Dubai has become one of the world’s leading hubs for art, attracting both local and international artists to create and display their work in the city’s ever-growing contemporary art scene. Whether you're an art enthusiast or a first-time visitor, Dubai’s galleries offer an exciting blend of modern, contemporary, and traditional art. Here’s a roundup of 12 must-visit art galleries in Dubai this year:
Ayyam Gallery
Founded in 2006, Ayyam Gallery is a leading arts organization that supports both established and emerging artists. Originally based in Syria, it expanded to London, Jeddah, and Beirut before making its blue-chip space in Dubai its permanent home. The gallery also runs a multinational non-profit arts program and a publishing division that documents underrepresented aspects of global art history.
Ayyam Gallery is dedicated to fostering artistic growth, offering its roster—featuring artists like Samia Halaby, Faisal Samra, and Safwan Dahoul—opportunities for visibility through solo and group exhibitions. It promotes cultural dialogue through diverse artistic perspectives.
Its influence extends beyond the MENA region, collaborating with institutions such as LACMA, the British Museum, and Centre Pompidou. Actively engaging with global audiences, Ayyam Gallery also participates in leading international art fairs.
XVA Gallery
Nestled in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, XVA Art Hotel offers a unique blend of art, culture, and hospitality. Its 15 bespoke rooms reflect the architectural and cultural motifs of the region, creating an intimate retreat. Beyond its accommodations, XVA is renowned for its internationally acclaimed art gallery, showcasing contemporary works by established and emerging artists from the Arab world, India, and Iran.
The gallery exhibits both locally and globally, collaborating with prestigious fairs such as Art London, SH Contemporary, and Art Basel Hong Kong. Complementing this artistic experience is XVA’s award-winning restaurant, making it a must-visit cultural destination in Dubai.
The Third Line
Founded in 2005, The Third Line is a Dubai-based gallery dedicated to showcasing contemporary artists from the region and its diaspora. Over nearly two decades, it has become a pioneering platform for both established and emerging voices, fostering a diverse artistic dialogue.
Beyond exhibitions, The Third Line publishes art books in English and Arabic and runs non-profit programs that explore art, film, music, and literature. The gallery represents a dynamic roster of artists, including Abbas Akhavan, Farah Al Qasimi, Hassan Hajjaj, Hayv Kahraman, Rana Begum, and Youssef Nabil, among many others, further solidifying its influence on the regional and international art scene.
1×1 Art Gallery
1×1 Art Gallery, established in 1996, is a leading space for contemporary Indian art in Dubai. It has introduced some of India’s most renowned artists, including TV Santosh, Bose Krishnamachari, Chittrovanu Mazumdar, and Riyas Komu, while also expanding its scope to include artists from Pakistan and Iran.
Beyond exhibitions, the gallery fosters cultural dialogue through collaborative projects and initiatives. Its multi-faceted space features two large exhibition areas, a viewing room, and a shop. Showcasing diverse mediums such as installation art, cinema, sculpture, and traditional works, 1×1 Art Gallery remains a dynamic hub for artistic exploration.
Gallery 27
Gallery 27 is a fresh addition to Dubai’s art scene, specializing in contemporary art with a bold and innovative approach. The gallery focuses on Abstract, Neo-Pop, and Street Art, drawing inspiration from mass culture elements such as advertising, comic books, and cartoons.
As a dynamic platform, Gallery 27 showcases both emerging and established artists who push creative boundaries. Its exhibitions highlight vibrant, thought-provoking works that challenge conventional artistic norms, making it a must-visit destination for contemporary art enthusiasts in Dubai.
Oblong Contemporary Gallery
Oblong Contemporary is an Italian art gallery dedicated to promoting contemporary art on both local and international platforms. With headquarters in Dubai and Forte dei Marmi, Italy, it serves as a cultural bridge between the UAE and Italy, blending Italian artistic traditions with the dynamic Middle Eastern art scene.
