The UAE’s Art Season: A Cultural Blast

The art season in the United Arab Emirates is off to an exhilarating start, pulsating with creativity, cultural dialogues, and historical reflections. As galleries across the nation come alive, collectors, enthusiasts, and curious onlookers alike have a plethora of exhibitions to explore. This year’s showcases range from deeply personal narratives to collective cultural histories, encapsulating the vibrancy of the UAE’s art scene.

1. Instruments of Viewing and Obscurity at Green Art Gallery

Iranian artist Nazgol Ansarinia presents a thought-provoking installation at Green Art Gallery, delving into the architecture of mass housing in Tehran. Her maze-like display mirrors urban landscapes and offers a complex critique of social control and privacy through window frames and an immersive design. The projected videos reveal transitions from day to night, encapsulating the delicate boundary between public and private spaces.

Until October 28; Monday to Saturday, 11 am – 7 pm; Dubai.

2. Inside Out ’25 at Ayyam Gallery

Syrian painter Elias Izoli makes a bold comeback with a unique solo show exploring the circus as a metaphor for life’s struggles. His paintings feature characters like acrobats and clowns, yet they carry a heavy emotional weight. The tension between artistry and day-to-day resilience is visible in his expressions, depicting a complex interplay of fragility and flamboyance.

Until November 7; Monday to Friday, 10 am – 6 pm; Saturday, noon to 6 pm; Dubai.

3. The Only Way Out is Through: The Twentieth Line at The Third Line

In celebration of its 20th anniversary, The Third Line showcases an exhibition curated by Shumon Basar, reflecting on both the gallery’s history and Dubai’s evolution. A timeline connects significant local and international events with a selection of works from various artists, inviting viewers to reflect on the intertwined narratives of art and socio-political changes.

Until November 7; Monday to Sunday, 11 am – 7 pm; Dubai.

4. Whispers of the Past at Aisha Alabbar Gallery and Sotheby’s Dubai

This exhibition brings together a multigenerational group of artists, including Najat Makki and Khalid Al Banna, to explore themes of memory and identity through diverse mediums. As part of Sotheby’s Gallery Collective, the exhibition includes an artist talk discussing the intersection of art and legacy.

Until November 14; Sunday to Thursday, 9 am – 5 pm; Dubai.

5. Arranging Flowers at Taymour Grahne Projects

Gail Spaien’s solo exhibition at the newly opened Taymour Grahne Projects explores domesticity through layered, flattened perspectives of everyday objects. Influenced by the Japanese art of ikebana, her work subtly contrasts the confines of curated interiors with the grandeur of the natural world.

Until November 20; Monday to Saturday, 11 am – 7 pm; Dubai.

6. Silent Residues at Iris Projects

Emirati artist Ammar Al Attar examines daily rituals through monochromatic photography blended with vibrant painted elements. His exploration of discarded locations encourages viewers to reflect on human presence and the evolving landscapes shaped by our choices.

Until November 26, Monday to Friday, 11 am – 7 pm; Abu Dhabi.

7. The Imaginary Museum at Rizq Art Initiative

This group show features 27 artists from the UAE and beyond, reframing art through the lens of memory. Curated by Meena Vari, it includes works that invite introspection about collective histories and personal experiences, drawing from various cultural backgrounds.

Until November 30; Monday to Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm; Abu Dhabi.

8. Restless Circle at Sharjah Art Foundation

Afra Al Dhaheri’s installation captures the essence of cyclical movement as a metaphor for the pressures of modern life. Her use of diverse materials to create looping forms highlights time’s relentless passage, challenging societal expectations of productivity.

Until December 14; Saturday to Thursday, 9 am – 9 pm; Friday, 4 pm – 9 pm; Sharjah.

9. Seas are sweet, fish tears are salty at Jameel Arts Centre

Saudi artist Mohammad Alfaraj’s exhibition integrates photography, film, and installation to narrate stories rooted in agricultural landscapes and oral traditions. The work reflects a deep connection to his heritage while exploring broader themes of existence and identity.

Until January 4; Saturday to Thursday, 10 am – 8 pm; Fridays, noon – 8 pm; Dubai.

10. Sila: All That is Left to You at Maraya Art Centre

Dedicated to the tradition of tatreez, this exhibition showcases how embroidery has served as both an art form and a mode of resistance. Curated by Cima Azzam and Noor Suhail, it features collaborative works with women from Palestinian refugee camps, exploring identity and cultural survival.

Until January 5; Saturday to Thursday, 10 am – 7 pm; Friday, 4 pm – 7 pm; Sharjah.

11. Past of a Temporal Universe at NYUAD Art Gallery

Ala Younis draws from various storytelling mediums to create an expansive examination of modernist architecture and cultural memory. This exhibition combines small-scale works with a wealth of narratives, drawing visitors into a contemplative space rich with history.

Until January 18; Tuesday to Sunday, noon – 8 pm; Abu Dhabi.

12. Self-portrait with a cat I don’t have at Jameel Arts Centre

Bady Dalloul’s debut solo exhibition in the UAE uses cultural artifacts to narrate his personal and collective experiences. His layered works challenge the traditional narratives in art history, encouraging broader reflections on culture and identity.

Until February 22; Saturday to Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10 am – 8 pm; Friday, noon – 8 pm; Dubai.

With such a diverse range of exhibitions, the UAE’s art season promises to be a rich tapestry of creativity, exploration, and cultural dialogue, inviting viewers to engage, reflect, and immerse themselves in the world of contemporary art.