Dubai Culture: Boosting Global Presence for Dubai’s Art Scene

Managed by Art Dubai Group, the grant underscores Dubai’s commitment to expanding its art scene internationally. It provides financial support to galleries that maintain a full-time presence in Dubai, represent Emirati artists or those who have lived in the UAE for at least three years, and actively participate in exhibitions beyond their gallery space. Eligible galleries can apply for up to 50% funding for an international art fair booth, depending on the percentage of space allocated to Emirati or UAE-based artists.

Dr. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, highlighted the grant’s importance, stating: “Dubai’s position as a global art hub is largely attributed to its thriving art scene, which is centred around the city’s art galleries. Through this grant, we aim to elevate our artists on an international platform while fostering cultural exchange and collaboration.”

William Lawrie of Lawrie Shabibi gallery also praised the initiative, noting that it provides essential support for local talent. He also emphasized that the grant will help galleries expand their reach, promote artists globally, and contribute to Dubai’s evolving cultural landscape.

Encouraging Growth and Cultural Exchange

Beyond financial assistance, the grant seeks to establish Dubai as a permanent fixture in the international art world. By supporting emerging and established artists, the initiative fosters a sustainable creative ecosystem, benefiting complementary sectors and reinforcing Dubai’s role as a center for artistic excellence.

Applications for the grant are now open. Interested galleries can visit Art Dubai’s official website or contact the Art Dubai team at pietro@artdubai.ae for further details.

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Bringing the Past and Present Together Through Art

The Resonance installation, created by graphic designer Maryam Namvar and architect Neda Salmanpour, is an immersive and interactive art piece that invites visitors into a sensory conversation with the past and present of Al Shindagha. Curated by Munira Al Sayegh, the piece comprises three delicately suspended metal panels that move with the wind, reflect shifting light, and echo the rhythms of the creek. The installation draws inspiration from the constant movement of water, trade, architecture, languages, and communities that have long shaped life in this area. The piece’s dynamic nature highlights the cultural evolution of Al Shindagha, incorporating elements of the community’s history, while also adding a contemporary touch.

Promoting Public Art for Community Engagement

Dr. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, stressed that public art plays an essential role in the emirate’s cultural ecosystem. He emphasized that the Dubai Public Art Strategy is a platform for artists to draw from Dubai’s rich cultural heritage and express their creative visions. “Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood stands as a witness to the evolution of Dubai into a global city,” said Dr. Bin Kharbash, highlighting the importance of the site in Dubai’s collective memory.

Maryam Namvar and Neda Salmanpour, the artists behind the installation, said, “Al Shindagha serves as a cultural and historical touchstone, and, with our artwork Resonance, we wanted to capture the emotion of being there. We aim to contribute to the ever-evolving culture and context of the city by creating a piece that will evoke thought, emotion, and conversation.”

Continuing Dubai’s Public Art Journey

Resonance is the first in a series of three Dubai Public Art projects, which will continue to bring thought-provoking art into public spaces like the Shindagha Historic District, Al Quoz Creative Zone, and Hatta. This initiative reflects Dubai Culture & Arts Authority and Alserkal Arts Foundation’s ongoing commitment to nurturing artistic excellence among UAE-based artists, fostering deeper connections between the city’s creative community and its people.

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January 5, 2025 – Art Intervention in Al Satwa
The project’s narrative commences with an art intervention in Dubai’s historic Al Satwa district, where contemporary Arab artists Khalil Abdulwahid and Karim Jabbari explore the delicate balance between tradition and modernity. Guided by a leading expert in Arabic and multilingual typography Huda Smitshuijzen AbiFarès, the artists engage in a dérive – an unplanned single-day urban exploration – to immerse in street life and local conversations, intentionally seeking out traces of lost ways of living, while documenting their practice. The intervention captures the neighborhood’s stories, textures, and fading memories, offering a poetic reflection on its transformation. The art intervention draws inspiration from a 2024 project Sikka by Emirati urbanist and scholar Dr. Khaled Alawadi, highlighting the cultural significance of traditional alleyways, as hubs of social interaction and community life.

