The art scene in Dubai and the UAE has rapidly gained international esteem. Artists from different regions of the Middle East, and other countries, have their art works on display in galleries in around Dubai, making Dubai more than just a beach and shopping destination, but a city to truly appreciate. And don’t be surprised to find that in Dubai when they say "gallery", it may refer to a coffee shop or even furniture with an artistic twist, as it does with paint on a canvas.
Over the past few years, Dubai has seen a growing art scene from local and regional artists, which has helped in transforming the image of Dubai from just a mall-obsessed city into a thriving cultural city. Dubai holds major art events annually, including Art Dubai, which play a major role in artistic and cultural development of the city and the Gulf region.
From the masters of modern and contemporary Middle Eastern art to budding talents and emerging international artists, the list below details Dubai’s Best Contemporary Art Galleries to ensure you make the most of the city’s vibrant arts scene.
The Third Line
The Third Line aims to promote Middle Eastern contemporary art. Artists are mostly local but there are occasional pieces created by international and regional artists. The exhibition changes every month. The gallery plays host to some non-profit programs as well. The Third Line also publishes books by associated artists from the region.
www.thethirdline.com
Address: Street 6, Al Quoz 3, Dubai, Tel: +9714 341 1367
Working Hours: Sat-Thu: 10 am To 7 pm, Fridays closed
Majlis Gallery
Majlis Gallery, the fine art gallery and cultural hub, is one of the oldest art galleries in Dubai that often holds temporary exhibitions. It was owned by Allisa Collins, an expatriate who fell in love with the country, the culture and locals. The Majilis Gallery’s aim is to promote art work of both international and local artists in Dubai. The gallery, today, stands as the oldest and the most reputable art gallery in Dubai. The gallery hosts several solo and group exhibitions, and is responsible for introducing some of the finest artists to the cultural stage.
www.themajlisgallery.com
Address: Al Musalla Roundabout, Al Fahidi neighbourhood, Bur Dubai, Tel: +971 4 3536233
Working Hours: Sat-Thu: 10 am To 6 pm, Fridays closed
B21
B21, established in 2006, is one of the first contemporary art spaces in the UAE and is located in a warehouse. The location may seem a bit out of place, but the wide selection of modern art that contrasts with the conventional Middle Eastern art housed in this installation is truly worth your trip.
Address: Opp. Spinneys warehouse, Al Quoz 3, Dubai, Tel: +971 4 3403965
The Green Art Gallery
The Green Art gallery was established in 1995 and is one of the first Arabian Art galleries in Dubai. The gallery's aim is to introduce art to Dubai and is continuously doing so today. Green Art gallery collects painting and artworks from artists from the North African region and the Middle East. Established by two passionate art aficionados, the Green Art Gallery has grown into a progressive contemporary art space aimed at promoting artists who work across a range of mediums.
www.gagallery.com
Address: Al Quoz 1, Al Serkal Avenue, Dubai, Tel: +971 4 3469305
Working Hours: Sat-Thu: 10 am To 7 pm
Carbon 12 Dubai
Carbon 12, established in 2008 was the first gallery in the region to initiate global programme of institution-grade artists. The extensive exhibition programme introduces and promotes established and emerging artists to the UAE contemporary art scene. It hosts six to eight annual exhibitions with diverse range of contextual activities, and Carbon 12 actively engages the public and educational institutions.
www.carbon12dubai.com Address: Unit D37, Al Quoz 1, Al Serkal Avenue, Dubai, Tel: +971 4 3406016
Working Hours: Sat-Thu: 10 am To 7 pm, Fridays closed
XVA Gallery, Dubai
Established in 2003, XVA Gallery is one of the leading galleries in Middle East, specializing in modern art from the Arab World, Iran and the subcontinent. The works are mostly from leading artists in the region and those emerging on the scene. The gallery exhibits both locally and internationally by collaborating with other galleries and, participating in international art fairs like Art London etc., to further expose contemporary art in Middle East.
www.xvagallery.com
Address: Unit D37, Al Fahidi Neighbourhood, Bur Dubai, Dubai, Tel: +971 4 3406016
Working Hours: Sat- 10 am To 6 pm (7 days a week)
Mojo Gallery
Founded in 2006, Mojo Gallery was established with the aim of functioning as a multifunctional space that brings together art, design and new media, by focusing on budding contemporary artists and particularly emphasizing on conceptual works of art. The gallery exhibits original paintings, digital media, conceptual photography, works on paper, mixed media prints, sculpture, illustrations, video art, and installation pieces.
www.themojogallery.com
Address: Unit 33, Al Serkal Avenue, Dubai, Tel: +971 4 3477388
Working Hours: Sun to Thu- 10 am To 7 pm, Sat - 11.30am to 6pm
Art Space
Founded in 2003, the Art Space gallery is committed to promoting contemporary Middle Eastern art. The gallery aims to place the work of Middle Eastern artists on the map, and works in collaboration with international art houses. Art Space hosts a series of diverse and acclaimed exhibitions, offers consulting for art investors, offers corporate art services to business community, and has participated in various local and international art fairs and has collaborated with several iconic art institutions. Art Space is one of the world’s premier platforms for contemporary Middle Eastern art.
Address: Artspace Level 2, The Gate Village Building 3, DIFC, Dubai, Tel: +971 4 3230820
Working Hours: Sun to Thu- 10 am To 8pm
Mottahedan Projects
Mottahedan Projects (MP) is s commercial project that specializes in exhibiting and promoting international contemporary art, and features emerging and established artists, MP exhibits, curated group, all showing special projects by individual artists, presented in the form of solo shows. It is different from the traditional gallery approach, and the project space aims to broaden the world stage for contemporary art, as it exhibits works in private collections and liaisons between international galleries and museums in a rapidly growing region.
www.mottahedan.com
Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Tel: +971 526 076 878
Working Hours: Sat to Thu- 11 am To 6pm
Cuadro Fine Art Gallery
The Cuadro Fine Art Gallery was established in 2008, and grew to be UAE’s foremost contemporary art galleries. It focuses on four major areas of activity, namely, exhibitions, residency, education, and consultation. The gallery works closely with art collectors, and presents a series of lectures and offers studio space to artists through its artist residency programme. The artists (local and international) are provided with opportunity to exhibit the work they have created at Cuadro at the end of their residency. Cuadro also offers qualified art consultation services for discerning collectors.
www.cuadroart.com
Address: Gate Village Bldng., Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Dubai, Tel: +971 4 4250400
Working Hours: Sun to Thu- 10am to 8pm, Sat – 12.oopm to 6pm
