Art Events in the UAE

Stay up to date with the latest artistic and cultural events happening across the UAE.

Upcoming & Current Events

OPEN CALL | International Symposium on Electronic/Emerging Art (ISEA2026)

Be part of ISEA2026, a global platform exploring the intersections of art, science, and technology. Organised in partnership between #DubaiCulture and #ZayedUniversity, the event will run from 10–19 April 2026, featuring an inspiring line-up of workshops, panel discussions, networking sessions, and creative showcases across Dubai’s most iconic cultural venues and landmarks. Submit your proposal across categories, including digital art, animation, new media, public installations, live performances, and academic presentations. DEADLINE: 23:59 UAE time on Monday, 24 November 2025. Apply via https://isea-2026.isea-international.org/

Digital Arts Student Competition “Connecting Futures” Co-sponsored by Zayed University

As part of ISEA2026, students are invited to participate in the Connecting Futures International Digital Arts Student Competition, responding to the symposium theme “ELYAH: Constellating Place, Data, and Identity.” This open call invites students to imagine how acts of connection—between people, cultures, environments, and technologies—can shape futures yet to come. The use of futures in the plural recognizes that there is no single future, but many, shaped by place, identity, access, and collaboration. Students are encouraged to submit playful, speculative, experimental, and poetic digital works that explore connection as a creative force.

Sharjah Award for Arab Creativity 2026/2027: Open Call for Emerging Arab Writers

The Sharjah Award for Arab Creativity – First Edition (Thirtieth Session 2026/2027), launched under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi and organized by the Sharjah Department of Culture, invites emerging Arab writers to submit unpublished manuscripts as their first work in one of the following categories: Classical Arabic Poetry, Short Story, Novel, Playwriting, Children’s Literature (stories for ages 6–8), and Criticism (focused this year on visual discourse in children’s stories). Open to participants aged 18–40 from the UAE and across the Arab world, submissions must be written in Modern Standard Arabic, original, unpublished, and not entered in other competitions. Each applicant may apply to only one category, and all works must align with ethical and cultural values. The deadline for submissions is October 31, 2026, with results announced in January 2027 and awards presented in April 2027. Winners will receive cash prizes and publication, along with participation in a creative workshop. To apply, download the application forms and submit the completed application via email to [shjibdaa@sdc.gov.ae](mailto:shjibdaa@sdc.gov.ae).

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Contemporary Makers – Cohort 2 Application (Digital Fabrication)

Applications are now open for the Summer Cohort of Contemporary Makers, a practice-based programme focused on digital fabrication. Developed by Guggenheim Abu Dhabi in collaboration with Make Abu Dhabi and Swalif Collective, the programme introduces participants to advanced tools such as laser cutting and CNC machines. Open to UAE residents aged 18 to 25, Contemporary Makers welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, requiring only curiosity and a willingness to learn and collaborate.

Art Here 2026: Exploring Confluences at Louvre Abu Dhabi

Louvre Abu Dhabi launches the sixth edition of its annual exhibition and competition, Art Here and the Richard Mille Art Prize, in partnership with Richard Mille, continuing their shared commitment to showcasing contemporary art from the region and beyond on a global stage. Opening under the museum’s iconic dome on 11 November 2026 and running until 28 February 2027, the exhibition, curated by Kamini Sawhney, invites artists to explore the theme “Confluences,” which reflects the interconnected histories, cultures, and migrations, particularly across the Indian Ocean, highlighting how identities and communities are continuously shaped through dynamic cultural exchange.

Past Events

OPEN CALL | Dubai Tunnels Initiative

Calling all UAE-based artists, designers, and architects: you are invited to reimagine more than 40 tunnels across Dubai as vibrant public art spaces that reflect the city’s identity and integrate culture into everyday life. This opportunity is part of the Dubai Tunnels Initiative, developed in collaboration with Dubai Culture and Roads and Transport Authority. Building on the success of its first two phases, the initiative aligns with the goals of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, supporting a vision for sustainable, inclusive, and people-centric urban development.

