Alserkal Art Week returns to Dubai this April
We're calling it: Alserkal Avenue is the art hub of Dubai. The streets are bursting with an impressive range of galleries, workshops and concept stores, all ready to provide you with a culture fix. To keep the momentum going, Alserkal Art Week is returning to the emirate.
Taking place from 13 to 20 April, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai's leading creative hub in Al Quoz, will once again transform into an epicentre of contemporary art, creativity, and dialogue for Alserkal Art Week. Expect a mix of exhibitions, public art installations, talks, and performances that will spark your imagination.
This year's theme, A Wild Stitch, dives into the messy, multi-layered nature of today's world. It's all about embracing complexity and voices that don't fit into standardised boxes. Expect bold conversations, alternative narratives, and plenty of surprises.
Hector Zamora's Existence-emitting Movements
The highlight of Alserkal Art Week is a show by Pakistani artist Imran Qureshi at Concrete, curated by Nada Raza. In this work, Imran Qureshi blends video, photography, painting, and installation to blur perspectives. His work beautifully captures the layered cityscapes of South Asia — think Mughal and Sikh architecture colliding with modern design.
Moving on, new public art commissions will pop up at Alserkal Avenue as well. Under the theme and inspiration of Between a Beach and Slope — a poem by Emirati artist Nujoom Alghanem — Fatos Ustek has curated this display. Highlights here will include Indian artist Shilpa Gupta's light sculpture.
Hector Zamora's performance-installation Existence-emitting Movements will also be on the agenda. Featuring performers interacting with vessels, this show will complement the artist's display at Art Dubai and its ongoing collaboration with Alserkal Avenue.
Now, we know that art is subjective, but what happens when art enthusiasts get together under one roof to debate? Majlis Talks, curated by Stephanie Bailey, will bring together a set of artists, tackling questions about the art scene in the UAE.
Several galleries will also be displaying their groundbreaking work as part of Alserkal Art Week. These include Efie Gallery spotlighting Cuban artist Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons' work exploring migration and ancestral memory, Zawyeh Gallery showcasing British-Palestinian artist Bashir Makhoul's piece, Ayyam Gallery displaying Baghdad's landscapes by Iraqi-Palestinian artist Sama Alshaibi, Leila Heller Gallery representing Iranian artist Reza Derakshani and much more.
Beyond installations and exhibitions, Alserkal Art Week will also feature a lineup of artist talks, live workshops, film screenings and much more, offering plenty to dive in.
Best of all, most of the exhibitions are free. So, when you need a break from painting the town, spend those dirhams at the local favourites like Bkry, LILA Molino, NALA and the FACT award-winning Nightjar Coffee Roasters.
GO: Visit https://alserkal.online for more information.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
What's On
2 hours ago
- What's On
From street art to sculpture parks: how Dubai is becoming an open-air gallery
Dubai isn't just a global hub for business and finance; it's also an open-air art gallery in its own right. Beyond the glittering skyscrapers and buzzing restaurants lies a city alive with creativity. In September 2018, during the inaugural project of Brand Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, stated that Dubai will become an open-air gallery. And now, seven years later, Dubai has accomplished that goal, thanks to the many initiatives by Dubai Culture, Brand Dubai, government entities, and the creatives of the city. A simple stroll under the stars can lead you to striking murals, thought-provoking sculptures, and vibrant art that bring its streets to life. But it is not done yet, and it is seeking more ways in which it can bring the arts to its residents and visitors. Here are some of the ways you can enjoy art in Dubai without the need of a ticket. Dedicated art zones and districts While art is evident throughout the city, you can be fully immersed in various forms of it in art zones in the city. Alserkal Avenue This includes Alserkal Avenue, which is home to galleries, design studios, Cinema Akil; and The Junction –a performing art space. Dubai Design District Dubai Design District is another neighbourhood located close to Ras Al Khor which dedicates itself to design, fashion, art, and innovation. It was built to foster talent and support the region's growing creative economy. It's possibly one of What's On favourite spaces to visit, after Alserkal Avenue. Art festivals Art season is a thing in Dubai, and while it usually shines a spotlight on the biggest art festivals of the year, namely Art Dubai, World Art Dubai, and Sikka Art & Design Festival, these aren't the only cultural festivals to check out. Around the cooler season, the city comes to life with festivals, each offering its own unique atmosphere. In DIFC, we have the DIFC Art Nights, where visitors