Top places to live for culture vultures in the UAE
UAE is known for a lot of things. It is a desert land that turned into bustling cities of glimmering lights and towering skyscrapers. Perhaps, arts and culture would not be on the list of things the country is popular for. Although the UAE wouldn’t be considered as one of the art capitals of the world, there is a rich history of cultural and artistic heritage in the Emirates that is often overlooked. So today, we will take you through some of the best places to live for art lovers in the UAE.
Starting from the capital city of Abu Dhabi to the cultural centre of the country Sharjah, there are various gems of art hidden across the country. If you are one of the culture vultures looking to find an inspirational spot to live in, here are our picks for some of the best places for art lovers in the UAE.
1. Saadiyat Island – Abu Dhabi
One of the best places to live for art lovers in Abu Dhabi is definitely Saadiyat Island, if not THE best. This district of the Abu Dhabi Islands is a stunning reflection of the country’s commitment to embrace the arts with spellbinding demonstrations of the immense calibre of human creativity. With the opening of Louvre Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island just cannot be overlooked by the culture vultures. Saadiyat Cultural District is the area in the island that is dedicated to all things art and culture; exceptionally crafted by the best architects in the world, making Saadiyat Island an exciting choice of residence for the lovers of art. To live in the proximity of all the beautiful art in Saadiyat Island, the Saadiyat Beach Residence that offers a range of villas and apartments will make a good choice in terms of accommodation. There are also several apartments for sale within Saadiyat Cultural District itself.
2. Al Quoz – Dubai
A very significant spot for the arts and culture in Dubai is Alserkel Avenue. Located in the midst of the industrial area of Al Quoz, this trendy place features an aesthetic series of photography and art galleries. There are also unique cafes and even a showroom of vintage cars. Alserkal Avenue is a go-to jaunt for the culture vultures, making Al Quoz one of the best places to live for art lovers in the UAE. What makes Alserkal Avenue even more exciting is the jamjar where you can go to spend a great time painting and exploring your inner artist. They also host workshops and camps for both kids and adults. To live close to this trendy neighbourhood, check out the villas and apartments in Al Barsha.
3. Al Fahidi – Dubai
If you are the type of culture vulture that has a thing for history, heritage and authenticity, then Al Fahidi could be your ideal choice of place to live. While Alserkal Avenue brings together the depths and brilliance of art in the modern light, Bastakiya features the quaint charm of Old Dubai. Located in Bur Dubai, Al Fahidi Historical District, which was earlier known as Al Bastakiya, is the oldest residential quarter in Dubai that dates all the way back to the 19th century. Al Bastakiya takes you through a trip down the memory lane of the Emirati life of the 1970s. If you fancy staying close to this erstwhile residential hub, the bustling bylanes of Bur Dubai would be a good bet.
4. Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) – Dubai
Featuring renowned resorts like The Ritz-Carlton and Doubletree by Hilton, and stunning beachfront apartments, Jumeirah Beach Residence offers, as the name suggests, a pleasant waterfront living. However, there is more to JBR that makes it on our list of the best places to live for art lovers. The streets of JBR are laden with vibrant graffiti that makes awesome backdrops for Instagram shots. There are also displays of giant sculptures and lines of cosy cafes. JBR manages to have a well-integrated blend of bustle and calmness that makes it just the perfect place for the artsy ones to live.
5. Al Khawaneej – Dubai
Next in line for the top spots for culture vultures in the UAE is Al Khawaneej near the popular Meraas development, The Yard. It is a fantastic urban destination located in the rapidly developing area of Al Khawaneej, making it another one of the best places in the UAE for art lovers. The Yard is a large expansive recreation of a yard featuring a rustic courtyard, open-air dining spaces, vibrant blend of shops, shaded walking trails, an organic farmer’s market, an expanse of beautifully landscaped picnic areas and more. The hues of colours and quaint features of the Yard makes it an attractive spot for the culture vultures. There are a number of villas for rent in Al Khawaneej where you could choose to live that are in close proximity to The Yard.
6. Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) – Dubai
Just the name of it tells you that DIFC is a business hub. And it is indeed a major global financial hub of the Middle East. But nevertheless, even amongst those stats and numbers, there is a splash of colour. The neighbourhood of DIFC is home to a range of art galleries in the UAE. There is The Empty Quarter, Opera Gallery, Cuadro and many more. Another highlight is the series of chic restaurants that reside here such as Cipriani and La Petite Maison, making the apartments in DIFC an unexpected choice for the best places to live for art lovers.
7. Al Majaz – Sharjah
Sharjah is known as the cultural capital of the country, making it one of the famous art places in the UAE. Just a look around the Emirate will show you the architectural intricacies and a rich flavour of art and culture reflected even around its streets. Al Noor Island is Sharjah’s very own lagoon island where art and culture meet the beauty of nature. The island features modern art, a butterfly house, a literature pavilion, a cosy cafe and a playground making it an all-around haven for the culture vultures. It is located on the Khalid Lagoon which is surrounded by Al Majaz, making it one of the best places to live for art lovers in Sharjah. The thriving residential community is home to some of the most stunning apartments in Sharjah.
8. Al Qasba – Sharjah
Among the various wonderful places to visit in Sharjah, Al Qasba is definitely one of the best places to live for art lovers in the UAE. Although not as rich as Al Noor Island, Al Qasba has a fair share of art and culture within it. Al Maraya Art Centre would be one of the top spots for culture vultures in Al Qasba. It showcases innovative exhibitions with the works of leading artists from the Middle East and worldwide. Featuring interactive projects and sculptures, Al Maraya also has some public park art sites and is one of the famous places for art lovers.
Which one of these places would you choose to live in? Also, do you know of any other best places in the UAE for art lovers to live? Let us know in the comments below. For more such information about awesome places across the UAE, stay tuned to MyBayut.
