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Dubai’s creative scene is flourishing, and whether you’re keen to explore the city’s contemporary art offerings or pick up a paintbrush yourself, there’s something to keep every art aficionado occupied. For modern art lovers, nowhere compares to Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz. Once an industrial area, Alserkal now comprises of around 40 warehouses converted into galleries, fitness studios, artisanal cafes and more. Popular spots include CRANK gym, the hipster-inspired Nightjar Coffee and Carbon 12 art gallery. Alserkal is also the location of independent arthouse theatre, Cinema Akil. From fully-fledged film festivals to one-off special screenings and exclusive events, this is a cinema experience you won’t find anywhere else in the UAE.
If you’re feeling inspired, don’t miss thejamjar, Dubai’s first DIY painting studio and project space. After a day of appreciating the city’s homegrown art scene, it’s time to get a real taste of what Dubai is all about. Mirzam Chocolate Factory is a must-visit for any chocolate lover, with production in full view through the shop’s glass windows. Visitors can appreciate the art of chocolate making in intricate detail, from roasting the cocoa beans to hand-wrapping each bar and, of course, tasting the finished product. With your vigour restored, it’s time to head Downtown to soak up the city’s creative marvels. The Gate Village in Dubai International Financial Centre sees art, commerce and cuisine meet in a marketplace of ideas, while the Museum of the Future is an artistic masterpiece in its design alone.
5-day contemporary art in Dubai overview
- Take part in creative workshops, catch an arthouse cinema show and sample delicious local chocolate
- Admire showcases by resident artists, make bold strokes in a painting class and discover Dubai's street art
- Be awed by innovative prototypes, shop and dine in an artsy hub and check out works by regional talent
Itinerary
Arrive at Dubai International Airport. You will be welcomed at Dubai airport by TourBox representative. Transfer to your hotel and check-in. Relax at your hotel.
- Witness the joyous creativity of Dubai's burgeoning art scene: Once an industrial area in the centre of Dubai, Alserkal Avenue now comprises around 40 warehouses, converted into galleries, dance studios, artisanal cafes and more. The neighbourhood has nurtured a culture of creativity and is now one of the region’s leading art hubs. Since its humble beginnings as a standalone gallery in 2008, word caught on and similar concepts soon moved into the area. Popular spots include arthouse theatre Cinema Akil, the hipster-inspired Nightjar Coffee and Leila Heller Gallery.
- A cozy arthouse cinema screening movie magic: Cinema Akil is an independent cinema platform that brings quality films from across the world to audiences at Alserkal Avenue. From fully fledged film festivals to one-off special screenings and exclusive events, this is a cinema experience you won't find anywhere else in the UAE. Every film that is screened in the converted shipping container is personally chosen by the cinema's founder Butheina Kazim for its artistic integrity, often reflecting social issues or addressing topical themes.
- Dubai's contemporary art scene thrives at Carbon 12 in Al Quoz: Located in the gallery-filled Alserkal Avenue, Carbon 12 Dubai is one of the original outposts of contemporary art in Dubai. Since 2008, Carbon 12 has been committed to offering a comprehensive, global programme of institution-grade artists. In addition to its eight annual exhibitions, Carbon 12 regularly participates in international art fairs like Art Cologne, ABC (Art Berlin Contemporary), Viennafair and Art Dubai.
- A progressive art gallery with a focus on new talent: Founded in 2011, Lawrie Shabibi is an art gallery housed in a 300sqm warehouse in Dubai’s most artsy neighborhoods of Al Quoz. The gallery’s mission is to promote the works of innovative contemporary artists, mainly from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia. The focus has been to support mid-career and emerging talent.
- A hands-on gallery that showcases raw homegrown studio talent: Tashkeel highlights the talent of local and international artists living and working in the UAE. Established in 2008 by Lateefa Bin Maktoum, the Dubai-based organisation provides a nurturing environment for the growth of contemporary arts and design in the country.
- A community art space in Al Quoz with creative workshops: thejamjar is Dubai’s first DIY painting studio and community space where everyone can enjoy the arts. Featuring a painting studio and project space, thejamjar also runs an extensive calendar of exhibitions and events where you can delve into the visual arts, film, music and theatre. Aiming to celebrate like-minded individuals who appreciate the arts, thejamjar focuses on bringing together both arts and education – making it accessible for all.
- An inclusive art studio and café: Mawaheb is an inspiring place dedicated to adults with special needs, known as 'people of determination' across the United Arab Emirates. Here they learn artistic skills and develop their self-confidence in a safe, nurturing environment. Housed in Al Quoz, the art studio and cafe celebrates inclusivity, while the on-site shop showcases brilliant gifts and works by Mawaheb artists.
- Explore next-generation science, technology and innovation: Founded by the Dubai Future Foundation and launched on 22 February 2022, the museum explores how society could evolve in the coming decades, combining elements of traditional exhibition, immersive theatre and themed attractions so visitors can look beyond the present and towards the future's limitless possibilities. One of Dubai's most famous landmarks, the Museum of the Future takes pride of place along the city's superhighway, Sheikh Zayed Road. Discover the world's greatest ideas, prototypes and inventions, and attend special workshops and talks that explore high-tech solutions.
- Shop and dine at one of Dubai's art and commerce hubs: Art, commerce and cuisine meet in Dubai's central financial district at Gate Village. Designed to create a “marketplace of ideas”, the area is a fascinating public space combining architecture, retail, and industrial and interior design. It is composed of 10 distinct towers located in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), all connected by walkways. The location lies in perfect proximity to most of the city's major hubs. Along with the many financial institutions and services available here, you’ll find a vibrant and active community at the art galleries and fine dining restaurants like La Petite Maison.
- The globally established Opera Gallery showcases big-ticket paintings: Opera Gallery is one of the leading dealers in modern and contemporary American, European and Asian art. Founded by Gilles Dyan in Paris in 1994, Opera Gallery is now internationally established with branches around the world. The Dubai branch of Opera Gallery is located in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
- Stunning contemporary art from top Middle Eastern artists: Art lovers have opportunities to see great Middle Eastern art in Dubai at two Ayyam Gallery venues. Founded in 2006 in Damascus, Syria, Ayyam Gallery represents a full roster of regional artists, all of whom have esteemed international profiles via museum shows worldwide. With locations in Alserkal Avenue and DIFC, art lovers can discover some of the most interesting contemporary art in Dubai.
- Morning: Free time for last-minute shopping or relaxation, Hotel check-out and transfer to the airport.
- Afternoon: Departure from Dubai International Airport.
- This 5-day itinerary is designed to give you a well-rounded experience of Dubai, from its iconic landmarks to cultural insights and leisure activities. Adjustments can be made based on your interests or preferences.
- Important Note: The itinerary is tentative and subjected to change. Final Itinerary will be handed over prior to your arrival in Dubai.
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