Where to see great art in Dubai

When most people think of Dubai holidays, the idea of spending time browsing art galleries and looking at sculptures isn't likely to spring instantly to mind. Nevertheless, Dubai has firmly established itself on the global art map thanks to a number of prominent exhibitions and permanent installations that have been displayed throughout the city in recent years.



Dubai is a wealthy destination, and this is part of the reason contemporary art has become so successful in the region, as international galleries are increasingly turning to the UAE destination as a gateway to other markets in the Middle East. The city is home to many serious art dealers, who together spent more than 55 million Dhs (about 15 million US dollars) buying unique pieces for their personal collections, and to display in public galleries.



These galleries include the cutting-edge Art Park, set up next to the Madinat Arena as a place to display creative filmed artworks from Middle Eastern, Indian and British artists. The Global Art Forum was also established as a place where collectors, critics and the general public can enter debates to discuss contemporary artworks, and where awards such as the Abraaj Capital Art Prize are given to artists whose works are deemed to be particularly noteworthy.

However, by far the biggest and most talked-about art event in Dubai is the modern and contemporary art fair Art Dubai, which takes place for several days each March at the Madinat Arena and is the largest such event in the Middle East. Not only is Art Dubai the best time to see compelling artworks yourself, but the event also has further reach in its funding of local charities such as START, which aims to provide ease of access to art for underprivileged children in Dubai and other Middle Eastern nations.



Other events such as the Gulf Art Fair, hosted by Dubai's Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein herself, and the Bastakiya Art Fair are also helping to boost Dubai's international reputation as a major centre for art in Asia. The importance of art in Dubai also inspired such works as director Katy Chang's film Glitter Dust, which explores the role art has played in shaping and influencing Dubai's culture across the generation gaps.



This emerging artistic culture has also spawned numerous magazines and TV shows providing reviews and information, so wherever you're staying at luxury hotels Dubai, you should be able to find great works of art on display nearby.