FIKAR Season 4 Open Call (2026–2027): Residency Opportunity for GCC Artists and Researchers

The Failaka Institute for Knowledge and Arts Research (FIKAR) announces its Open Call for Season 4 (2026–2027), inviting proposals from GCC-based artists and researchers across all disciplines whose practices engage with the cultural, historical, ecological, or symbolic dimensions of Failaka Island. Rooted in a commitment to knowledge production and artistic experimentation, FIKAR supports practitioners whose work explores, preserves, and reimagines the island’s history and living cultures. For this season, five residency positions will be awarded to individual or collective projects. The program runs from October 2026 to May 1, 2027, with flexible scheduling; while each residency is recommended not to exceed 15 consecutive days, participants may complete their projects over one or multiple visits within the program period.

DIFC Art Nights April 2026 – Call for Artists and Galleries

DIFC Art Nights returns this April for its 21st edition, continuing to enrich the region’s cultural scene through a dynamic showcase of global talent. The event brings together emerging and established artists across visual arts, interactive experiences, and live performances, offering a vibrant platform where art, culture, and community meet. Artists are invited to submit a curated portfolio including high-quality images, a brief profile, and descriptions of their work, with submissions open to diverse disciplines such as painting, sculpture, digital art, photography, design, mixed media, workshops, and music. Spaces for the DIFC Art Walls are limited to 14 artists on a first-come, first-served basis subject to approval, while additional participants may join with their own display setups; workshops must be free, and musicians are welcome but must manage their own equipment as participation is unpaid. DIFC provides the venue and electricity only, and sculpture submissions are especially encouraged. All entries will be reviewed by the Art Committee, with selected applicants contacted by email. The event will take place from Thursday 23 April to Sunday 26 April 2026, from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and the submission deadline is Wednesday, 15 April 2026.

Lost in Translation — Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival 2027 Open Call

The Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival 2027 invites artists and filmmakers worldwide to submit works responding to the theme “Lost in Translation,” exploring ideas of cultural displacement, identity, miscommunication, and the emotional experience of being between places, languages, and selves. Organized by the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, the festival takes place at Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village and welcomes submissions across photography, painting, sculpture/installation, video art, and short film. Applicants may submit up to four works across two mediums, along with a brief statement, CV, and bio. Open to emerging and established artists, filmmakers, and students, the call runs from 6 April to 5 June 2026, with selected works featured in the January 2027 festival and eligible for multiple awards.

Contemporary Makers: Shaping the Next Generation of Creatives

Contemporary Makers is a practice-based programme by Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, developed in collaboration with Swalif Collective and Make Abu Dhabi, designed to support and nurture the next generation of creatives. The programme runs across three cohorts, Spring, Summer, and Fall, each guided by a central question that encourages participants to explore the relationship between museums, art, and society today. Open to young people aged 18–25 living in the UAE, the programme welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, with no prior experience in art required. Instead, it focuses on curiosity, collaboration, and a willingness to learn and contribute to shaping future creative practices.

ADREA Public Art Vol II is now open for submissions again.

ADREA Public Art Vol II invites artists to submit original outdoor artwork proposals inspired by the rhythm, heritage, and philosophy of ADREA, with two selected works to be permanently installed as part of its cultural landscape. Artists may submit one proposal each through the official form, including a clear creative concept, supporting visuals (sketches or renders), the intended emotional impact, details on materials and fabrication, dimensions and installation requirements, as well as considerations for durability and safety in public space. Submissions should also include an estimated budget, a timeline leading to final installation by 31 October 2026, a short artist bio, and a portfolio of up to eight works with relevant details. The initiative offers a unique opportunity to contribute a lasting artistic vision that becomes an integral part of ADREA’s identity.

