Explore Dubai Collection Nights: A Celebration of Art and Culture
Dubai is currently vibrant with creativity, thanks to the Dubai Collection Nights, an artistic initiative that art enthusiasts won’t want to miss. This annual program, now in its fourth edition, runs until March 8, 2026, offering free admission to various events across the city. It promises to be the most extensive celebration of its kind yet.
Understanding Dubai Collection Nights
Launched in 2021 by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the Dubai Collection is a unique public archive that features modern and contemporary art sourced from private collections. Many of these pieces, previously hidden away in homes, are now accessible to the general public. The initiative aims to make art a shared experience, moving it out of the confines of private spaces and into the limelight for all to enjoy.
Dubai Collection Nights brings this mission to life through a series of exhibitions, talks, studio visits, and workshops scattered throughout Dubai. The Al Safa Art and Design Library serves as the central hub for this year’s activities, although several events will take place at other locations as well.
The Theme for 2026
This year’s theme, “Mapping Memories: Landscapes in Flux and Geometries of the Imagination,” is a deeply thought-provoking concept. It delves into how art can encapsulate elements of history, memory, and movement, while also exploring abstraction as a method for articulating stories and envisioning new futures.
Featured Exhibition: In Attunement
Kickstarting this year’s program was the exhibition “In Attunement,” curated by Jumanah Abbas. Launched on February 24 at the Al Safa Art and Design Library, the exhibition will be on display until March 8. This showcase unites the works of ten artists from a diverse array of regions, including the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and Europe. The framework of the exhibition is organized into three thematic groupings.
Abbas explains that the core concept is “a non-exhaustive bibliographic reading of abstraction and geometries of imagination,” with the library setting intensifying the narrative. “Our venue — the library, which is dedicated to knowledge — shapes how we convey our themes,” she noted.
The first grouping reflects on abstraction as a system that offers possibilities rather than merely a stylistic choice. As Abbas articulates, the aim is to present abstraction as something that can be deconstructed and reconstructed to express new ideas related to landscapes and memories.
Engaging with the City
Beyond just exhibitions, Dubai Collection Nights invites visitors to engage actively with the city. For instance, on March 5, there will be a studio visit with artist Hazem Harb, followed by a gathering at the House of Arts grassroots initiative for a Suhoor meal. The following day, visitors can explore artist Saif Mhaisen’s studio for an intimate look at his creative process.
Additionally, there’s a corporate collection tour at A.R.M. Holding on March 2 and a VIP patron visit to the Ghada Kunash and Khaled Abdel Hamid Collection on March 6.
Insightful Talks
The program also features several thought-provoking discussions scheduled at the Al Safa Art and Design Library on March 3 and 4. One of the panels will focus on the legacy of art patronage, where patrons from the Dubai Collection will share their insights with Hala Khayat. Another session will explore the role of archives in preserving cultural memories, featuring art historian Nada Shabout and Adina Hempel. A final panel will include a conversation between Jumanah Abbas and Suheyla Takesh, the Director of the Barjeel Art Foundation, centered on curatorial research and practices.
Workshops for All Ages
On March 7, Emirati artist Sarah Al Mehairi will lead a workshop tailored for adults, focusing on the themes of geometry and abstraction. The final day, March 8, is especially curated for younger audiences, featuring a children’s workshop on composition led by Noor Al Suwaidi, as well as a reading session with author and cultural strategist Myrna Ayad.
How to Participate
Dubai Collection Nights offers a wealth of free events centered around the Al Safa Art and Design Library. To join in the festivities and register for specific events, visit the official website at dubaicollection.ae.
With a vibrant mix of exhibitions, discussions, and hands-on workshops, this initiative not only showcases art but also enhances community engagement, making it a must-experience event in Dubai’s cultural calendar.
