A sprawling metropolis and towering desert oasis, Dubai is not only a hub for global innovation but also a vibrant center for art and culture.
The city’s shimmering skyline complements its artistic soul, making it a haven for art enthusiasts.
Let’s dive into Dubai’s top galleries, giving a special mention to Eden Gallery Dubai, a symbol of Dubai’s embrace of modern and innovative artistry.
1. Eden Gallery, Dubai
Location: Fashion Av – The Dubai Mall – Unit FF – 290 – 58 Financial Rd – Downtown Dubai
Exclusive Artists: Alec Monopoly, Eduardo Kobra and David Kracov
Size: Approximately 11,000 square feet
Opening Hours: Mon to Thurs: 10 am-11 pm and Fri to Sun: 10 am-12 am
Opened: 2022
Entrance: Free
Artists Featured: Angelo Accardi, Fred Allard, Metis Atash
What We Liked: Mesmerizing sculptures, contemporary techniques
Expect to See: Fusion of traditional and modern artistic styles
2. The Third Line
Location: Unit H 78, Alserkal Avenue – Dubai
Exclusive Artists: Sophia Al Maria, Farah Al Qasimi
Size: 8,300 square feet
Opening Hours: 11 am-7 pm daily
Opened: 2005
Entrance: Free
Artists Featured: Tarek Al-Ghoussein, Laleh Khorramian
What We Liked: Emphasis on Middle Eastern contemporary art
Expect to See: Contemporary artworks reflecting the culture of the region
3. Opera Gallery
Location: Gate Village, Building 3 – 03 Sheikh Zayed Rd – Trade Centre – DIFC – Dubai
Exclusive Artists: Fernando Botero, Manolo Valdés
Size: 10,000 square feet
Opening Hours: Sun to Wed: 10 am-10 pm, Thurs: 10 am-12 am Fri: 2 pm–9 pm, Sat: 11 am-9 pm
Opened: 2008
Entrance: Free
Artists Featured: Marc Chagall, Salvador Dalí
What We Liked: International contemporary and modern art
Expect to See: Sculptures, paintings, and mixed media pieces from globally renowned artists
4. Grey Noise
Location: 46RG+J9Q – Al Quoz – Dubai
Exclusive Artists: Charbel-joseph H. Boutros, Mehreen Murtaza
Size: Not listed
Opening Hours: Tues to Sat: 11 am-7 pm
Opened: 2008
Entrance: Free
Artists Featured: Joana Escoval, Lantian Xie
What We Liked: Thought-provoking and unique exhibitions
Expect to See: Artworks that challenge conventional narratives and forms
5. Meem Gallery
Location: Umm Suqeim Road, Barsha 2, Dubai
Exclusive Artists: Dia Azzawi, Parviz Tanavoli
Size: 3,000 square feet
Opening Hours: Mon to Sat: 10 am-6 pm
Opened: 2007
Entrance: Free
Artists Featured: Ismail Fattah, Mohammed Omar Khalil
What We Liked: Arabic art and modern Islamic art
Expect to See: A mix of paintings, sculptures, and prints with Arabic calligraphy and motifs
6. Lawrie Shabibi
Location: Unit 21, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai
Exclusive Artists: Nadia Kaabi-Linke, Zak Ové, Shahpour Pouyan
Size: 3,000 square feet
Opening Hours: Sun to Thur: 10 am-6 pm, Sat: 11 am-6 pm
Opened: 2011
Entrance: Free
Artists Featured: Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim, Driss Ouadahi, Farhad Ahrarnia
What We Liked: A blend of contemporary Middle Eastern and North African art.
Expect to See: A platform for innovative approaches in the art from the region and Global South
7. Carbon 12 Gallery
Location: Unit 37, Alserkal Avenue, Street 8 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Exclusive Artists: Gil Heitor Cortesao, Amba Sayal-Bennett, Bernhard Buhmann
Size: Not listed
Opening Hours: Sat to Thurs: 11:30 am-7 pm
Opened: 2008
Entrance: Free
Artists Featured: Olaf Breuning, Andre Butzer, Rui Chafes
What We Liked: Forward-thinking and progressive contemporary art.
Expect to See: Multidisciplinary artworks from a global perspective.
Of course! Here are two more renowned galleries in Dubai:
8. Ayyam Gallery
Location: Unit B11, Alserkal Avenue Exit 43 of SZR – Discovery Gardens Street 8 – Dubai
Exclusive Artists: Sama Alshaibi, Eliaz Izoli, Kais Salman
Size: 1,500 square feet
Opening Hours: Mon to Sat: 10 am-6 pm
Opened: 2006
Entrance: Free
Artists Featured: Faisal Samra, Rula Halawani, Mouteea Murad
What We Liked: A strong emphasis on Middle Eastern artists and dynamic exhibitions.
Expect to See: Intriguing paintings, sculptures, and photography, often with socio-political themes reflecting the regional context.
9. Green Art Gallery
Location: 8 17th St – Al Quoz – Dubai
Exclusive Artists: Shadi Habib Allah, Hera Büyüktaşçıyan, Seher Shah
Size: Not listed
Opening Hours: Mon to Sat: 10 am–7 pm
Opened: 1995 (as a framing store; later transitioned to a gallery in 2010)
Entrance: Free
Artists Featured: Kamrooz Aram, Alessandro Balteo Yazbeck, Ana Mendieta
What We Liked: The gallery’s commitment to representing a diverse combination of emerging and established artists.
Expect to See: Contemporary pieces with a fusion of traditional and modern interpretations, often bridging the East-West dichotomy.
10. Theatre of Digital Art (ToDA)
Location: Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai
Exclusive Artists: Not dedicated to specific artists, but rather a confluence of visual art, 3D sound, and scent.
Size: 20,000 square feet
Opening Hours: 10 am-11 pm daily
Opened: 2019
Entrance: Paid, with various ticketing options, including access to immersive experiences.
Artists Featured: The space often integrates the masterpieces of artists like Van Gogh, Monet, and Kandinsky into digital immersive experiences.
What We Liked: ToDA provides a unique multisensory experience combining visual art, 3D sound, and the scent of themed aromas.
Expect to See: Not traditional art hanging on walls, but an immersive digital art experience that takes visitors on a journey through art, time, and space.
Where can I see art in Dubai?
Dubai’s art scene is predominantly concentrated in areas like Al Quoz, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), and Downtown Dubai, with the arts and culture district Alserkal Avenue serving as contemporary art’s epicenter.
Can I buy artwork in Dubai galleries?
Yes, many galleries, including Eden Gallery, offer artworks for sale, making Dubai the perfect destination for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
What is the largest gallery in Dubai?
While size can vary, Eden Gallery is one of Dubai’s most expansive spaces dedicated to art. The new Theatre of Digital Art (ToDA) is also very large, though not a traditional gallery.
Does Dubai have an art museum?
Indeed, Dubai is home to several art museums, including the Theatre of Digital Art (ToDA) and Jameel Arts Centre, that exhibit a wide range of contemporary and traditional art forms.
Final Words
Dubai’s bustling art scene reflects its cosmopolitan spirit. From traditional Islamic and Middle Eastern art to cutting-edge contemporary artworks, the city offers a diverse array of artistic experiences.
As you plan your art excursion in Dubai, remember to check each gallery’s website for the latest exhibitions and events. Dive deep into the world of art in the heart of the desert!