The gallery showcases high-quality artworks from regional and international artists while fostering cultural exchange through workshops, educational initiatives, and an art exchange program between Dubai and Pietrasanta. Oblong Contemporary remains a hub for artistic dialogue, bringing diverse creative perspectives to a global audience.
Opera Gallery
Opera Gallery is a prominent international art dealer specializing in modern and contemporary art, with a particular focus on American, European, and Asian artists. Established by Gilles Dyan in Paris in 1994, it has since expanded its presence globally, now boasting several locations around the world.
The Dubai branch is situated in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and recently opened a new location at Atlantis The Royal, an ultra-luxury resort on Palm Jumeirah. Opera Gallery has hosted exhibitions featuring works from some of the world’s most renowned artists, including Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol, solidifying its status in the global art scene. The gallery is dedicated to providing access to a wide variety of modern and contemporary artists through curated exhibitions and participation in art fairs.
Opera Gallery is known for its diverse collection, which spans several genres such as contemporary, post-war, impressionist, and modern art. In addition to its prestigious exhibitions, the gallery organizes events like DIFC Art Nights, where Dubai’s elite come together at Gate Village for a glamorous celebration of fine art.
KHAWLA ART GALLERY
Khawla Art Gallery, located in Dubai, is dedicated to making the global art scene more accessible and inclusive. The gallery features emerging and established Middle Eastern and international artists who blend traditional art with innovative forms of expression.
Through exhibitions, art fairs, and projects, Khawla Art Gallery increases its artists' visibility locally and globally. The gallery also offers lectures, workshops, and events to engage both seasoned collectors and new art enthusiasts, fostering a space where all ideas are welcomed.
With a focus on accessibility, the gallery showcases exhibits online, allowing global spectators and buyers to connect with the art. Khawla Art Gallery strives to use art as a tool for social impact, integrating creativity into architecture and hospitality while encouraging discussions that promote a brighter, more inclusive future.
Picasso Gallery
Picasso Gallery showcases contemporary art from the region and beyond, offering regular exhibitions featuring new and exciting art collections. Each month, the gallery presents curated works from both local and international artists, with details of upcoming exhibitions and featured artists available on their website.
Located behind Al Serkal Avenue in Dubai's Al Quoz area, Picasso Gallery also features a dedicated printing and framing shop. The gallery offers a wide range of services, including canvas and fine art prints, as well as custom framing for artwork and photos, with expert advice from their experienced team.
Firetti Contemporary
Firetti Contemporary is a gallery that merges art and creative concepts from the region and beyond, fostering global engagement through meaningful and sustainable collections.
Representing both established and emerging artists worldwide, Firetti Contemporary aims to create a multidisciplinary space with a strong identity, offering an international platform for dynamic curations. The gallery brings together like-minded individuals and pioneers, celebrating individuality while promoting collective alignment.
With its expansive space, Firetti Contemporary supports collaborations and presents art with a unique style, becoming a key part of the local community. The gallery highlights art's role in sustainability and social issues, using its platform to drive social change and inspire society through the power of art.
Custot Gallery Dubai
Custot Gallery Dubai showcases a dynamic selection of European and American contemporary art, featuring a diverse range of media and materials. The gallery played a significant role in strengthening the presence of UAE-based galleries at the 2018 fair, furthering the ongoing creative discourse and exchange between the Middle East and the global art scene.
El Marsa Gallery
Elmarsa Gallery, established in 1994, aims to promote Arab art, foster dialogue between cultural, social, and artistic leaders, and build international connections. Known for being an informal gathering place for a diverse international crowd, including intellectuals, business professionals, and social figures, the gallery plays a vital role in the Arab art community.
By showcasing modern and contemporary artists from the Arab world, Elmarsa Gallery provides a platform for regional and international networking and exchange. Since its inception, the gallery has been committed to supporting the artistic talent and potential in Tunisia and the broader Middle East.
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