Green Art Gallery- Call for Clothes Exchange

Green Art Gallery is inviting individuals and communities across the UAE to contribute garments on behalf of artist Rossella Biscotti, in preparation for her upcoming solo exhibition at the gallery, opening in April. Initially conceived in Germany in 2018 and now developed in relation to the UAE, the work engages with the city as a place shaped by desire, labour, economy, and necessity. Desire is understood here not only as aspiration, but as a driving force of production and representation. The exchanges through which the garments are collected reflect this condition: each contribution is an encounter, a conversation. The gesture of giving becomes part of the work itself. The project invites your garments connected to labour, identity, representation, belonging, or a particular moment in your life. Clothing is understood as a system of signs rather than as a functional object. Working clothes, symbolic garments, everyday wear, or items tied to personal memory all articulate how individuals position themselves within social space. This is not a donation in the conventional sense. It is an invitation to contribute with items that carry personal meaning, memory, or symbolic weight—pieces that have been kept, lived with, labored in, desired, or worn to signal belonging, identity, or transformation. What matters is not the garment’s monetary value, but the meaning it holds for you. At its core, the project reflects on how a city is built through what we wear, and how identity is stitched together through representation, negotiation, and choice. It is a work about relations and exchange—about what we choose to give, and why. The resulting artwork will form part of Rosella Biscotti’s first solo exhibition at the gallery, opening in April 2026. This project is not about discarding clothes. It is about sharing something personal. Something considered. Something precious. Contributed garments will be brought together with other personal pieces to form the work.

ADREA Public Art Vol II is now open for submissions.

They invite artists to propose original outdoor creations inspired by the rhythm, heritage, and philosophy of ADREA, with two artworks to be selected for permanent installation within their grounds, becoming a visible, felt, and lasting part of their cultural legacy. Each artist may submit one proposal via the official form linked in their bio, including a creative concept explaining the idea and its connection to ADREA; visuals such as sketches or renders showing scale and form; an explanation of the emotional connection and what the work invites people to feel; details on materials and fabrication; dimensions, weight, and installation requirements; considerations for durability and safety in response to weather and public interaction; an estimated budget covering production, logistics, fees, and installation; a timeline from concept to final installation by 31 October 2026; a brief artist bio outlining creative approach and experience; and a portfolio of up to eight works with title, date, medium, scale, and location. They welcome artists to share their imagination, art, and story and bring their vision to ADREA.

ART DUBAI 2026 - 20th Anniversary

Art Dubai 2026 will mark its 20th anniversary from April 17–19, 2026, with preview days on April 15–16, at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, bringing together internationally relevant art with a strong focus on voices from the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. The fair will feature key sections including Contemporary, Bawwaba, and Art Dubai Digital, highlighting Global South perspectives and innovation in artistic practice, alongside a comprehensive VIP program offering exclusive access, private collection visits, and curated tours of the UAE’s leading cultural institutions, fostering meaningful cultural exchange and engagement.

𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗔𝗘 𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀: 𝗥𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗻 𝗘𝘅𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗜 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝘂𝗿

This Ramadan exhibition invites UAE-based artists to explore The Love of Nur (Light). A theme inspired by divine love, inner illumination, and compassion. Nur symbolizes spiritual guidance, hope, and the quiet strength found through reflection and faith during the holy month. Through diverse artistic expressions, the exhibition celebrates love as a sacred light that connects hearts, communities, and humanity. Artists are encouraged to interpret Nur through personal, cultural, and spiritual lenses, creating works that inspire peace, generosity, and unity during Ramadan. Submit your portfolio to: exhibition@zeearts.net

Sikka Art & Design Festival 2026

OPEN CALL | SIKKA ART & DESIGN FESTIVAL 2026 Apply now for the 14th Edition of the Sikka Art & Design Festival! We’re looking for artists, performers, film-makers, retailers, culinary artists, F&B vendors, and workshop facilitators to bring their creativity and unique flavour to #Sikka26. Application DEADLINE: 23:59 UAE time on Monday, 1 September 2025. Register now via https://dubaiculture.gov.ae/events/sikka-category-2025 📍Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood 🗓️ January 23 - February 1

Campus Art Dubai (CAD) 13.0 - Professional Development Placement

Ahead of Art Dubai 2026, Campus Art Dubai (CAD) 13.0 offers aspiring art professionals the opportunity to gain early-career experience through an intensive three- to four-month professional development placement. Participants will work hands-on across key Art Dubai departments, including Fair Management, Operations & Logistics, Communications, VIP & Exhibitor Relations, Sponsorships, Programming, and Design, while benefiting from masterclasses led by Art Dubai Group’s senior team, personalised mentorship sessions, and practical tasks tailored to their individual ambitions. Learn more about CAD 13.0 and apply here: https://www.artdubai.ae/campus-art-dubai-13-professional/ .