can enjoy paintings, sculptures, workshops, and talks under the stars. Alserkal Avenue is always a treat to visit, but during Quoz Arts Fest, the neighbourhood is bustling with crowds enjoying the artistic atmosphere. Dubai Design Week is another creative festival that brings the cool Dubai Design District to life with huge design installations you can visit under the stars and engage with. It is also home to Downtown Design, which is the city's popular furniture and collectible design fair. And that isn't the end of it, because just this year, the Bluewaters Art Festival was launched, adding a splash of colour to the city's prominent waterfront destination. Murals and street art 'Dubai is your canvas', these are words spoken by the Dubai Ruler, and artists and creatives in the city took that quite seriously, moving their art away from the canvas and easel to the walls and buildings of the city. Around Dubai, you will be treated to huge murals and street art, which make this city all the more colourful. You can spot these works of art easily in Karama shopping complex, where the art apparently sprang to life overnight back in 2016. The old buildings, once drab and grey, now boast stunning murals and have become a highlight of the neighbourhood. In Satwa, hidden in plain sight (though not as easy to find compared to Karama), are beautiful graffiti, stencil works, and more wall art. The murals depict Dubai's heritage, and there are more than 10 to find. Our favourite is the one of the Founding Father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. And of course, if you've visited The Walk at JBR, you will spot art that was created as part of the Dubai Canvas 3D art festival. Created by talented international and national artists, the walls were painted to create cool 3D optical illusions guaranteed to make you go 'wow' even if you have seen them numerous times before. More street art and murals can also be found in Al Fahidi, Al Seef, City Walk, Al Quoz and Alserkal Avenue, and Dubai Design District. Murals have even found their way to the financial district (DIFC), where artists have splattered financial and business buildings with colours, adding a bit of cheer as people go on about their day. Sculpture Parks Sculptures in Dubai aren't restricted to galleries. You will find plenty of them dotted across the city. One popular spot to visit is the Jaddaf Waterfront Sculpture Park. Located adjacent to Jameel Arts Centre, it is the UAE's first open-air art and sculpture park. In the financial district, DIFC Sculpture Park transforms the urban landscape into an open-air gallery. You can take a walk through the creativity and discover the different structures around the iconic Gate Building. El Seed sculpture outside Dubai Opera |. Photo credit: El Seed Besides parks, a few minutes away, you can find sculptures around Downtown Dubai and near Dubai Mall. Check out the Win, Victory, Love sculpture; Love Me; Wings of Mexico and Declaration by eL Seed within minutes of each other. As a bonus, you'll have the Burj Khalifa in the backdrop. Art as part of Dubai's infrastructure By incorporating art as part of the infrastructure of the city, Dubai is ensuring it is making art accessible to a wider audience. One perfect example of this is the Dubai Metro stations, many of which have been transformed into art museums showing art and cultural artifacts. Metro stations like Bur Juman, Union, and others on the Green Line showcase photos of pearl diving, bedouins and more, telling passengers a tale of the history of Dubai. Ghubaiba – Dubai Metro station Other stations, such as Al Ghubaiba, feature traditional Emirati designs in their architecture, complementing the surrounding heritage areas. The interiors of the metro station also incorporate traditional Emirati architectural elements. Everyday life If the above isn't 'in your face' enough for you, Dubai Culture and Brand Dubai in the past, also teamed up with other government entities in Dubai to make art more accessible. RTA colourful parking machines One example includes the Road and Transport Authority, which, in collaboration with the creative sector and artists, turned 100 parking meters across the city into colourful artworks. Dubai Metro – art on Sheikh Zayed Road If you're heading towards old Dubai and are on Sheikh Zayed Road heading towards Sharjah, a number of Dubai Metro concrete piers between Dubai International Financial Centre and Emirates Towers station have been painted, adding a splash of colour to the busy highway. You will see astronauts, clouds, jellyfish, and more underwater scenes. Bus station art installations Bus users, don't worry, you weren't forgotten. As part of the Jumeira Project, eight artworks were created and erected next to popular bus stations stretching from Dubai Canal to Jumeira Al Naseem. Some of the art evoked nostalgia for longtime residents, while others celebrated its futuristic aspirations. And there's more to come… There is no limit to creativity, and Dubai has its eyes set on doing much more. With a number of megaprojects and major roadworks coming up, many of which will incorporate art in some form. This could be in the form of landscaping, sculptures, or even fountains showcasing Dubai's heritage. Want to experience the open-air gallery right now? With winter coming up, the dates of outdoor art festivals will be announced. Upcoming art festivals we are aware of include the Dhai Art Festival in November. You can find more details here. For all other art festivals, stay tuned to and we will bring you the latest details. Images: Getty Images, Dubai Media Office, WAM, Dubai Culture and RTA