January 29, 2025, 7:00 PM – Live Performance and Video Art Screening
The narrative deepens through a dynamic live performance combining light, calligraphy, video art, and music. Jabbari will create light calligraphy in real time, with his evolving artwork projected on a large screen. Simultaneously, Abdulwahid’s video art will showcase Al Satwa’s disappearing cultural fabric, blending documentary footage with artistic intervention. The performance will be accompanied by vocal and musical improvisation by Faisal Salah (FACESOUL), whose music will become a featured show theme.

January 29, 2025, 8:00 PM – Solo Exhibition by Karim Jabbari
Featuring works created during his residency in Dubai, the show reflects on the artist’s engagement with tradition, urban nostalgia, and the reinterpretation of cultural heritage. Collectors and friends of the gallery are invited to an exclusive preview event to explore Jabbari’s innovative approach to blending ancient calligraphic traditions with contemporary design.

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The evening commenced with a captivating live art performance, followed by the grand reveal of the magazine cover. The launch featured an immersive exhibition displaying works by women featured in the edition, transforming the gallery space into a vibrant showcase of contemporary paintings, digital art, fashion designs, and visual storytelling pieces.

The Super 100 Women Edition spotlights accomplished women across fine arts, fashion, visual storytelling, and design. Through intimate profiles and featured artworks, the publication documents their creative journeys and significant contributions to the UAE’s cultural landscape. The edition serves as both a celebration of current achievements and inspiration for future generations of women artists in the region.

The Super 100 Women Edition proudly features an extraordinary selection of artists from the UAE and around the world, including talents like Amna Amiri,Azza Al Qusaibi, Daria Avdeeva, Vera Beisel, Kaltham Mohamad Belselaha, Raba’a Ali AlMurad, Hajar Salem Alblooshi, Noura Al Khyeli, Shamma Al Amri, Kristina Adamson, Dr. Sakina Farhat, Preeti John, Sara Khalid Al-Hail, Margarita Kunizheva, Francine Kaspar, Stella Kim, Maria Ivina, Theodora Dea, Mona Morrison, Najat Alshejni ,Roa Al Madani, Shalini May Sequeira, Varsha Sureka and Victoria Sosonka, among others. This impressive lineup highlights the vibrant mix of local and international voices that continue to contribute to the UAE’s thriving cultural landscape.

Distinguished guests including artists, curators, collectors, investors, and designers engaged in meaningful discussions about potential collaborations and future projects. Their presence underscored the UAE’s position as a flourishing global arts hub and highlighted the country’s commitment to promoting artistic excellence.

In addition to the exhibiting artists, Raffaelo Djordjevic performed a captivating live art piece, adding an interactive and dynamic element to the exhibition. His performance brought an exciting dimension to the evening’s celebration of creativity.

The successful launch of the Super 100 Women Edition at Art in Space Gallery marks a significant milestone in recognizing and elevating women’s achievements in the creative industry, setting a new standard for artistic celebration in the UAE.

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Peschek’s multi-sensory showcase features a unique blend of sound, scent, temperature, glass-blown sculptures, AI-inspired portraits, and other visuals, offering an immersive experience that encapsulates the urgent theme of environmental crisis. The gallery describes her work as a “large-scale immersive takeover,” as she confronts the interconnected yet contrasting notions of geographical and corporeal fever dreams.

“Designing an exhibition around ‘fever’—the rising heat of both body and planet—feels especially urgent in a region on the frontlines of climate extremes. Approaching it from a Global South perspective adds a critical layer to my worldview. I want visitors to feel the intensity of these insights, drawn from the region’s culture, the climate crisis, digital realms, and a future-driven mindset,” states Peschek, who is based in Vienna and has conducted research in the Liwa Desert for this project. She further adds, “Working in the UAE has been a transformative experience. The environment, starkly different from what I’ve known, feels both confronting and captivating. Here, I’ve tapped into a well of cultural wisdom and resilience that pushed me to create this new body of work.”

Her latest creations delve into the practical and spiritual aspects of desert landscapes and their rich literatures, exploring cultural contradictions.

One piece draws from local myths surrounding protective desert snakes and the Ouroboros—a serpent in Greek mythology that symbolizes the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth. In Fever, this act represents contemporary environmental toxicity.

