• Culture & Travel

Everything You Need To Know About Dubai’s Fabulous Art Scene

The City of Gold is now a thriving hub for arts and culture
  • ByTaerra Banaji

Dubai has risen as an exciting, global art hub, with special exhibits being hosted such as Art Dubai (as seen above).

Dubai and its glittering skyline have long been a favourite of those with a taste for the finer things. Luxury literally runs through the veins of this metropolitan city, earning it the title of the ‘Pearl of the Gulf’ and the ‘Jewel of the World’, and quite rightfully so. From the finest Michelin-starred restaurants to shopping that rivals the best spots in the world, Dubai offers something for everyone. 

Within this world of celebration, a buzzing art world has steadily commanded the attention of connoisseurs and collectors worldwide. And recently, The Word. magazine experienced the culture and art scene firsthand, courtesy of Dubai Tourism. 

Rest assured, each day we were there lived up to the hype.

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One & Only One Za’abeel, Dubai, is famous for it's unique architecture
and the infity pool that extends out of the building and overlooks the city's skyline.
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The spacious rooms of One & Only One Za’abeel, Dubai are modern and provide personal butler service.

We checked into a lavish room at the One & Only One Za’abeel, a hotel that is an all-encompassing city in itself. Michelin-starred dining, local coffee franchises, a world-class wellness centre with the latest technology, and ultra-modern suites elevate the experience. However, the defining highlight is The Link, a sky bridge that protrudes horizontally from the building with an infinity pool overlooking the horizon. 

Minutes away from the One & Only One Za’abeel is the iconic The Museum of the Future, a space set in the year 2071, whose building is considered a marvel in itself. This is an asymmetrical, elliptical ring covered in 1,024 glass and composite panels inscribed with Arabic calligraphy, and here you’ll find everything from spacecraft to space stations. The Al Shindagha Museum and Etihad Museums are also close by, which tell the story of Dubai and the UAE, respectively.

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Alserkal Avenue is an arts and culture district for Dubai with line-up of art galleries and cultural platforms.

The next day, we head out to Alserkal Avenue, located 20 minutes away from the hotel, where some of Dubai’s coolest contemporary art and experimental design studios are located. Don’t be misled by this industrial-looking architecture…behind the metallic fronts are vibrant worlds, shops selling art and fashion, indie-film theatres, and cafes teaming with colour, creativity, and community. Alserkal Avenue is a favourite with artists and art lovers throughout the year.

At the heart of the avenue lies The Yard, a uniquely modular venue with large screens that can open outward into the surrounding space or expand vertically, allowing for art exhibitions and corporate gatherings. Over the years, Alserkal Avenue has hosted and collaborated with some of the most significant names in contemporary art from the Middle East, India, South Asia, Africa, and beyond, while also providing a platform for emerging voices through exhibitions, screenings, talks, and more.

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The Jaipur Rugs store at Alserkal Avenue has been designed by Rawr Interiors.

For those who feel extra pride in seeing Indian brands abroad, Alserkal Avenue is home to some of our finest labels. For one, Jaipur Rugs holds pride of place with a store designed by the community-led studio Rawr Interiors. In fact, the carpet brand also creates special installations here, showcasing the rich craftsmanship of their creations. Accessories brand Nappa Dori has a standalone store as well in the Avenue since 2023. Other Indian brands include Subko Coffee, and multi-designer boutiques such as The Edit showcase contemporary labels like péro, Misho, and Yam.

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Dubai Design District is the the region's first and largest design precinct that houses the biggest global, regional, and local brands in art, design, and fashion.

Another must-visit for art is the Dubai Design District, also known as d3, along the Dubai Creek. This space is what many would consider a more upscale cultural landscape. A purpose-built creative ecosystem, d3 brings together global luxury brands, independent designers, architects, artists, and fashion houses under one roof. Cutting-edge architecture, waterfront promenades, design-led cafés, galleries, and concept stores create an atmosphere that feels new-age. 

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Art Dubai celebrated its 20th anniversary with a special modified edition held at the Madinat Jumeirah, UAE
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Bharti Kher presented 'Weather Painting: The Intricacies of Ecosystems' (2024) at Art Dubai's 20th anniversary.

The cherry on the icing is Art Dubai, which marked its 20th edition this May. A 3–day–long art fair, this exhibit serves as a platform for artists from the Middle East, India, South Asia, Africa, and other regions that are witnessing an exciting, burgeoning global art scene. This year, Indian art shone bright, with the works of modernist Jehangir Vazifdar and the internationally acclaimed contemporary artist Bharti Kher, among others. 

Jehangir Vazifdar, for instance, showcased The Athletes (1992) and The Beautiful Girl (undated) among his range of oils on canvas and pen-on-paper works. And Bharti Kher presented Weather Painting: The Intricacies of Ecosystems (2024), an oil pastel work on teak veneer over board, which explored the interconnectedness of natural systems, evoking both fragility and resilience. Dubai-based Indian artist and sculptor Vikram Divecha, known for highlighting the invisible structures of labour and globalisation and their effects on different social strata, is also featured in exhibitions across the city.

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'Beautiful Girl' by Jehangir Vazifdar, undated, was showcased at Leila Heller Gallery earlier this year.

For this year’s edition, Alserkal Avenue also showcased special collaborations with Indian artists. Internationally acclaimed artist Sudarshan Shetty was part of a programme of moving-image works developed in collaboration with Alserkal, and artist Shilpa Gupta unveiled a newly commissioned work for the Alserkal Arts Foundation.

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'A Song, A Story, A Sculpture' by Sudarshan Shetty, as seen at this year's special Art Dubai edition.

Finally, those who want to immerse themselves in the local culture to appreciate it better, a visit to the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding will give you a sneak peek into Emirati life. From the traditional dress and its significance to the scent of oud and beloved sweets such as luqaimat (golden dough balls drizzled in date syrup), you’ll be well-acquainted with it all. The architecture of historic homes, often built around open courtyards designed for gathering and hospitality, reflects a society shaped by community.

Dubai has, over the years, become a destination for everyone. And here, the art lover will find much to delight over, just as much as the shopaholic and party animal. It’s true; much like the layered richness of baklava, this metropolitan city has much to offer over and over again, each time you visit. All you need to do is bite into its rich flavours, and Dubai will leave you satisfied for a long, long time.

All Images: Courtesy Dubai Tourism