Art and culture in the UAE

Our guide to art and culture in the UAE

Art and culture in the UAE has grown remarkably fast, and today you can spend a week moving between world-class museums, independent galleries, restored heritage districts and a biennial that draws artists from around the globe. We visit exhibitions across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah all year, and this is our practical guide to where to start, when to go and how to make the most of each emirate’s cultural scene.

Dubai: galleries, design and contemporary art

Dubai’s contemporary art scene is centred on Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz, a cluster of converted warehouses that houses commercial galleries, project spaces, a cinema, cafés and studios. Most galleries are free to enter, and the best way to visit is to give yourself an afternoon and wander. On Dubai Creek, Jameel Arts Centre on the Jaddaf Waterfront is an independent contemporary art institution with changing exhibitions, a library and sculpture gardens. DIFC also has a handful of established galleries in its Gate Village, and Dubai Design District hosts design shows and talks, including Dubai Design Week each autumn.

For the performing arts, Dubai Opera in Downtown stages ballet, opera, musicals and concerts, and our shows and theatre guide lists what’s coming up.

Old Dubai and the story of the city

To understand where Dubai came from, head to the creek. Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood keeps the old wind-tower houses and narrow lanes, with small museums, galleries and cafés tucked inside. A short walk away, Al Shindagha Museum tells the history of Dubai and its people through a series of restored houses along the water, including the Perfume House. On Jumeirah Street, Etihad Museum sits beside Union House, where the agreement to form the UAE was signed in December 1971, and explains the story of the federation and its founding fathers. Pair these with an abra ride across the creek and a walk through the souks for a full day; our things to do in Dubai guide has more ideas nearby.

Abu Dhabi: Saadiyat Cultural District

Saadiyat Island is home to one of the most ambitious cultural districts in the world. Louvre Abu Dhabi, which opened in 2017, is known for Jean Nouvel’s vast latticed dome and a collection that tells a story of human creativity across civilisations rather than by region. Zayed National Museum, which opened in December 2025, is the national museum dedicated to the history and culture of the UAE and the legacy of Sheikh Zayed. The district also includes the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, an immersive digital art space. In the city, Qasr Al Hosn is the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi and a good introduction to the capital’s past. See our Abu Dhabi guide for planning a day there.

Sharjah: heritage, Islamic art and the biennial

Sharjah has long positioned itself as the UAE’s cultural capital, and it shows. Sharjah Art Foundation runs exhibitions, performances and film programmes across a network of spaces in the old city, many of them restored historic buildings, and organises the Sharjah Biennial, one of the most respected contemporary art events in the region. The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, the Heart of Sharjah heritage area and a cluster of smaller museums make it easy to fill a day. Sharjah is quieter and more conservative than Dubai, so dress modestly and remember that the emirate is alcohol-free. Our Sharjah guide has more.

When to go: the cultural calendar

The cooler months are the busiest time for art in the UAE. Gallery seasons usually open in the autumn, with new shows across Alserkal and DIFC. Abu Dhabi Art, the capital’s art fair, is usually held in November. Dubai’s art season builds through the early months of the year, traditionally anchored by Art Dubai in spring, alongside talks, open studios and late openings across the city. The Sharjah Biennial takes place in the first half of the year in its biennial years. Dates and formats can change from year to year, so we only list events once they’re confirmed in our calendar above and on what’s on.

Tips for a better visit

• Check opening days and times before you go, as many galleries and museums close one day a week and hours can change during Ramadan and public holidays.
• Book ahead for the big museums and immersive spaces, especially at weekends and in the winter season.
• Dress respectfully, particularly at heritage sites and mosques, where shoulders and knees should be covered.
• Look for talks and tours, which are often free and a great way to understand an exhibition in depth.
• Ask before photographing people or artworks where signs suggest restrictions.

If you enjoy making as much as looking, our workshops and classes page lists pottery, painting and craft studios where you can try it yourself.

Opening an exhibition, festival or cultural talk? Submit an event and we’ll share it with people looking for art and culture in the UAE.