Veronika Berezina, founder of NIKA Project Space, established the gallery in Dubai last year with a vision to facilitate critical dialogue on contemporary issues and promote philosophical inquiry and artistic experimentation through the works of dynamic artists like Peschek from around the globe.

Formally trained as a lawyer, Berezina expresses her commitment to supporting artistic research and experimentation in her new role as a gallerist. Peschek is the third artist to be invited to NIKA Project Space’s research programme.

Previously, NIKA Project Space featured London-based artist Nika Neelova, who explored ancient marine life at Buhais Geology Park, as well as Katya Muromtseva, who interviewed women migrants in Dubai to inform her solo exhibition.

“I see NIKA’s role as expanding one’s worldview and encouraging empathy through art. With this in mind, our residency programme, which was launched with the opening of the gallery in 2023, invites artists to participate in research trips in the region to discover the nuances of local societies and local life,” Berezina tells us. She acknowledges that Dubai’s vibrant art scene has motivated her to collaborate more closely with local curators, cultural practitioners, and artists, fostering deeper connections and cross-cultural dialogues. “We are now working with Emirati artist Fatma Al Ali. We showed her works in Paris at MENART Fair in September 2023, and she participated in a duo show, Ephemeral Structures, where her newly commissioned work by NIKA Project Space was presented alongside Nika Neelova’s art,” she explains.

One of NIKA Project Space’s core objectives is to champion feminist voices, and the gallery has collaborated with numerous women artists over the past year, including Dalia Khalife, Sara Niroobakhsh, Lilia Ziamou, Katya Muromtseva, Mona Ayyash, Peschek, and most recently, Mirna Bamieh. Berezina elaborates, “I feel like there is the need for female artists to have more access for gallery representation and provide more opportunities for them to showcase their works. Though talent is not about gender, there has been a disbalance in male/female representation for some time.”

Just over a year since its establishment in Dubai, NIKA Project Space has made strides in the European market by opening an outpost in Paris.

This new venture marks an “important step” for Berezina. “The Paris space corresponds with our gallery’s ongoing commitment to highlighting internationally the work and concepts of artists and curators from usually overlooked regions of the world, and create a bridge between Paris and Dubai programmes, facilitating rich exchanges and dialogues, and help to amplify the practices of artists we connect with and provide opportunities for their voices to be heard,” she states. Berezina, who originally hails from St. Petersburg, began her journey as an art collector before relocating to Dubai in 2022 to pursue a career in the art world.

The NIKA Project Space in Paris, located in the Komunuma arts district, recently opened its doors with an exhibition featuring the works of Palestinian artist Mirna Bamieh. Through a thoughtfully curated pantry and fermented ingredients, Bamieh’s ongoing series Sour Things reflects on the themes of displacement and the Palestinian experience. “These works deal with grief, pain, and processing the uncontrollable. They invite reflection and create empathetic spaces. The Sour Things series has always been about processing big topics without providing answers, offering internal, psychic spaces of empathy,” shares Bamieh, who founded the Palestine Hosting Society, a live art project established in 2018 to document Palestinian recipes at risk of disappearing. A previous iteration of Sour Things—entitled Sour Things: The Kitchen—was exhibited at NIKA Project Space prior to the Paris showcase.

For Berezina, while the Paris outpost represents vast potential, Dubai remains a vital space for igniting new conversations and serves as the birthplace of NIKA Project Space. “I find Dubai to be an interesting city located at the crossroads of different cultures while being open-minded towards new concepts, people, and projects,” she reflects. “I admire its cosmopolitan character.”

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For the first time, artists have an expanded opportunity to showcase their work over a longer period, making this year’s event even more significant for established and emerging artists alike. DIFC Art Nights will once again transform the financial district into a vibrant artistic landscape, with the extended format offering a diverse array of visual arts, murals, photography, sculpture, design, and interactive workshops.

“The 20th anniversary is a major milestone for DIFC, and we are excited to celebrate this moment by giving artists an extended platform to share their creative visions,” a spokesperson for DIFC said.

Artists from across the globe are invited to submit their portfolios, complete with high-quality images, brief artist profiles, and details about each submission, to artnights@difc.ae by the October 15 deadline. DIFC promises a selection of the most exceptional works to be showcased during the event, offering a chance for both up-and-coming and established talents to connect with art lovers and the public.

