6 Art Galleries in Abu Dhabi That Are A Must-Visit!

Step away from Dubai’s glitzy malls, and you’ll find that Abu Dhabi is proudly home to a thriving arts and culture scene. From the Louvre Abu Dhabi to the upcoming Guggenheim Museum of Saadiyat Island, the UAE’s capital has fast become a well-known name in the contemporary art scene. So, it’s no surprise that there are some brilliant and quirky art galleries in Abu Dhabi. These contemporary art galleries are not only a platform for artists' works but also a resource for the burgeoning arts community in Abu Dhabi. Read on to find out the best of Abu Dhabi art galleries along with timings and details!

6 Abu Dhabi Art Galleries To Visit 

Salwa Zeidan Gallery

Housed in a mammoth facility in the Saadiyat Cultural District, Manarat Al Saadiyat opened its doors in 2009 as the first art and cultural centre on the island. It’s a true haven for the art community – a beautiful space where anyone can relax and be inspired by the creativity thriving around them. This Abu Dhabi art gallery is home to three gallery spaces that exhibit both temporary and permanent art. Their art exhibition in Abu Dhabi displays the exceptional work of award-winning Emirati artist Abdul Qader Al-Raes!

Brush up your art skills (no pun intended) at the workshops held in the photography and art studios, while community events and art fairs allow you to connect with the local arts community! There’s an outdoor terrace, café and brasserie to relax and refuel as well. The plethora of performances, productions and other activities here earns it a spot on this Abu Dhabi art galleries list.

• Location: Saadiyat Cultural District
• Entry Fee: Free entry (workshops and drop-in studios are paid)
• Timings: 9am – 8pm; Daily
• Contact: 02 6575 800

N2N Gallery

The warehouses in Al Mina may not seem a likely place for art galleries in Abu Dhabi, but we strongly recommend not missing out on this gem if you’re in the area. Converted from two former warehouses, Warehouse 421 offers a creative platform in a sleek and industrial setting. Apart from placing a strong emphasis on sustainability, Warehouse 421 is a dynamic space that hosts galleries, art shows and performances, focusing on the works emerging and established regional artists. Take a tour of the paintings, sculptures and installations here and you’ll come away learning something new about the rich Emirati culture.

Warehouse 421 isn’t just an art gallery in Abu Dhabi – it’s a platform for creative public discourse. There are interesting workshops and programmes on offer from photography to jewellery making.  Apart from serving as the main exhibition venue in Abu Dhabi, this space is truly committed to developing the arts scene in the capital as well.

Keep an eye out for the stunning sculpture of an 18-metre ship just outside Warehouse 421. Named ‘Departure’, it’s made of seven pieces of cast iron which transforms over time to due to surrounding environment and weather.

• Location: Next to Mina Shopping Centre, Al Mina
• Entry Fee: Free Entry (Workshops and programmes are paid)
• Timings: 10am – 8pm; Tuesday – Sunday
• Contact: 02 676 8803

Etihad Modern Art Gallery

Rounding up our list of Abu Dhabi art galleries is the Art Hub, a multipurpose space that provides ample services to artists. Apart from exhibiting artworks from regional and international artists, Art Hub also provides a residency programme for creatives in Liwa! Explore different forms of art through their in-depth workshops and classes, and purchase art materials and rent works from their space. Art Hub Abu Dhabi proudly embraces all forms of creativity and expression, with a harmonious blend of modern and traditional art. Serving as a community space and platform for the local art community, this Abu Dhabi art gallery is definitely one to check out.

• Location: Near the Food Court, Level 1, The Mall – World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi
• Entry Fee: Free entry
• Timings: 10am – 10pm; Saturday – Sunday
• Contact: 055 5509 640

And that’s Bayut’s guide to the best art galleries in Abu Dhabi! Which of these Abu Dhabi art galleries will you be visiting? For more cultural experiences, check out the amazing exhibits at Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum on Saadiyat Island. Or head to Dubai’s best spots for street art, from La Mer to Al Fahidi. And stay tuned to MyBayut for more articles on culture and art in the UAE!