‘Talk a walk on the Art Side’ is the theme chosen for the latest edition of Dubai Art Season. Dubai Culture and Arts Authority launched the 6th edition of Dubai Art Season under the support of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of Dubai Culture.

Dubai art scene explodes to life in March and April with international exhibitions. Art Dubai coinciding with Sikka Art Fair and World Art Dubai to bring creativity to the forefront in the city. Thousands of the world’s leading artists, designers, curators, gallery owners, and art experts head to UAE to explore the latest in art and design innovation and techniques.

His Excellency Saeed Al Naboodah “acting director-general of Dubai culture and art authority” spoke about how Dubai Art Season would take forward the focus of the recently concluded world Government Summit. He said at the press conference “It is more than a cultural event. This is a reflection of our commitment to the creative industry. Our focus is on bringing people together. This is the year of tolerance, we are focusing shedding the light on different ideas and bringing them together. One idea is not enough”.

Dubai Art Season Highlights from the Calendar

Streets of the world

The longest photo exhibition ever organized, showcasing the works of Dutch Photographer Jeroen Swolfs. In addition to four Dubai based photographers who entered the “Dubai” photo competition. After Dubai, the festival will set off on a world tour in cities like Paris, London, Berlin and New York.

Location: Al Seef, Dubai
Date: 20 Jan – 5 April

Emirates Airline Festival of Literature

Middle East’s largest celebration of authors with people of all ages to endorse education and learning.

Location: Intercontinental Hotel, Dubai
Date: 1 – 9 March

Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award Exhibition

A yearly event, showcasing some of the most awe-inspiring work of professional photographers around the world.

Location: Dubai Opera House
Date: 12 March

Sikka Art Fair

Make-your-own art adventure where you wander through the barjeel (wind-catcher) houses of Old Dubai, which are turned into mini art galleries and installations for the course of the festival. Each house hosts the work of emerging artistic talent from the region.

Location: Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Date: 16 – 24 March

Art Week 

One of the city’s leading art districts. With its distinctive industrial vibe, complete with minimalist spaces and converted warehouses, there’s much to explore, especially in March when the hub hosts it Art Week.

Location: Alserkal Avenue, Street 8
Date: 18 – 23 March

Art Dubai

The leading international art fair in the region. Now in its 13th year, the fair presents a line-up of over 90 galleries from 41 countries, organized into four sections – Contemporary, Modern, Residents and the newly-launched Bawwaba.

Location: Madinat Jumeirah, Al Sufouh Road
Date: 20 – 23 March

World Art Dubai 

Reflects the city’s growing prominence as a leading cultural and artistic hub with a unique fusion of art, education, and entertainment, catering to all art lovers, corporate buyers and private collectors.

Location: Dubai World Trade Center
Date: 3 – 6 April

Dubai International Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition 

The exhibition, which takes place every two years, celebrates calligraphy as one of the most powerful art forms for highlighting the brilliance of the written word. In addition to putting forth powerful ideas related to Islamic heritage, as well as the region’s cultural and social identity.

Location: Wafi Mall
Date: 27 April – 5 May