MIDDLE EAST ARCHIVE OPEN CALL - PHOTOGRAPHERS

They are inviting one photographer to join a collaborative publication produced with four photographers in partnership with BRED Abu Dhabi, to be released in 2026 as part of BRED Abu Dhabi 2026. The publication explores The Language of the Streets: Today and Tomorrow, examining how street culture exists today and how it continues to evolve through style, gesture, movement, sound, community, and self-expression. This collective project brings together diverse voices into a shared publication, creating space for photographers to contribute and shape the project through their own perspectives. Selected work will be published alongside Taqwa Bint Ali, Yasmina Hilal, Ali Shehabi, and others. Photographers whose practice engages with street culture are encouraged to submit an existing project or a proposed concept with relevant references by 30 January 2026 to submissions@middleastarchive.com .

Jameel Arts Centre - Creative Careers Days | February 7, 8, 9 ⁠⁠

Calling all students, educators, families, and aspiring creatives!⁠ ⁠The annual Creative Careers Days returns to #jameelartscentre for its fourth edition: ‘Art as a voice: how do you use it?’ This year, we explore how art becomes a tool for expression, connection, and collective action, highlighting how the visual and performing arts can serve as a vehicle for personal and social change.⁠ ⁠ Join us between February 7 and 9 for #careerdevelopment workshops, career surgeries, and inspirational talks with 30+ leading arts organizations and universities. ⁠ From portfolio reviews and mock interviews to navigating the ethics of AI, this edition is designed to matchmake young people with creative industry expertise.⁠ ⁠Whether you are starting your creative career journey or looking to change your current path, this event is the perfect gateway to building a creative practice rooted in community and purpose.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠

The Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award 2025 Applications are Now Open to UAE-based Artists

Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, NYU Abu Dhabi, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), has opened applications for the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award 2025. Applications close on 31 January 2025. Now in its 13th edition, the award supports emerging artists in the UAE by encouraging the creation of new public artworks and offering insight into professional artistic practice, from commission to exhibition. The programme is open to UAE-based students and artists who have graduated within the past five years. Applicants may propose a public artwork in any medium, including sculpture, photography, painting, film, land art, or multimedia. The winning artist or team will receive USD 10,000, with the final work launched at Abu Dhabi Art 2025 and later exhibited at NYU Abu Dhabi and Umm Al Emarat Park. To apply, artists must submit a proposal, including a budget and timeline.

Open Call: Art Residency Programme - Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation

The six-month Art Residency Programme offers professional artists, designers, architects, writers, performers, researchers, filmmakers, and cultural practitioners the space and support to elevate their practice through dedicated studios, resources, and community engagement. Participants benefit from 24-hour studio access, curatorial support, Cultural Foundation facilities, and financial resources, culminating in studio visits and a final open studio night. Applications are open until 31 January 2026, with residency cycles running from 25 March 2026 to 20 September 2026 and 25 September 2026 to 20 March 2027, and applicants must indicate their preferred start period. Requirements include a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (or equivalent in a relevant field), a portfolio of at least eight works (PDF), a CV with exhibition history (PDF), contact details, a short biography (max. 100 words, PDF), an artist statement (max. 150 words, PDF), personal photo, passport copy, Unified Number (UAE nationals), residency visa (non-UAE nationals), and Emirates ID (front and back). For enquiries and submissions, contact artresidency@dctabudhabi.ae .

OpenCall - NBF ART 2025–26

Calling all artists across the UAE. NBF ART 2025–26 is now open for submissions. This year’s theme, “We Belong Here. Different stories, one essence,” embraces the beauty of diversity and the strength found in togetherness. It invites you to explore belonging in all its forms: the identities we carry, the spaces we create, and the connections that root us. Whether through painting, sculpture, photography, or digital art, share your interpretation in a medium that speaks to you. There is no prescribed direction. Only authentic storytelling that celebrates individuality and the harmony that emerges when different perspectives coexist. Join the fifth edition of the NBF Art and be part of an initiative celebrating creative expressions and the stories that shape us. Your story matters. Your art belongs. Visit https://nbf-art.com/?utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=nbf_art for more information.

