29th Art Map: A Guide to the Vibrant Local Art Scene
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has announced the launch of the 29th edition of ArtMap, created in collaboration with thejamjar. This guide provides a detailed overview of art galleries, exhibitions, festivals, and programmes in the UAE. It reflects Dubai Culture's commitment to fostering an ecosystem that empowers creatives, intellectuals, and entrepreneurs, reinforcing Dubai's position as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent.
The latest edition showcases the remarkable evolution of the city's arts scene over the past six years, driven by the emirate's vision to establish itself as a global leader in the creative economy. Dubai is home to over 40 art galleries and a notable collection of museums—such as Al Shindagha Museum, the UAE's largest heritage museum, and Etihad Museum. These are complemented by a vibrant calendar of festivals and other cultural offerings. Key events include the Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert Festival, which aims to elevate the local film industry, and the Sikka Art and Design Festival, an annual celebration of emerging and established artistic talents. Other notable programmes include the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, a globally recognised literary event; the Quoz Arts Fest, known for its inspiring art displays; and Art Dubai, which has recently added a dedicated section for digital art titled 'Art Dubai Digital' to align with the global growth of NFTs. World Art Dubai and other significant initiatives are also featured alongside Dubai's Public Art Strategy, which envisions the city as an open, accessible art gallery for everyone.
ArtMap provides insights on upcoming shows, awards, and grants designed to empower UAE-based artists. It emphasises the significance of Al Quoz Creative Zone, a hub for studios, art centres, and training facilities, and a space that offers ample opportunities for creatives to connect, exchange expertise, and collaborate on projects. Additionally, the guide delves into various initiatives led by Dubai Culture through the Dubai Public Library, such as the School of Life project, the Reading Box programme, and the Library Talks series. It also explores Etihad Museum's efforts to promote national identity through its cultural season, featuring lectures, discussions, and interactive sessions that enrich the community's engagement.
Beyond Dubai, the guide offers a comprehensive overview of Abu Dhabi's arts sector, including events like Abu Dhabi Art, the light art exhibition Manar Abu Dhabi, and the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial. It explores the capital's creative districts, such as MiZa, and the city's preparations to host landmark institutions like the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and the Zayed National Museum. Additionally, it highlights the Sharjah Art Foundation's work, including the 16th Sharjah Biennial, set to open in February under the theme 'To Carry.'
ArtMap dedicates space to profiling leading artists and curators in the UAE and the region, such as Ammar Al Banna, and the curators of the Sharjah Biennial 16—Alia Swastika, Amal Khalaf, Megan Tamati-Quennell, Natasha Ginwala, and Zeynep Öz. Emerging artists like Latifa Saeed, Sara Alkhayyal, and Simrin Mehra-Agarwal are also featured. The guide spotlights Sheikh Maktoum bin Marwan Al Maktoum, the artist behind the ArtMap cover design, who is known for his distinctive style, combining taxidermy techniques, natural materials, and cultural symbols. Additionally, the edition celebrates achievements by influential local institutions, including thejamjar, The Third Line, and Carbon 12. It also explores the rising influence of African art within the UAE, featuring the organisations dedicated to supporting these shifts.
Dr Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, CEO of the Arts, Design, and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, said: 'ArtMap reflects the unique ecosystem that makes Dubai a global destination. Its diversity and welcoming environment attract creatives worldwide, offering inspiring opportunities and spaces to foster innovation, skill development, and active engagement in strengthening the cultural and creative industries. At Dubai Culture, we are committed to supporting this sector through projects and initiatives that bring the community together and celebrate its achievements in alignment with our strategic roadmap and priorities.'
