Warehouse 421 is an art campus that serves as a dynamic platform for emerging artists and creative practitioners in the UAE and across the region. Since its founding in 2015, 421 has grown from its beginning as Warehouse 421.
With a focus on social inquiry and creative transformation, 421 offers year-round programs that include exhibitions, talks, workshops, public events, and many other creative activities. 421 is an artistic centre and a place for cultural exchange, skill-building, and public engagement in the UAE.
- Things to Do
- Location
- Timings
- How to Reach Warehouse 421
- Current Programs
- Dukkan 421
- 421 Art Campus Teens Program
- FAQs
Overview of Warehouse 421
If you are an emerging artist or a creative individual, Warehouse 421 is the right place for you to learn and team up with like-minded people. From all-year-round events to exhibitions, you can participate in different engaging opportunities. It is one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi for creative individuals who can hone their skills and find learning opportunities.
The 421 is a community space for artists, where they can find the following facilities:
- Galleries
- Studios
- Courtyards
- Co-working spaces
- Library
- Cafe
- Outdoor plaza (for film screenings)
Things to Do at Warehouse 421
You can find several things to do at the Warehouse 421, including:
Participate in Exhibitions
Displaying various designs, visual arts, literature, media, or sound, you can be part of various solo and group exhibitions at the 421. Also, there are public programs, where individuals exhibit their art and skills. It gives you a chance to display art and engage with various people.
Homebound Residency
The Homebound Residency Program, launched in response to COVID-19, supported MENASA artists remotely for three years. It fostered diverse creative projects through guidance, building up the community for the 2024 Network Culture exhibition.
Residency Program
The 421 Residency Program is a five-month, in-person initiative at 421 Art Campus studios. It supports multidisciplinary creative practices focused on social and community engagement. These are part of the following development programs:
- Artistic Research Grant
- Artistic Development Program
- Curatorial Development Program
- Learning Programs
Studio Play for Children
Creativity has no boundaries – that’s where studio play provides children from ages three to eight a chance to participate in imaginative plays and spaces. Children can engage freely in different plays and boost their creative minds.
Reading Room
At Warehouse 421, you can find various books, ranging from art, history, culture, poetry and experimental work. Whether you just want to read or do some work, it is a perfect space.
Location
Warehouse 421 is located on the Zayed Port, Mina Zayed in Abu Dhabi. It is near the Mina Market.
Timings
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 am – 08:00 pm
- Monday (Closed)
Contact Information
- Email: Hello@421.online
- Phone Number: +9712 6768803
How to Reach Warehouse 421
You can reach Warehouse 421 via bus or car. You can take the following routes:
By Car
- From Abu Dhabi City, you can take the E10 or Corniche Street towards Port Zayed (secondary entrance)
- From Dubai (via E11), take the exit at Saadiyat or Yas Island onto Sheikh Khalifa Highway (E12) and follow signs to Port Zayed (secondary gate).
After entering Port Zayed, drive to 20th Street, and at the 2nd roundabout turn left to reach Warehouse 421.
By Bus
You can travel via the following buses in Abu Dhabi:
- Take Bus 54 from Sultan bin Zayed Street to Al Luluah Street Police Station (a 5-minute walk away)
- Travel via Bus 56 directly from Sultan bin Zayed Street to Al Mina Center (a 4-minute walk to 421).
- Take Bus 9 directly from Al Falah Street to Al Mina Center.
Current Programs at the 421
Listed below are different programs offered by Warehouse 421:
Children’s Workshop – The Places They’ll Go with Helen Zughaib
- Date: November 22, 2024
- Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Price: AED 15
Children’s Workshop – Khayal Series with Early Starters
- Date: December 21, 2024
- Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Price: AED 20
Film Screening – Day 1 | Forest Cinema
- Date: December 5, 2024
- Time: 07:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Price: Free
Film Screening – Day 2 | Forest Cinema
- Date: December 19, 2024
- Time: 07:00 pm – 09:30 pm
- Price: Free
Way of the Forest (Exhibition)
- Date: September 22, 2024 – December 29, 2024
- Price: Free
Dukkan 421
Dukkan 421 is located inside Warehouse 421 which features the designed products by local and regional talent such as jewellers, ceramists, homeware, prints, stationery, accessories, art books, educational products for kids, and many more. Listed below are the featured products by Dukkan 421.