The 2025 edition of #AbuDhabiArt fair

Discover the largest edition of #AbuDhabiArt.​ The 2025 edition is set to take place from 19 to 23 November at Manarat Al Saadiyat. 140 galleries, 600+ artists, and more than 2,000 artworks will come together from across 35 countries. Free to the public, the fair offers curated exhibitions, family workshops, guided tours, and opportunities to collect exceptional works of art. To register, visit the link: https://tickets.abudhabiart.ae/booking.html

Call for Artists — SEEN/SCENE 2026 by Rizq Art Initiative!

Rizq Art Initiative is now accepting applications for SEEN/SCENE 2026, welcoming artists from all disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, multimedia, and installation. To apply, submit up to three high-quality images of your artworks, each accompanied by a brief description (title, medium, dimensions, and year), along with your digital portfolio, artist statement, and CV. The deadline for submissions is January 4, 2026. Apply now via 🔗 https://forms.gle/MXPWwQ7j94KfJHy49 .

Fujairah Fine Arts Competition - Art between Man and Machine

Fujairah Fine Arts Academy is launching the "Fujairah Fine Arts Competition" under the theme " Art Between Man and Machine." The competition will run from September 22, 2025, until December 14, 2025, at 12:00 PM, which is the deadline for submitting artworks. Unleash your creativity and participate in this valuable art competition. Please review the terms and conditions carefully before submitting your artwork. To register in the competition, please visit our website: www.ffaa.ae

The 2025 edition of the UAE Designer Exhibition - Dubai Culture - Downtown Design

Applications are open for the 2025 edition of the UAE Designer Exhibition, supported by Dubai Culture, taking place at the heart of Downtown Design, from 5–9 November during Dubai Design Week. ⁠ ⁠ This curated showcase offers UAE-based designers and studios a platform to launch new work, gain visibility, and connect with a design professionals and enthusiasts.⁠ Championing emotionally resonant design and material exploration, the exhibition highlights contemporary pieces that are tactile, comforting, and rooted in cultural context, with commercial viability and production feasibility at their core.⁠ Open to locally based creatives working across disciplines, the exhibition invites submissions that reflect the diversity, depth, and innovation of the UAE’s design landscape.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ Apply now via https://fair.editionsartanddesign.com/digital/application-form, applications are open until 30 August, 2025.

World Art Dubai - Calling All Creatives!

Back for its 2nd year, the WAD Public Art initiative invites GCC-based artists, designers, and creatives to bring public art installations to life in a dynamic public space in Dubai. Don’t miss your chance to leave your mark! 🔍 What they are looking for: • Murals • Installations • Sculptures • Creative outdoor art concepts 📋 How to Apply: Submit your proposal via the World Art Dubai website Deadline: 15 November 2025 For more details, visit www.worldartdubai.com

Call for Artists – Middle East | Art Connects Women 9th Edition

Are you a passionate female artist from the Middle East ready to showcase your creativity on a global stage? We are thrilled to announce the 9th Edition of Art Connects Women, happening from 8 – 11 February 2026 in Dubai. This landmark edition will bring together 115 female artists from 115 countries, celebrating diversity, cultural exchange, and the power of art to connect beyond borders. If you are an artist eager to share your voice, culture, and story with the world, we invite you to apply and be part of this inspiring movement. 📩 Applications are now open! Theme: Empower to Educate Submit: https://www.artconnectswomen.com/apply-form/ Deadline: 31st October 2025

Open Call for Artists: Digital Art Exhibition at Kutubna Cultural Center

Kutubna Cultural Center invites artists of all ages and nationalities to participate in our upcoming exhibition dedicated to Digital Art. We welcome works created through digital drawing, painting, and illustration, focusing on originality, process, and craftsmanship. Please note that AI-generated works will not be accepted. Submissions are free, and each artist may present up to five artworks ready for display. The deadline for applications is 17 November 2025, and selected artists will be announced on 24 November 2025. The exhibition will take place at Kutubna’s Gallery in Nadd Al Hamar, Dubai, from 17 January to 9 March 2026. Submitting your work does not guarantee inclusion. Every application will be carefully reviewed by our curatorial team, and only selected artworks will be exhibited. Be part of this celebration of creativity and innovation in digital art. Submit your work through the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16m6P8Fj7jWysDFauNaDRr9nAq0kh5-NDdg7mfwFtbvg/viewform?edit_requested=true