Hetal Pawani, Director of thejamjar, said: 'As we celebrate thejamjar's 20th anniversary, we saw the perfect opportunity to bring back a project close to our heart—the ArtMap—which we started in 2007. It celebrates the growing arts scene in the country. It focuses on young and emerging artists, writers, and other creatives who are bringing fresh perspectives to artmaking and representation in the UAE. This new issue highlights the different ways of experiencing arts and culture through seven different categories, which not only makes it easier for audiences to find what they are looking for but also encourages them to explore further. Issue 29 is a clear testament to how much our industry has grown and diversified. It's truly a celebration, and the support of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has been paramount to its growth and success. Grab your copy—it's a great tool for residents and tourists alike. We are sure it will sit well as a souvenir on your coffee table. We now look forward to the next issue, which will celebrate the design and performative initiatives the city offers.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CairoScene
22-05-2025
- CairoScene
Arab Media Summit 2025 to Be Held at Dubai World Trade Centre
Taking place from May 26th to the 28th, the Arab Media Summit 2025 will host over 6,000 delegates, from ministers to creators, to address public media, technology, and cross-sector collaboration. May 22, 2025 Arab Media Summit 2025 will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 26th to the 28th, bringing together more than 6,000 regional and international delegates to discuss the evolving role of media in a rapidly shifting geopolitical and technological landscape. Organised by the Dubai Press Club under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the summit will gather ministers, executives, journalists, and digital creators to explore new approaches to public communication, AI-driven media ecosystems, and youth engagement. The agenda includes participation from high-level figures such as Grand Imam of Al Azhar Dr. Ahmed El Tayeb, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, will deliver a keynote speech on the intersection of culture, algorithms, and communication. A key ministerial panel will bring together Arab Ministers of Information including Abdul Rahman Al-Mutairi (Kuwait), Dr. Ramzan Al Noaimi (Bahrain), Paul Morcos (Lebanon), Ahmed Al-Muslimani (Egypt), and Abdullah Al Hamed (UAE) to discuss the future of state-funded media and public-private collaboration across the region. Other highlights include a session with UAE Presidential Diplomatic Advisor Dr. Anwar Gargash on social media and governance, and an appearance by British broadcaster Piers Morgan. The summit will also feature a number of affiliated events such as the Arab Media Forum, the Arab Youth Media Forum, and awards ceremonies including Ibda'a and the Arab Social Media Influencers Award.
Mid East Info
19-05-2025
- Mid East Info
Dubai Culture Announces Etihad Museum Research Grant Recipients - Middle East Business News and Information
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has announced the recipients of the inaugural Etihad Museum Research Grant. Launched to position Etihad Museum as a catalyst for knowledge production, the grant offers participants a unique opportunity to delve into the Authority's archives, engaging with and contributing to a diverse collection of artefacts, objects, and narratives. The grant also aligns with the Authority's vision of strengthening the role of museums as central points for knowledge production, education, scholarly inquiry, and the preservation of local heritage. Artist Asma Yousef Al Ahmed and hiker-photographer Mohammed Ahmed Ahli, together with archaeologist-museologist Annissa Maulina Gultom, were awarded the grant. Their submissions stood out for originality and unique methodologies, offering new perspectives on UAE narratives. The recipients were also selected based on how well their project met the programme's evaluation criteria, which considered relevance to Emirati identity, thematic focus, data-collection methods, audience engagement, and its contribution to activating the museum's spaces. Asma and Mohammed will collaboratively document the wild mountain plants of the Hajar Mountains through their project 'Rooted in Stone: A Botanical Reflection from the UAE Hajar.' By combining botanical research, oral histories, photography, plant pressing, and artistic interpretation, they will produce a bilingual art encyclopaedia, 'Rooted in Stone,' which depicts the ecological and cultural importance of the UAE's landscapes. Meanwhile, Annissa will reconstruct H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's early journeys through her work: 'Offroad Diplomacy: Sheikh Zayed's Domestic Tours Across the Emirates (1966–1976) and the Establishment of E11 as the Nation's Lifeline.' Through archival photographs, infrastructure reports, and cross-referenced historical data, her work will examine how early development efforts, particularly the creation of the E11 highway, laid the groundwork for national unification under Sheikh Zayed. Over the next 12 months, both projects will engage in a programme of field exploration, research, and documentation. The culmination will be a series of public programmes and interventions integrated into the Etihad Museum's cultural season, ensuring accessible and impactful knowledge-sharing with diverse audiences. The Etihad Museum Research Grant was launched under the umbrella of the Dubai Cultural Grant, an initiative under the emirate's Quality of Life Strategy. Over ten years, up to AED 180 million will be directed toward empowering professionals across the cultural and creative industries – reinforcing Dubai's position as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent.
