Popular Dubai art events to look forward to in 2025
Are you looking for upcoming art events in Dubai? The city will be a buzzing nexus for the art community, from captivating fairs to exciting exhibitions this year. So, let’s look at 2025’s most eagerly anticipated exhibitions and art events in Dubai.
UPCOMING ART EVENTS IN DUBAI 2025
Dubai, a city known for its architectural marvels and luxurious lifestyle, harbours a treasure trove of artistic wonders.
Quoz Arts Fest
Quoz Arts Fest ignites Dubai with a vibrant weekend of electrifying live music, captivating art installations, delectable culinary delights and enriching workshops. Imagine a two-day showcase with the region’s most celebrated and emerging talents.
From crowd-pleasing markets bursting with local treasures to invigorating sunrise workouts and an array of culinary adventures — Quoz Arts Fest Dubai promises an unforgettable experience at Alserkal Avenue.
- Tickets: AED 63 per day (Entry is free for 18 & Under Pass students and senior citizens)
- Dates: 25th January – 26th January 2025
- Location: Alserkal Avenue
- Timings: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
SIKKA ART AND DESIGN FESTIVAL
Dubai Culture & Arts Authority brings you the 13th edition of the Sikka Art and Design Festival in Dubai. The 2025 edition of the Sikka Festival will feature events that celebrate visual arts, theatre, music and film.
You can engage in enriching workshops, participate in insightful poetry evenings and savour tantalising culinary delights from homegrown F&B concepts.
- Tickets: Free
- Dates: 31st January 2025 – 9th February 2025
- Location: Al Shindagha Historical Neighbourhood
- Timings: Subject to the date
- Contact: sikkartandesign.com, @sikkaplatform (Instagram)
ART DUBAI
The highly anticipated Art Dubai returns for its 18th edition, presenting a vibrant panorama of contemporary art from around the world. The three-day event will showcase various artworks, including Contemporary, Modern, Bawwaba and Digital.
The event will run from April 18 to 20, 2025, with exclusive Preview Days on April 16 and 17. It will also offer insightful artist talks, educational workshops and stimulating conferences for all ages.
- Tickets: Tickets will be announced soon
- Dates and timings:
- Wednesday, 16th April 2025 | 02:00 pm – 09:00 pm | Invitation Only
- Thursday, 17th April 2025 | 02:00 pm – 09:00 pm | Invitation Only
- Friday, 18th April 2025 | 02:00 pm – 09:00 pm | General Admission
- Saturday, 19th April 2025 | 02:00 pm – 09:00 pm | General Admission
- Sunday, 20th April 2025|10:00 am – 12:00 pm (Invitation Only) 12:00 pm – 06:00 pm (General Admission)
- Location: Madinat Jumeirah
- Contact: artdubai.ae
WORLD ART DUBAI
Returning for its 10th edition, World Art Dubai continues to captivate the city’s art scene with its diverse and inclusive platform.
A haven for collectors and enthusiasts alike, World Art Dubai showcases a curated selection of over 4,000 artworks from more than 300 galleries and individual artists from 60+ countries. Additionally, the festival will feature many workshops, talks and art galleries.
- Dates: 17th – 20th April 2025
- Location: Za’abeel Halls # 1, 2 and 3, Dubai World Trade Centre
- Timings:
- Wednesday: 07:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Invitation only)
- Thursday – Sunday: 01:00 pm – 09:00 pm
- Contact: worldartdubai.com/contact-us (Contact respective representative)
Popular Places Hosting Art Exhibitions in 2025
Alserkal Avenue
Nestled in the industrial quarter of Al Quoz, Alserkal Avenue pulsates with creative energy. This cultural district is home to many galleries, each a universe unto itself.
Green Art Gallery
Green Art Gallery is a beacon for emerging talents from the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey. The gallery’s minimalist white walls are a canvas for bold expressions of sociopolitical themes and avant-garde experimentation.
XVA Gallery
Tucked away in the historic Al Fahidi neighbourhood, XVA Gallery is a hidden gem that blends Dubai’s rich heritage with cutting-edge art. This boutique art hotel and gallery offers a uniquely immersive experience.