Gulf Today
11-08-2025
- Gulf Today
Thousands attend Pakistan's Independence Day ceremony
Scores of Pakistanis from all walks of life attended the Pakistan's 78th Independence Day celebrations at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City on Sunday. The event attracted more than 60,000 attendees. In his opening remarks, Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan's Envoy to the UAE, expressed profound gratitude to the UAE government for its participation in this momentous occasion. The mega public event, organised by Emirates Loves Pakistan in collaboration with the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) and supported by Dubai Police, is the largest Pakistan Independence Day celebrations in the world. The occasion provided an opportunity to strengthen social relations within the Pakistani community and reflected the established diplomatic ties between the peoples of the UAE and Pakistan. The festivities were graced by Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, alongside Ambassador Tirmizi. The gathering also included diplomats, Emirati dignitaries, and members of the vibrant Pakistani community in the UAE. Ambassador Tirmizi highlighted the significance of the occasion, stating, 'This is the biggest Pakistan Independence Day celebration in the world. Over 60,000 people had registered to participate in this mega event. Artists, performers, and singers from Pakistan, representing all four provinces along with Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, showcased Pakistan's diverse cultural heritage through music, dance, cuisine, and traditional attire.' He noted that last year's event at Dubai World Trade Centre attracted 15,000 attendees, prompting the organisers to move to a much larger venue this year to accommodate the overwhelming public response. The day-long programme, started at 11:00am and wasa to continue until midnight, featuring live performances by Pakistan's national superstar Sahir Ali Bagga, acclaimed Sufi rock singer Natasha Baig, and celebrated storyteller Yousuf Bashir Qureshi. Cultural displays, folk performances, art exhibitions, and traditional food stalls were also part of the celebrations, reflecting the rich heritage of Pakistan and the enduring friendship between Pakistan and the UAE. Hussain Muhammad, Consul General of Pakistan in Dubai, extended special thanks to Emirates Loves Pakistan and PAD for their dedicated efforts in organising the event. He praised the contributions of the Pakistani community to the UAE's development and urged them to continue observing local laws, respecting the norms and policies of the host country. In his speech, Dr. Faisal Ikram, President of PAD, paid tribute to the sacrifices made by the Muslims of the subcontinent in their struggle for an independent homeland, reaffirming the importance of unity, progress, and community spirit. Sheikh Nahyan remarked: "It is an honour to join you in commemorating Pakistan's Independence Day. I extend my warmest congratulations to you all and to the people of Pakistan on this momentous occasion. Here in Dubai, we also celebrate the deep bonds of friendship and brotherhood uniting Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates." "Our steadfast relationship is founded on shared values, cultural heritage, mutual respect, and a collective vision for peace and prosperity. The UAE stands with Pakistan as a friend and partner. These ties are strengthened daily through the invaluable contributions of the Pakistani community, whose talent, dedication, and creativity enrich the fabric of our country." "The partnership between UAE and Pakistan exemplifies the fraternal bonds essential for fostering social and economic prosperity globally. I am delighted to express my optimism for the bright future awaiting our two nations." Sheikh Nahyan further stated: "Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and with the support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, the UAE has emerged as a global beacon of tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity. Our nation embraces individuals from diverse backgrounds, living and working together in peace and security. Today, in Dubai, we have every reason to rejoice in your National Independence Day." Sheikh Nahyan expressed his confidence that the Pakistani community will contribute many inspiring entries to this competition. Sheikh Nahyan honoured prominent individuals and achievers from the Pakistani community who have demonstrated excellence and success across various fields and sectors through their contributions in the UAE.