The 4th Edition of UA Collective, themed “HOPE” - Urbanist Art Gallery

Urbanist Art Gallery invites you to submit your work for the 4th Edition of UA Collective, themed “HOPE”, happening 6–20 September 2025 in Dubai! ✨ Show us your vision of hope through art! ✅ Open to artists worldwide ✅ Opportunity to grow, connect & sell ✅ Featured across our socials, website & newsletter 📍 Box Park, Al Wasl Street – Dubai 🖼 8–10 artists will be selected 🎯 All mediums welcome: painting, sculpture, collage, photography, digital art. 📅 Deadline extended: 15 August 2025 Email info@urbanistart.com for details & how to apply!

Open Call for Artists – Showcase with Khawla Art & Culture

Here’s your opportunity to engage with Khawla Art & Culture! Artists are invited to submit their available works for potential features and exhibition opportunities. By participating, your art will gain visibility among collectors and VIPs, be showcased across Khawla Art & Culture’s platforms, and be considered for future exhibitions. Submit your profile and artworks via https://www.khawlaartandculture.com/add-artist-profile .

421 Graduate Internship Program – Apply Now

Calling all recent graduates! The 421 Graduate Internship Program provides early career support and professional development opportunities for emerging creative professionals from diverse backgrounds. Selected participants will gain hands-on experience in the operations of 421 across various departments, with a focused immersion in a specific field. This is a paid opportunity, and applications are open until November 1, 2025. Apply now via https://421-online.submittable.com/submit/335624/graduate-internship-program-2026.

The Winter/Spring 2027 program - 421 - Open Call for exhibition proposals

421 is now accepting exhibition proposals for the Winter/Spring 2027 program! We invite curators and curatorial collectives to submit projects rooted in critical inquiry and grounded in contemporary artistic practices from the UAE and wider Arabic-speaking geographies, including the diaspora. 🗓 Application Deadline: October 20, 2025
 📍 Venue: Gallery 2 at 421, Abu Dhabi As part of its mission to support emerging creative practices and critical discourse in the region, 421 offers curators the resources and platform to bring their ideas to life. This program offers a curatorial fee, full production support, and more.

ART DUBAI GALLERIES - Application

Art Dubai is currently accepting applications for Art Dubai Galleries, Zamaniyyat, Bawwaba, Bawwaba Extended, and Art Dubai Digital. ART DUBAI GALLERIES Art Dubai Galleries welcomes applications from established commercial galleries that have been operating for a minimum of two years and, for the first time, invites applications within both the Contemporary and Modern markets. Exhibitors are selected on the basis of the quality of their exhibition programme, the artists represented by the gallery, and the curatorial strength of the booth presentation. ZAMANIYYAT * Zamaniyyat | زمانيات (from zaman, the Arabic word for ‘time’), a dedicated platform featuring solo and group presentations that revisit the work of artists who shaped and reshaped modernisms throughout the 20th century in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America. The selected curator is Dr. Sarah A. Rifky, a curator, writer, and art historian who has held curatorial, founding, and leadership roles internationally, including with Townhouse, documenta 13, and Beirut, which she co-founded in Cairo (2012–2015). * Art Dubai Modern has evolved with the inclusion of modern presentations within the main Galleries section, and a new curated section named Zamaniyyat. BAWWABA Bawwaba | بوابة (meaning gateway in Arabic) serves as a portal to the discovery of solo presentations of newly produced work, offering a platform for emerging to mid-career artists. The selected curator is Amal Khalaf, curator and artist who serves as Director of Programmes at Cubitt, and who co-curated the Sharjah Biennial 16, and is the curator for the forthcoming Ghost 2568 in Bangkok. Galleries selected for the Bawwaba section will be eligible for the Bawwaba Gallery Support Programme, a new initiative introducing a risk sharing model to support participants in the 2026 edition of the fair. BAWWABA EXTENDED Bawwaba Extended, a new artist-focused section dedicated to interdisciplinary artistic practices. Spanning the entire fair environment, Bawwaba Extended, curated in collaboration with Amal Khalaf and Alexie Glass-Kantor, Executive Director, Curatorial, Art Dubai Group, will transform the site into a dynamic space for experimentation and innovation through installations, digital media, moving image, sound, and public interventions. It invites proposals from galleries worldwide, regardless of participation in the main fair. ART DUBAI DIGITAL Art Dubai Digital, the leading platform for digital art in an art fair context, brings together visionary artists, galleries, studios, and collectives reshaping the digital landscape. The selected curators are Ulrich Schrauth, a curator and creative director in the field of immersive media and digital art, serving as the Artistic Director of the UBS Digital Art Museum in Hamburg, and Nadine Khalil, independent art critic and curator who collaborates with contemporary artists exploring performance, environment, and technology. Application deadline is Friday 10th October, 2025. Proposal(s) may be amended up to this date.