Wander through the corridors adorned with works by regional artists. Each room is a curated exhibition space. The courtyard, with its wind towers and intricate wooden lattices, provides a serene backdrop for contemplating the intersection of past and present.
Jameel Arts Centre
Perched on the banks of Dubai Creek, the Jameel Arts Centre is a contemporary arts institution that beckons art enthusiasts with its striking architecture and thought-provoking exhibitions.
Explore the centre’s diverse spaces, from intimate gallery rooms to the open-air sculpture park. The library of artists’ books is a treasure trove for those seeking to delve deeper into the artistic process.
Don’t miss the immersive installations that often occupy the central courtyard, transforming the space into a playground for the senses.
Theatre of Digital Art
For a truly unique experience, step into the Theatre of Digital Art in Souk Madinat Jumeirah. This innovative space blends classical art with cutting-edge technology, creating an immersive journey through the world’s masterpieces.
ART EXHIBITIONS IN DUBAI
Aside from art festivals, there are a number of art exhibitions in Dubai that you can look forward to this year.
No Scheherazade by Farhad Ahrarnia
No Scheherazade by Farhad Ahrarnia marks his fourth solo exhibition at Alserkal Avenue. Showcasing his distinctive techniques of embroidered photography and intricate wood inlay, the collection is set against a striking backdrop influenced by Prince’s 1987 Sign O’ The Times video.
The exhibition thoughtfully explores the cultural icons of the 1980s, including Princess Diana and Keith Haring, offering a reflective look at the era’s vibrant energy.
- Date: Till 28th January 2025
- Location: Warehouse 21, Lawrie Shabibi, Alserkal Avenue
- Timings: Daily, 10:00 am – 07:00 pm
Neither Here ~ Nor Elsewhere at The Third Line
Experience Neither Here ~ Nor Elsewhere at The Third Line, thoughtfully curated by Sanaz Askari. This dynamic exhibition offers a vibrant collection of contemporary art that challenges perspectives and sparks meaningful dialogue.
Don’t miss the hauntingly beautiful work by Asian and African artists, including Faissal El-Malak, Hayv Kahraman, Mahsa Merci, Tahmineh Monzavi and many more.
- Date: Till 26th January 2025
- Location: The Third Line Gallery, Alserkal Avenue
- Timings: Daily, 10:00 am – 07:00 pm
HOT SPOTS
The Third Line is pleased to present Hot Spots, the first collaborative exhibition between Tabari Artspace and The Third Line at Sotheby’s, Dubai.
This exhibition features artists from the Middle East and North Africa and is inspired by travel advertising, themes of movement, cultural identity and globalisation influence.
- Date: 9th January 2025 – 10th March 2025
- Location: Sotheby’s, DIFC
Marina
Marina showcases the creative brilliance of Brazilian artist Zé Tepedino. The exhibition features multimedia artworks from sun-worn umbrellas, faded towels, plastic bags and discarded Havaianas. These transformed objects highlight the resilience of materials and the poignant beauty of the marks left by time and human presence.
- Date: Till 26th January, 2025
- Location: Gallery Isabelle, Alserkal Avenue
The Season of Ruin’s Remembrance
Iranian artist Amirhossein Bayani’s thought-provoking exhibition focuses on life, migration and freedom. It shines a light on the challenges faced by women, offering a compelling narrative of strength and perseverance.
- Date: 19th January to 30th March 2025
- Location: Zawyeh Gallery, Alserkal Avenue
FAQs
WHERE CAN I BUY AFFORDABLE ARTWORK IN DUBAI?
Places like Urban Frames and Artezaar are great options for reasonably priced artwork in Dubai. You can also consider buying art from World Art Dubai. Their pieces are highly affordable!
WHEN IS MIDDLE EAST FILM AND COMIC CON 2025?
Middle East Film and Comic Con (MEFCC) is one of the biggest events on the Abu Dhabi events calendar. The festival will be held from April 18 to 20, 2025.
That’s all for our roundup of the most happening art events in Dubai in 2025. Art buffs should all consider visiting the Theatre of Digital Arts in Dubai, which hosts many spectacular art shows and events.
Passionate about street art? There are several unmissable street art spots in Dubai that you can explore.
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