Mid East Info
11-05-2025
- Mid East Info
From Dubai to Osaka: A Cultural Exchange Through Architecture and Design at Expo 2025
Dubai Culture is organising the 'Pillars of Arish: Architecture in Transition' symposium, exploring the evolution of UAE architectural practices and cultural identity Symposium to be held on 20–21 May; cultural and architectural tour takes place from 16–19 May. Organised in partnership with the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka and supported by the Dubai Cultural Grant under Dubai's Quality of Life Strategy. Dubai, UAE, May 2025: Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has announced its participation in Expo 2025 Osaka–Kansai, hosted by Japan and running until 13 October 2025. Such engagement underscores a commitment to the local creative sector and elevates global visibility by spotlighting the achievements of UAE-based talent and designers. It also highlights the Authority's dedication to supporting the UAE Pavilion and its diverse offerings, where architectural ingenuity merges with cultural richness. On 20-21 May, Dubai Culture will host a two-day symposium titled 'Pillars of Arish: Architecture in Transition,' organised in partnership with the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka and supported by the Dubai Cultural Grant, one of the key initiatives under Dubai's Quality of Life Strategy. Curated by Salem AlSuwaidi, Founder of SWALIF Collective and Co-founder of MamarLab, in collaboration with Rashed AlMulla, Founder of MABNAI and Co-founder of MamarLab, the symposium will feature keynote addresses and panel discussions that explore the evolving intersections of architecture, cultural identity, and material innovation in the UAE. From the influence of traditional knowledge, embodied in elements such as the arish and vernacular landscapes, to the integration of climate-responsive design and site sensitivity, the sessions examine architecture not merely as a built form, but as a dynamic cultural and ecological agent. The programme also opens space for dialogue on education, design enterprise, and the shared imperatives of sustainable, context-driven development. The delegation travelling to Osaka consists of 12 emerging and established architects and cultural professionals, namely: Ahmad Bukhash, Founder of Archidentity and designer of 'The Good Place' Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai; Fatima AlSuwaidi, Head of the Cultural Heritage Legislation and Policy Section, Ministry of Culture; Ahmed Al Ali, Founder of X-Architects; Fatima AlZaabi, Co-founder of D04 Studios; Abdalla AlMulla, Founder of MULA Design Studio; Lina Ahmed, Associate Professor of Sustainable Design at Zayed University; Laith AlSheyadi, Urban Planner at the Oman Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning; Reem Al Qamzi, Founder of Studio; Rakan Lootah, Founder of Rakan Lootah Studio; and Noora AlAwar, Co-founder of D04 Studios, as well as Hamad AlMutawa, Architect at Köda and Mohammad Salem AlShafiei, Engineer at the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority. The participating architects will explore Osaka and its neighbouring cities' architectural, cultural, and artistic landscapes from 16 to 19 May. Participants will explore the region's distinctive built environment and architectural marvels by visiting landmarks such as the National Museum of Art, , Umeda Sky Building by Hiroshi Hara, teamLab Botanical Gardens, as well as a special focus on Japense architect Tadao Ando with visits to the Tadao Ando exhibition at Grand Green Osaka, Kyoto Garden of Fine Arts, Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art, Honpukuji Water Temple, and Yumebutai all designed by Tadao Ando. Shaima Rashed AlSuwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design & Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, stressed the significance of being part of Expo 2025 Osaka–Kansai, saying: 'At Dubai Culture, we champion the role of arts and design as catalysts for cultural dialogue and creative diplomacy. By showcasing our talent on global platforms, we foster meaningful connections that drive lasting cultural exchange. This engagement also strengthens ties with cultural institutions worldwide and fosters knowledge exchange, fueling growth in the cultural and creative industries and ensures that Emirati and UAE-based participants engage meaningfully with contemporary architectural discourse while positioning them within a global framework . The symposium serves as a dynamic forum for cross-cultural dialogue and best practice sharing, underscoring Dubai's position as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent.' The UAE National Pavilion, located in the 'Empowering Lives' zone under the theme From Earth to Ether, stands as an architectural icon that reflects national identity and showcases the UAE's vision for shaping the future of humanity. It conveys a powerful message of cooperation and shared progress, while highlighting the country's inspiring journey in space exploration, healthcare innovation, and sustainability leadership across vital sectors.