Exhibition Management Services for Global Encounters Festival 2025

DiarBid is proud to provide end-to-end Exhibition Management Services for the Global Encounters Festival 2025, set to take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from July 20th to 27th. As part of this prestigious event, our team will oversee the full spectrum of exhibition operations from global art shipping and handling, to professional art advisory involving a curated selection of over 180 artists. We will manage art storage, curation, sales, live auctions, and all elements of the exhibition build across the seven halls of DWTC. Our involvement spans every stage of the process, with clearly defined deliverables and a strategic approach that ensures a seamless, world-class experience for both exhibitors and visitors. This comprehensive solution is designed not only to maximize visibility and sales for participating artists, but also to deliver significant value and long-term impact for the organizing entity. Whether coordinating logistics or creating meaningful cultural moments, DiarBid is committed to curating an unforgettable artistic journey at Global Encounters Festival 2025.

Made in the UAE | Submissions | JD Malat Gallery London

JD Malat Gallery London is excited to announce Made in the UAE, a curatorial initiative designed to identify and amplify emerging contemporary artists working within the United Arab Emirates. Open to artists working in painting, photography, sculpture, installation, or video, the project invites submissions from those with a distinct visual language and a thoughtful approach to material and form. A panel composed of regional curators and international art world professionals will review submissions and select five artists to be featured in a group exhibition at JD Malat Gallery’s Dubai space in December 2025. The initiative responds to the region’s dynamic and increasingly visible cultural landscape. It seeks to provide a meaningful platform for artists rooted in the UAE, creating space for exchange between emerging practices and global audiences. Made in the UAE reflects the gallery’s continued interest in regional perspectives and cross-cultural dialogue and marks the beginning of a broader programme of curatorial initiatives across the Gulf. Submissions open on 7th July 2025 and close on 15th October 2025. UAE Residents only.

VIP Auction Premiere in Partnership with World Art Dubai 2025

Curated and managed by DiarBid Arthouse in partnership with Soroptimist International Gulf-Dubai, the World Art Dubai 2025 Live Auction was proudly held in support of the Cervical Cancer Elimination Campaign in Africa. Featuring 14 powerful artworks by a diverse group of local, regional, and international artists, the auction served as a heartfelt celebration of unity, resilience, and cultural dialogue through the lens of art. In addition to curating the live auction, DiarBid extended exclusive support services to all World Art Dubai 2025 exhibitors during the public fair. These included free three-month artist accounts on the DiarBid platform, flexible installment payment solutions for buyers, and fully insured global shipping at discounted rates—benefits offered exclusively to WAD exhibitors. This initiative reflects DiarBid’s ongoing commitment to empowering artists, facilitating meaningful connections, and making art more accessible to collectors around the world.