This year’s Art Nights will feature a broad spectrum of categories, including painting, sculpture, photography, design, mixed media, and more, alongside engaging panel discussions and music performances. Full guidelines for submission are available on the DIFC website.

With its immersive experiences and diverse range of artistic talent, the extended Art Nights promises to be a highlight of Dubai’s cultural calendar this November.

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Before his artistic awakening, Idriss spent over a decade in luxury fashion, crafting captivating visuals for brands like Dior, Moncler, and Louis Vuitton. This experience undoubtedly honed his eye for design and instilled a love for creating visually striking experiences.

Dubai’s dynamic energy ignited a creative spark in Idriss. In 2015, he launched “The Art Collection,” a series dedicated to eye-catching polygonal animal sculptures. These weren’t your typical, life-like renditions. Idriss’s creations are a kaleidoscope of colours, their forms built from a captivating origami-like assemblage of polygons.

His playful gorillas, majestic falcons, and whimsical turtles have become a beloved part of Dubai’s cityscape. They grace public spaces, landmarks, and even private collections. The sculptures spark curiosity and joy, inviting viewers to engage with their unique forms and vibrant hues.

Idriss B draws inspiration from various avenues. He credits his childhood fascination with 80s video games for shaping his visual vocabulary. His background also plays a role, with his French-Tunisian heritage offering a rich tapestry of cultural influences.

Driven by a desire to evoke emotions and forge connections, Idriss hopes his sculptures resonate with viewers on a personal level. He aspires to create art that sparks conversations and allows people to see a reflection of themselves in his vibrant creations.

Idriss B’s journey from luxury fashion to the Dubai art scene is a testament to the transformative power of embracing one’s creative spirit. His playful polygonal menagerie continues to captivate audiences, solidifying his place as a prominent figure in Dubai’s ever-evolving art landscape as a sculptor with a unique style.

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Fostering a Vibrant and Inclusive Cultural Environment in Dubai

Dubai remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing and celebrating its cultural and artistic sector. This is achieved through strategic initiatives, projects, and qualitative endeavors. These efforts serve to foster stronger bonds between artistic creativity and the community. They embrace the contributions of pioneers and creatives, contributing to the sustainable development of the emirate. This embodies the wisdom of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who said: “Our ethos of tolerance, openness and inclusiveness, combined with our strong belief that creative expression in all its forms is vital to the progress of civilizations, has led to the creation of a vibrant cultural environment in the country and made it a home for diverse artistic talent.”

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority dedicates itself to enriching Dubai’s artistic landscape through its array of qualitative projects and programmes. With a firm commitment to fostering a sustainable creative environment, Dubai Culture empowers artists to express their visions and ideas while encouraging them to share their works with the wider community. This commitment is exemplified through initiatives like the Dubai Art Season. This annually offers diverse artistic and musical events, showcasing Dubai’s global stature and exceptional cultural experiences. The season features various renowned exhibitions. These are Art Dubai, World Art Dubai, and DIFC Art Nights. Alongside a myriad of initiatives, events, and activities that transform Dubai into a vibrant arts are also part of event. These endeavors elevate Dubai’s cultural profile and provide emerging talents with opportunities to hone their skills and unleash their creativity.

Elevating Dubai’s Cultural Landscape Through Public Art Initiatives

The emirate demonstrates a strong commitment to public art with its Dubai Public Art strategy, designed to elevate visual culture and showcase the emirate’s authenticity and ambitious vision. This strategy, spearheaded by Dubai Culture, underscores the Authority’s dedication to bolstering the cultural and creative industries. It aligns closely with Dubai Culture’s sectoral priorities, which focus on embodying cultural responsibility. This solidifies Dubai’s global standing, fostering the growth of its creative economy, and empowering creatives and artists. These stakeholders contribute to enriching the cultural landscape.

