The second largest and most popular city of the UAE, Dubai is now a cultural hotspot due to the soaring number of art galleries.

Art collectors and curators are hosting exhibitions, fairs and investing in artworks like never before. Over the last decade, the Emirate has seen a surge in talents, with artists emerging and making a name for themselves.

You can also indulge in the appreciation of the artwork by visiting art galleries and exhibitions to increase your knowledge of human creativity.

Artspace

Opened in 2003, Artspace at The Gate Village is at the forefront of contemporary art in the Middle East. With exclusive patronage of VIP collectors, skilled architects, interior designers, and other public figures Artspace is doing a lot to encourage the interaction between the Eastern art and the West. The current calligraphy showcase of Nassar Mansour’s solo work is worth admiring.

Timing: 9 AM to 9 PM, Saturday to Thursday and 12 PM to 6 PM, Friday

Address: Podium Level, Building 3, Gate Village, Sheikh Zayed Rd، Dubai International Financial Center – Dubai

Phone: 04 323 0820

Ayyam Gallery

Established in 2006, Ayyam Gallery is an agency which supervises the careers of many artists. It is known for its promotion of unrepresented aspects of art and its global heritage. Ayyam Gallery regularly hosts and collaborates with indie artists who employ transnational issues and happenings.

Recently, Brussels-based artist Abdullah Al Omari showcased a selection of portraits of global leaders as demobilized refugees at the gallery. You can still see the solo exhibit called “The Vulnerability Series” before 6th of July.

Timing: 10 AM to 7 PM, Saturday to Thursday

Meem Gallery

Meem Gallery at Umm Suqeim Street is a phenomenal art gallery. They have previously hosted installations of prominent Middle Eastern artists. Founded in 2007, the gallery exhibits a marriage contemporary Iranian and Arab arts and culture. They also regularly showcase photo works of established photographers. Not only that, but Meem Gallery also hosts various film screenings throughout the year.

Timing: 10 AM to 10 PM, Sunday to Thursday

The Third Line

The Third Line at Street 6A was established as a medium to represent the indigenous talents of Middle Eastern origins. The host numerous exhibitions to raise the interest in art in the Emirate. The Third Line is pivotal in developing the art scene and encouraging the surge of some reputable artists of the region. The current exhibition showcase which was specially curated by Wimberly called “A Fast, Moving Sky” is the fusing of diverse artists coming together to create an aesthetically pleasing geographical proclamation.

Timing: 10 AM to 10 PM, Daily

Address: Street 6، Al Quoz 3 – Dubai

Phone: 04 341 1367

All galleries at Alserkal Avenue

What started off as an industrial area is now a cultural district in Dubai. Alserkal Avenue is a combination of commercial and creative spaces. It accommodates over 60 art, design, and creative galleries. All the galleries are distinguished and represent many artists. They host regular exhibitions, panels, meet and greets, auctions and other gatherings. Gallery Isabelle van den Eynde is a popular installation among tourists and art connoisseurs alike.

Timing: 10 AM to 7 PM, Saturday to Thursday

Address: Street 8, Al Quoz 1 – Dubai

Phone: 050 556 9797

Which art gallery are you going to check out first? Also if you are in Abu Dhabi then you should check out the newly opened Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum