Art Jameel Collection Masterclass 2026 in Dubai

The Art Jameel Collection masterclass in Dubai is a two-day, artist-led programme at Jameel Arts Centre on Jaddaf Waterfront, running on Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November 2026. Titled A Deeper Encounter with the Art Jameel Collection, it is facilitated by artist and educator Sana Waqar and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the collection that most museum visitors never get to see.

Places are capped at 20 participants, so this is a small, focused group rather than a drop-in session. If you have ever wondered how a museum looks after its artworks, or wanted more time with art than a quick gallery visit allows, this is a rare opportunity.

About the Art Jameel Collection Masterclass in Dubai

The masterclass combines behind-the-scenes access, theory, critique, artistic processes and making, giving participants several ways into the Art Jameel Collection. Rather than simply viewing finished works on a wall, you get to consider how artworks are cared for, preserved and managed, and how artists think and work.

Sana Waqar leads both days. As an artist and educator, she brings together the practical and the reflective, so the sessions move between looking, talking and creating. All materials and refreshments are included, which means you can arrive with nothing more than curiosity.

Because it runs across a full weekend, the programme has room to build. Ideas from the first day carry into the second, so it is best approached as one connected experience rather than two separate workshops.

What to Expect

Each day runs from 11:00 to 15:00, with a different focus on each.

Day One: The Collection Up Close

The first day includes a tour of the Artists’ Rooms exhibition and a visit to the Collections Room, where participants see how works are looked after behind the scenes. There is time for slow looking, discussion and sketching, so bring a willingness to linger.

Day Two: Artists’ Practices and Making

The second day turns to the practices of artists Lulua Alyahya, Walid Siti and Shezad Dawood. After exploring their approaches, participants move into hands-on making, creating their own responses inspired by the work.

Theory and Critique

Alongside the practical side, the masterclass weaves in theory and critique, helping you think and talk about art with more confidence.

Key Highlights

• Two-day, artist-led masterclass at Jameel Arts Centre
• Facilitated by artist and educator Sana Waqar
• Behind-the-scenes access to the Art Jameel Collection room
• Tour of the Artists’ Rooms exhibition and a visit to the Collections Room
• A closer look at the practices of Lulua Alyahya, Walid Siti and Shezad Dawood
• Slow looking, discussion, sketching and hands-on making
• All materials and refreshments included
• Maximum of 20 participants; ages 16 and over

Who It Is For

The masterclass is open to anyone aged 16 and over. It is a natural fit for art lovers, students, emerging artists and educators, and for anyone who has wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a museum collection. You do not need to be a practising artist to take part: the mix of looking, discussion and making leaves space for every level of experience.

Educators may find it useful for ideas on how to approach collections with students, while emerging artists get a chance to study how established artists build a practice.

The Venue: Jameel Arts Centre

The masterclass takes place in Sahaab at Jameel Arts Centre, on Jaddaf Waterfront in Dubai. Home to the Art Jameel Collection, the centre gives the programme its setting, and the Artists’ Rooms exhibition and Collections Room visits all happen on site.

Visitor Tips

• Book early: spaces are limited to 20 participants and early booking is recommended.
• Commit to both days: this is a two-day programme, so plan to attend on Saturday and Sunday.
• Clear your middle of the day: sessions run from 11:00 to 15:00 each day, so plan meals and travel around that window.
• Travel light: all materials and refreshments are included.
• Come ready to look slowly: the first day leaves time for sketching and discussion, so there is no need to rush.
• Questions: the official booking page lists a contact email for any queries before the day.

For a slower, deeper way to experience art in Dubai, the Art Jameel Collection masterclass is well worth a weekend. With only 20 places, book on the official Art Jameel page soon and get ready to see the collection from the inside.