The Code of Will

The Code of Will exhibition showcased the remarkable talent of artists from the Art for All Center (FALAJ), the first institution in the Arab Gulf dedicated to discovering and training artists with disabilities. Featuring a diverse group of participants, the exhibition highlighted the power of creativity in breaking barriers and fostering inclusion. Among them, 12 artists with disabilities demonstrated how artistic expression and determination can challenge societal perceptions and redefine ability. Since its establishment in 2017 under Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services with the support of Her Highness Sheikha Jameela Al Qassimi, Art for All has been a pioneering platform offering professional training in theater, music, and fine arts. Through The Code of Will, the exhibition celebrated resilience and innovation, proving that when talent is nurtured, art becomes a transformative force that knows no limits.

Between Flesh and Land

Between Flesh and Land explored the deep connection between humanity and nature through a striking black-and-white visual narrative of photography and painting. Stripping away distractions, the exhibition revealed a space where the physical and intangible merge, with figures—both human and natural—suspended between strength and fragility, presence and absence. At its core, it captured the moment where flesh meets land, where the rhythms of the body and earth converge in silent harmony. By emphasizing the interplay between form and essence, Between Flesh and Land invited viewers to look beyond the physical and recognize the unseen forces that bind us to the natural world. It challenged the notion of separation between body and earth, reminding us of our shared existence within a larger, living ecosystem and encouraging reflection on the interdependence that shapes our place in it.

A SURREALIST’S KALEIDOSCOPE

Diarbid’s exhibition A Surrealist’s Kaleidoscope invited visitors to step into a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Featuring Birute Brandt and Samiah Saleh, the show bridged reality and fantasy through surrealist works that transformed the mundane into whimsical and thought-provoking scenes. Brandt’s vibrant canvases used exaggerated characters and colors to reveal beauty in the absurd, while Saleh wove cultural narratives into everyday objects, merging tradition with the contemporary. Together, their art invited viewers to rethink reality and find wonder in the fantastical layers of daily life.

DiarBid at ADIBS

We were honored to showcase the exceptional talent of 28 local and regional artists at the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show 2024 (ADIBS). This prestigious event provided a platform to celebrate the rich artistic heritage of the Middle East, featuring a stunning array of artworks that captured the imagination of an international audience. The exhibition not only highlighted the creativity of our artists but also reinforced DiarBid’s mission to elevate regional talent on the global stage.

8-Week Art Transformation Program with Seth Bennzel

DiarBid, in collaboration with Seth Bennzel—an acclaimed artist, established residency program instructor, and gallery owner—conducted a transformative 8-week art journey. The program brought together seven promising students eager to explore and elevate their artistic potential under Seth’s expert guidance. Throughout the program, participants delved into advanced artistic techniques, embraced creative experimentation, and honed their personal styles in a nurturing and inspiring environment. The experience culminated in a curated exhibition showcasing the participants' masterpieces, a testament to their growth and creativity. This initiative highlights DiarBid’s commitment to nurturing emerging artists by connecting them with world-class mentors and offering platforms for their talent to shine.

Shades of Memory

“Shades of Memory” showcases a captivating exploration into the labyrinth of recollection, revealing the delicate interplay between the subconscious and conscious mind. Featuring artists from diverse backgrounds and corners of the globe, this exhibition delves into the elusive nature of memory, the depth of buried emotions, and the essence of identity and culture. Despite their varied origins, these artists share a common thread—unveiling their memories and offering profound introspection through their unique perspectives, enriching our understanding of the human experience.

Intersections: Tracing Origins

Intersections: Tracing Origins was an expansive group exhibition that celebrated the profound interconnectedness of cultures and identities. This vibrant showcase explored diverse origins and narratives, revealing the rich tapestry of socio-political, cultural, and ecological influences that shape our shared history. In our exhibition, we have featured artists from the Middle East, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and many other countries. The exhibition provided a platform for open dialogue, inviting viewers to reconsider cultural influences and the common threads that unite humanity. We were honored to have H.H. Sultan Al Qasimi visit our exhibition, further enriching the experience with his presence and support.

Meet the Sun

Our exhibition, "Meet The Sun," has been a resounding success, beautifully showcasing the rich creativity of UAE-based artists. This vibrant event celebrated the unique journey of each artwork as it emerged from the artists' studios to meet the sun, symbolizing the dawn of new ideas and perspectives. We have featured nine local artists who participated in this exhibition. The exhibition not only highlighted the diverse talents within our community but also illuminated the boundless potential of artistic expression.