Books
Books at Dukkan 421 range from AED 30 to AED 415. Below are some books available at Dukkan 421:
- On Foraging – AED 157.5
- The Anatomy of Sabkhas – AED 169
- Future Perfect, Catastrophe, and The Contemporary – AED 157.5
- Encapsulated Volume 1: Photo Essays on Khaleejiness – AED 145
- The Little Ghaf Tree – AED 76
- Crafting Natural Dyes – AED 263
Home
Home items at Dukkan 421 range from AED 37 to AED 1600. Below are some of the items available at Dukkan 421:
- Dallah Pack – AED 467.5
- Pilgrim Bottle – AED 310 to 336
- No Straight Lines Blanket – AED 788
- Iliah Collection – AED 55 to 160
- Dual Bowls – AED 500 to 1000
- Mirrorigami – AED 961
Prints
Below are some of the print designs available at Dukaan 421.
- 100/100 Poster – AED 160 (Designer: Mohammad Sharaf, Abdullah Kenani, Hana Taha, Waraq, Wael Morcos, Hussein Nakhal, Deema Al Humadhi, Olivia Victor)
- Façade to Façade Posters by Hussain Al Moosawi – AED 350
Accessories
Accessories at Dukkan 421 range from AED 30 to AED 1470. Below are some of the accessories available at Dukkan 421:
- Scarves and Pocket Squares – AED 210 to 240
- Lolita Multi-Way Accessories – AED 100 to 300
- For my Bibi Screen Prints – AED 1470
- Safeefah iPad Leather Case – AED 797
- Sea Gnome Scarves – AED 255 to 275
- Mina Zayed Pins – AED 30
Stationary
Accessories at Dukkan 421 range from AED 10 to AED 350. Below are some of the accessories available at Dukkan 421:
- Studio Passepartout Paint In Kits – AED 158
- Watercolour Palettes – AED 126
- Studio Passepartout Premade Sets – AED 200
- Terrazzo Pens – AED 105
- Greeting Cards – AED 70
Kids
The prices of kids’ items at Dukkan 421 range from AED 20 to AED 210. Below are some of the items available at Dukaan 421.
- NUSNUS Crayon Blocks – AED 85 – 210
- Colourful Leaps Series: Coloring Books – AED 20 to 195
421 Art Campus Teens Program
The 421 Teens Programs welcomes high school students and trains them for future art programs at university level. 421 Internship Program by Aya Afaneh and Sree Jyothish is the fifth edition that welcomes students from the Abu Dhabi Region, including Al Dhafrah, Al Ain, and Abu Dhabi City.
Program Modules
1. Studio Practice (October 2024)
Weekly virtual workshops to improve creative skills, portfolio development, and professional growth.
Workshops
- Process Exploration (October 15, 2024) – Understanding art creation.
- Chance Creation (October 22, 2024) – Embracing artistic imperfections.
- Building a Portfolio (October 29, 2024) – Tips for creating a dynamic, engaging portfolio.
- Exploring Sustainable Art Practices (November 10, 2024, In-person) – Introduction to sustainable art, hands-on activities, and ethical discussions.
2. Portfolio Critique (November 19, 2024)
A one-on-one critique session with experienced art professionals to refine portfolios.
3. Program Design (January 2025)
Mentorship for selected Studio Practice participants to create and implement their art program concepts with skills like project management and budgeting.
Eligibility and Application Process
Criteria
High school students (Grades 10–13) in Abu Dhabi schools who are planning to pursue arts-based degrees (Architecture, Fine Arts, and other related to art).
Requirements
Application form, guardian-signed media release, statement of interest, and 5-8 digital works, including sketches or works-in-progress.
FAQs
Yes, an individual can book 421 as a venue as it can host a variety of events including, Workshops, dining, food, and many more.
421 offers a wide range of programs, including art exhibitions, artist residencies, educational workshops, mentorship sessions, and teen programs for those interested in pursuing creative careers.
These were all the details about Warehouse 421, famous as 421 now. It is a hub for artists and creative individuals, making it one of the best places in the capital. Besides, you can explore more things to do, such as visiting Yas Marina Circuit or Ferrari World in the capital.