Sharjah 24
10-08-2025
- Sharjah 24
Nahyan bin Mubarak celebrates Pakistan Independence Day in Dubai
Over 60,000 attend community celebration Organised by the 'Emirates Loves Pakistan' platform, in partnership with the Pakistan Association Dubai and with support from Dubai Police, the event drew more than 60,000 attendees. It aimed to honour the achievements of the Pakistani diaspora and strengthen cultural and social bonds within the UAE. Sheikh Nahyan highlights shared values and bilateral ties Sheikh Nahyan addressed the crowd, extending warm congratulations to the people of Pakistan. He emphasised the deep-rooted friendship between the UAE and Pakistan, based on shared values, mutual respect, and a vision for peace and prosperity. "The UAE stands with Pakistan as a friend and partner," he said. "The Pakistani community continues to enrich the social and cultural fabric of the UAE." UAE as a beacon of tolerance and coexistence Sheikh Nahyan highlighted the UAE's status as a global model of coexistence, guided by the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh National writing competition announced During his speech, Sheikh Nahyan announced a national writing competition launched by the Watani Al Emarat Foundation and the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence. As part of the "Year of Community" initiative, residents are invited to submit creative entries on the theme 'What the UAE Means to Me' via He encouraged the Pakistani community to actively participate and share personal reflections and experiences that highlight their contributions to life in the UAE. Pakistani Ambassador reaffirms strong bilateral relations Speaking to WAM, Pakistan's Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi praised the enduring diplomatic ties established in 1971, highlighting cooperation in economy, culture, and human development. He reaffirmed both nations' commitment to strengthening their partnership through cultural exchange and joint initiatives. Cultural programme showcases Pakistani heritage The celebration featured traditional music, folk dances, cultural performances, and heritage cuisine, reflecting Pakistan's rich diversity. The programme also honoured the Pakistani diaspora's contributions to sustainable development in the UAE. Distinguished community members honoured Sheikh Nahyan honoured prominent members of the Pakistani community for their exceptional contributions across sectors including law, education, business, media, and science. Honourees included Bashir Ahmed & Masood Haider Afridi – Afridi & Angell Law Firm, Abdul Salam & Shahida Salam – Pristine Private School, Khan Zaman – Ibrahimi Palace Restaurant, Muhammad Habib – Habib Bank AG Zurich, Sana Mir – First Pakistani woman in ICC Hall of Fame, and many more across various fields. AED 45 million expansion of Pakistan Medical Centre announced Dr Faisel Ikram, President of Pakistan Association Dubai, announced a major expansion of the Pakistan Medical Centre (PMC). With an investment of AED 45 million, the new block will offer advanced diagnostics, radiology, dialysis, physiotherapy, and expanded specialist services. Since opening in 2020, PMC has served over 140,000 patients from 100+ nationalities. UAE–Pakistan relations continue to deepen The event concluded with a reaffirmation of the UAE–Pakistan strategic partnership, particularly after the recent government modernisation agreement signed in June. The UAE remains one of the largest investors in Pakistan, with interests spanning telecommunications, energy, real estate, banking, and IT.
