Art and Design Scene: Discovering the Creative Side of Dubai

There is no doubt that Dubai is one of the most creative cities in the Middle East and that it is becoming a hub for the arts, film, music, and design. Over the past decade, the city has undergone a significant amount of artistic and cultural development, with the establishment of economic free zones. In the UAE, Dubai has become the center of commercial art. There has been strong investment in international collaborations in Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah has worked to connect local artists to the international art scene. This blog lists some of the attractions driving the creative side of Dubai as a multifaceted arts destination.

Events That Show the Creative Side of Dubai

Art Galleries at Alserkal Avenue

Dubai’s foremost arts and culture neighborhood is Alserkal Avenue, located in the Al Quoz industrial area. Here you’ll find galleries, concept spaces, and even a chocolate factory in a cluster of warehouses. Among the best galleries to visit are the Third Line, the Ayyam Gallery, and the Green Art Gallery. There’s also a gallery nearby called The Mine, which is 6,000 square feet off Alserkal Avenue.

Art Galleries at DIFC

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) also houses several notable art galleries. Among the noteworthy galleries are Ayyam Gallery, Opera Gallery, The Empty Quarter, and Art Space, which display a creative side of Dubai and around the world. Additionally, DIFC hosts free, public Art Nights twice a year, which include exhibitions, live art installations, special performances from many of their galleries, and soulful music.

Dubai Design District (d3)

The d3 has attracted high-profile global businesses and nurtured talent from all over the region since it opened its inception in 2015. Dubai Design Week is the region’s premier design fair held at the d3 every November. More than 200 events are planned for the event, which is expected to draw 60,000 people from around the world. Throughout the district, public installations will be open to the public. Highlights include the Global Grad Show. The show features designs from more than 100 universities, and Abwab, is a showcase of products from the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia.

Dubai Opera

An impressive, multi-purpose performing arts venue on the city’s waterfront, the Dubai Opera boasts a wide range of performance options. A diverse, world-class entertainment program attracted locals as well as tourists to the Opera since it opened in August 2016. As part of the Opera’s 2018 program, Spamalot the musical was presented in May, and Carmen and The Magic Flute were presented in September.

Art Dubai

The Art Dubai International Art Fair is the leading art fair in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Art Dubai presents curated selections from approximately 90 galleries from the UAE and abroad, across three programs – Contemporary, Modern, and Marker – each focusing on a particular theme. Around 500 artists from 42 different countries will be exhibiting work at the fair, with each artist sharing a unique perspective and idea. Furthermore, the fair holds a range of events, such as an interdisciplinary ideas forum, and the Global Art Forum.

Dubai International Film Festival

Dubai International Film Festival is the name given to the annual festival showcasing movies and arts that take place in Dubai every year. During the festival, filmmakers from the region will have a chance to showcase their work and promote Arab cinema. Also, the festival has been the location for the premiers of a number of major Hollywood films as well as screenings of international films. With a variety of events on offer, the festival has something for everyone, including workshops, panel discussions, and gala screenings.

Final Words

In conclusion, it is fair to say that the art and design scene in Dubai is an exciting amalgamation of traditional art forms and current trends. These events will showcase talent from all over the region as well as high-profile global businesses. The city of Dubai has become a thriving center of creativity, with galleries, exhibitions, and studios spread throughout the city. The creative side of Dubai focuses on the city’s art and design scene. Nonetheless, locally inspired ideas are increasingly taking the lead in terms of global impact.