Dubai is known for its love of skills and creativity. The art galleries in Dubai display works from local artists and global icons. These spaces are a great place to discover new art, enjoy unique exhibitions and even meet artists. From large galleries in the city to hidden studios in quiet corners, Dubai’s art scene is full of inspiration. Let’s explore some of the best places to visit.
- Art Scene in Dubai
- XVA Art Gallery
- The Workshop Dubai
- Alserkal Avenue
- Jameel Art Centre
- Bayt Al Mamzar
- Gallery Isabelle van den Eynde
- Citizens E Art Gallery
- FAQs
Exploring the Art Scene in Dubai
Dubai is a city full of contrasts: golden deserts meet shiny skyscrapers and a quiet fishing past meets a rich, modern present. Its art and culture reflect this mix, blending old Arabic traditions with modern styles, small galleries with big art districts and local artists with global names.
Thanks to the famous Art Dubai Fair and its many side events, the city has become a major art hub. Entire residential areas in Dubai are now art-focused communities. Dubai’s safe and stable environment also makes it a prime location for art in a region that often experiences change and challenges.
The best part? Like other free things to do in Dubai, most art galleries and studios are open to visitors at no cost.
Top Art Galleries in Dubai
Here are the leading contemporary and cultural art galleries and studios in Dubai, which are worth a visit.
1. XVA Art Gallery
The XVA Art Gallery is located in Dubai’s famous Al Fahidi neighbourhood, formerly known as Al Bastakiya. It is the city’s oldest area and a prominent trader’s settlement near the Dubai Fort. The gallery focuses on modern art from the Arab world and the Indian subcontinent. New and famous artists display their work in its courtyard on old, rustic walls.
The gallery is just as lovely as the art inside. Its building is designed in the style of Emirati homes from the 19th century. You can see many types of art here, like paintings, sculptures, installations, and photos.
Next to the gallery, there’s an XVA boutique hotel and a cafe, so you can enjoy art and delicious food. You will also find an XVA Art shop where you can buy souvenirs and art pieces from local and small-scale suppliers.
Address
Al Fahidi Neighbourhood, 312th Road, Al Fahidi Street, Bur Dubai
Contact
+971 4 353 5383
Opening Hours
- Gallery: Daily from 10:00 am to 06:00 pm
- XVA Cafe: Daily from 07:00 am to 10:00 pm
Ticket Price
Entry is free.
2. The Workshop Dubai
The Workshop Dubai is a multi-concept art gallery that supports new and established artists, artisans, and designers from the region. It highlights their work in the contemporary art scene while promoting important causes like sustainability, women’s empowerment, and self-reliance.
Founded by architect and art collector, Ghada Kunash, The Workshop offers a unique experience where visitors can explore multiple ideas and concepts in one space. For instance:
- Fann A Porter displays collections from new and emerging regional and international artists.
- The Workshop Warehouse displays antique furniture and other collectables from the Vindemia Antiques Gallery.
You can also find an art shop, BSAT Initiative, featuring products from over 80 artisans and projects for a good cause. Within the gallery’s retro garden, there is also a pet-friendly café. It offers visitors delicious bites, heavenly coffee, a diverse book collection and board games.
Address
Villa 45, Street 23b, Jumeirah, Jumeirah 2
Contact
+971 4 341 2595
Opening Hours
- Monday to Friday: 08:00 am to 09:00 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 08:00 am to 10:00 pm
Ticket Price
Entry is free.
3. Alserkal Avenue
Alserkal Avenue is one of the most famous art galleries in Dubai, located in the Al Qouz Industrial Area. It was established in 2008 as a vibrant creative community supporting the city’s art and culture.
Spanning over 46,451 square metres, Alserkal Avenue is home to more than 70 contemporary art galleries, visual and performing arts organisations, designers, entrepreneur-led businesses and community spaces.
The Avenue also features Concrete, a creative exhibition space that opened in 2017. Designed by the famous architect, Rem Koolhaas’s OMA, it is the first of its kind in the UAE. Concrete hosts world-class exhibitions and events in art, design, fashion and performing arts.
Address
17th Street, Al Quoz, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1
Contact
+971 4 333 3464
Opening Hours
Daily from 07:00 am to 10:00 pm
Ticket Price
Entry is free to the art galleries.
4. Jameel Arts Centre
Jameel Arts Centre was opened in November 2018 as a space for modern art and community learning. It was founded by Art Jameel and built with support from Dubai Holding and Dubai Properties. Located in Jaddaf Waterfront, the Centre showcases contemporary art and connects communities through exhibitions, projects, and educational programs.
The Centre features art galleries, research libraries, project spaces, and a writer’s studio. It also has a restaurant and a shop for visitors. Jameel Library is an essential part of the art gallery, focusing on artists and cultural movements in the Gulf and beyond.
Jameel Arts Centre also features seven beautiful courtyards, each displaying unique desert plants, bringing nature and light into the galleries. Alongside them is the Artist’s Garden, where artists create and experiment. It is inspired by nature, the local environment, and the Centre’s focus on sustainability and creativity.
Address
Jaddaf Waterfront
Contact
+971 4 873 9800
Opening Hours
- Wednesday to Monday: 10:00 pm to 08:00 pm
- Tuesdays: Closed
Ticket Price
Entry is free to the art galleries.
5. Bayt Al Mamzar
Located in Al Mamzar, Bayt Al Mamzar is an independent art space created to support the local creative community. It welcomes new ideas, experiments, and collaborations and encourages open discussions and the free exchange of opinions.
The space includes artist studios, residency programs, exhibitions, public events, and a growing library for visitors to explore.
The centre has eight studio spaces that artists can rent, individually or shared monthly. One studio is a live-in space mainly for artists in residence but can also be rented when not in use. Bayt Al Mamzar focuses on making its spaces affordable, accessible, and useful for all creative work.
Address
House 2, 26 Street, Al Mamzar
Contact
+971 50 353 3686
Opening Hours
- Thursday to Sunday: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Monday to Wednesday: Closed
6. Gallery Isabelle van den Eynde
Gallery Isabelle van den Eynde is located on Alserkal Avenue. It is a modern art space that supports artists, especially from North Africa and the Middle East. The gallery offers a fresh approach to art, challenging traditional ideas. At the venue, visitors can enjoy exhibitions, programs, art fairs, and even book launches.
Address
Unit 17, Alserkal Avenue, Street 8, Al Quoz 1.
Contact
+971 4 323 5052
Opening Hours
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm
- Saturday: 12:00 pm to 06:00 pm
- Sunday: Closed
7. Citizens E Art Gallery
One of the top art galleries in Dubai, Citizens E Gallery, is located in the Dubai Design District. It is a modern art gallery that supports and exhibits both new and experienced artists from around the world. It provides a platform for emerging talents and works to connect artists with collectors and buyers in the region and beyond.
The gallery focuses on hosting exciting art exhibitions and selling fine art pieces. With strong experience in the local art market, Citizen E helps create opportunities for artists while promoting art on a local, national, and international level.
Address
6 26th Street, Dubai Design District
Contact
+971 4 457 2380
Opening Hours
- Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 am to 07:00 pm
- Friday and Saturday: Closed
FAQs
Yes, most art exhibitions in Dubai are free to visit.
To register your artwork in Dubai, you first need to create a profile for your art gallery on the exhibitor portal. Select the gallery section(s) you wish to join and fill out the relevant application forms. Once logged in, you’ll have access to all the details about participating in the exhibitions.
This concludes our list of the top creative art galleries in Dubai. You can contact them via phone or email if you wish to exhibit your artwork in these galleries. If you are in Abu Dhabi, you can visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi for a similar experience.
