail therapy as you explore the gallery shop filled with handicrafts and souvenirs to celebrate your visit to Abu Dhabi’s art haven.
Location: : Al Huwelat St, Al Bateen Abu Dhabi
For more information visit etihadmodernart.com or call 06 548 1381
Majlis Gallery
Formerly an interior designer’s house, Majlis Gallery holds stunning paintings and intricate sculptures surrounded by art deco furniture, curating a visual wonderland. Located in the historic district of Al Fahidi, the rustic architecture reveals a lush courtyard decorated with beautiful fabric and hanging ornaments, an enchanting escape hidden in the middle of the bustling city of Dubai.
With artsy fashion pieces hanging in the closet and colourful stuffed toys on book shelves, make sure you explore every nook and cranny to fully experience the Majlis Gallery, a large-scale installation of a creative paradise.
Location: Al Fahidi, Dubai
For more information visit themajlisgallery.com or call 04 353 6233
Pro Art Gallery
A hidden artistic gem tucked away within the industrial district of Dubai Silicon Oasis, Pro Art Gallery showcases artworks by historical geniuses and pioneers, including “The Father of Surrealism” Salvador Dalí and “The Father of Cubism” Pablo Picasso. The gallery aims to make art accessible to enthusiasts and collectors within the UAE and sells prints, paintings, sculptures and lithographs.
For a variety of exclusive artworks with the biggest names and highest values, visit the Pro Art Gallery.
Location: IT Plaza, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai
For more information visit call 04 345 0900