As part of the ‘Dubai Public Art’ strategy, Dubai Culture successfully implemented various projects, including the ‘Union of the Artists’ installation created in collaboration with Art Dubai and situated in the Al Hudaiba area, opposite the Etihad Museum. This striking piece bears the signatures of five talented Emirati artists. These artists are Afra Al Dhaheri, Shaikha Al Mazrou, Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim, Asma Belhamar, and Khalid Al Banna. Furthermore, another noteworthy project is the interactive artwork titled ‘I Dreamt of a City Everyone Calls Home.’ It was unveiled and executed by the Theories of Imagination (TOFI) group. This piece, located in the Jaddaf Waterfront Park adjacent to the Jameel Arts Centre, draws inspiration from the rich history of the Jaddaf area. It is renowned as a historical meeting point for diverse cultures and a hub for cultural and trade exchange.

Cultural Vibrancy and International Recognition: Dubai’s Artistic Evolution

Moreover, the Sikka Art and Design Festival has firmly entrenched itself as a cornerstone of the local art scene, solidifying its presence on both the local and regional artistic landscapes. This was evident in the resounding success of its 12^th edition, held in the Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood. The event underscored its significance and drew in a staggering 162,000 visitors. It showcased the works of over 500 artists from the UAE, the GCC, and beyond. In support of the local and international art movement, Dubai Culture organised the inaugural ‘Dubai Calligraphy Biennale’. It aimed to elevate calligraphy as a powerful and evocative artistic medium that reflects rich cultural narratives.

The biennale saw the participation of over 200 local and international calligraphers and creatives. The participants organised 19 exhibitions and activating over 35 locations around Dubai. They displayed a wide range of artworks inspired by traditional and contemporary lines. The calligraphic scripts represented over eight languages and cultures.

Art in Dubai has evolved into a dynamic platform for innovation and a destination for entrepreneurs exploring diverse artistic and cultural expression forms. It has emerged as a fundamental pillar in shaping the future economy, driving cultural tourism, and amplifying Dubai’s global footprint. Positioned as a vibrant hub for the arts, Dubai has garnered international acclaim as a premier destination for art aficionados and cultural enthusiasts.

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ShahulHameed’s artistic voyage began at a tender age when he discovered his innate love for painting. Despite hailing from a family deeply entrenched in farming and agriculture, his passion for art prevailed. Though devoid of formal training, his innate talent and unwavering dedication have propelled him to the forefront of the artistic realm, carving a niche for himself in the world of abstract artistry.

Visions on Canvas: A Mélange of Emotions and Expressions

ShahulHameed’s artistic oeuvre is a vivid tapestry of colours, emotions, and experiences. His penchant for abstract art, characterized by bold graphics and a harmonious play of colours, reflects his love for the medium. Transitioning from traditional canvases to expansive murals, ShahulHameed embraced the limitless possibilities offered by large-format images. Each mural, towering over a foot high, stands as a testament to his artistic vision and mastery.

Beyond the vibrant hues and intricate designs lies a deeper narrative—a reflection of everyday instances, experiences, and emotions. ShahulHameed’s art resonates with a sense of familiarity, evoking nostalgia and inviting viewers to embark on a visual journey through his world. His creations, whether portraying the swift advancements in artificial intelligence in Dubai or capturing the essence of Kerala’s serene landscapes, encapsulate the essence of the moment, rendering them timeless.

Influenced by renowned artists like Vincent van Gogh and Edgar Degas, ShahulHameed’s work pays homage to their determination to carve a unique niche in the world of art. Drawing inspiration from their distinctive styles and perspectives, he has crafted his versions, blending tradition with innovation.

Bridging Cultures: Artistic Endeavors in the Heart of Dubai

ShahulHameed’s artistic prowess has garnered international acclaim, particularly in the vibrant city of Dubai. Commissioned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, his work ‘Awakening’ at the World Art Dubai showcased the city’s technological advancements juxtaposed with its rich heritage. His mural at the iconic Dera Waterfront Market, a fusion of traditional and modern elements, encapsulates Dubai’s essence—a nation progressing while cherishing its roots.

Despite the allure of Dubai’s fast-paced life, ShahulHameed’s art remains deeply rooted in his village memories from Palakkad. His exhibitions in Kerala and Bangalore stand as a testament to his commitment to celebrating his roots while embracing innovation.

For ShahulHameed, art is not just a profession—it’s a calling, a way of life. As he embarks on his journey, his vision is clear: to traverse lands, explore diverse cultures, and bring his art to communities far and wide. With a focus on murals and street art, he aspires to make art accessible to all, bridging cultures, and fostering connections through creativity.

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