Arts and culture

Art

Dubai’s vibrant arts scene began the moment people first inhabited the region thousands of years ago. Stories of events such as hunting expeditions or fishing missions were passed down from generation to generation through music, song and dance (which are all characterised by the use of percussion and drums).

The artefacts of Dubai’s art history have been preserved at many of the city’s museums, including the Dubai Museum (currently under refurbishment), which showcases the local antiques and handcrafted specimens of bygone eras.

In terms of modern day masterpieces, the best of the region’s art can be found in Dubai’s numerous art galleries, museums and art centres, many of which are recent developments and have paved the way for a significant growth in the local art scene in recent years.

The city has many galleries, such as Majlis and XVA, which are popular choices for viewing and purchasing art, including paintings, sculptures, glassware, ceramics and jewellery from local and international artists. Contemporary art has also built up its profile, with the Green Art Gallery and Gallery 76 (the oldest public art gallery in the UAE, located at the Dubai International Art Centre) leading the way for the movement in the city, as well as Art Dubai, a contemporary art fair held every March.

Two of the city’s most popular new cultural destinations are the Frame and Museum of the Future (more details in Must Dos, page 22).

Culture

Placing your finger on one feature that perfectly describes Dubai’s culture is a difficult task – it’s new while being old, humble yet opulent and Middle Eastern yet cosmopolitan. And so the best way to describe Dubai is as an exciting and vibrant mix of contrasts and juxtapositions.

The lifeblood of Dubai’s culture is Islam, which inspires almost every aspect of the city’s daily life, from the traditional white robe, or dishdasha, worn by the men and the black head-to-toe abbaya worn by women, to the mosques that are a centrepiece of most neighbourhoods. There is also a culture of hospitality, courtesy, warmth and friendliness in Dubai, which is reminiscent of many traditional Arab communities.

Layered on top of these ancient customs are distinctively modern ones, however, which have also shaped Dubai’s rich culture. Examples include the wealth found in modern day oil drilling that has brought a new affluence to the city and consequently seen the emergence of skyscrapers and luxury cars, as well a large expat population, which has brought a distinctly European influence to the city.

Dubai’s geographical location and close proximity to Asia, Europe and Africa, has also played a part in shaping its cultural identity, which celebrates its own multicultural and cosmopolitan nature as a mecca for cultures and people.

Shopping and trade are embedded in Dubai’s culture. The city began with the pearl trade, then expanded to souks or traditional marketplaces selling anything from spices, gold, clothes, crafts and perfume to everyday items like groceries (Deira is a good place to visit for these). Today these sit naturally beside plush department stores and shopping centres.

For a traditional culture fix, take in some of the city’s old architecture (Al Fahidi Fort and Jumeirah Mosque are highlights) or perhaps catch an abra (traditional wooden boat) across Dubai Creek. Get yourself down to a camel race or go for a stroll through the Bastakiya region, with its late 19th century maze of lanes and restored art galleries, cafés, traditional houses and boutique hotels.

Dubai’s new traditions are just as exciting as the old and include watching a game at the Dubai Sports City stadium, tobogganing at Ski Dubai or enjoying the city’s new wave of contemporary art, all of which adds to the delightful contrasts and range of experiences that have created modern day Dubai.

Art Galleries Dubai International Art Centre

Here you’ll find one of the city’s largest collections of local and international paintings, photography, sculptures and installations. It also houses a library and a learning centre complete with art classes for those who have been particularly inspired by their experience here.

Villa 27, Street 75b, Jumeirah

Tel: +971 4 344 4398 www.artdubai.com

Jameel Arts Centre

This independent institution is dedicated to exhibiting contemporary art to the public and engaging communities through learning, research and commissions. Founded and supported by Art Jameel, it aims to nurture artists and practitioners across the region. During the covid pandemic, bookings are advised and face masks must be worn. Open 10am to 6pm Saturday to Wednesday, and 12 noon to 8pm Thursday and Friday.

Jaddaf Waterfront, Dubai

Tel: +971 4 873 9800 jameelartscentre.org

Majlis Gallery

This beautifully restored villa in historical Bastakiya provides a meeting point for artists and art lovers alike, with the former often working from within the ground’s courtyard to produce some of the many paintings, drawings, furniture, ceramics, jewellery and glass sculptures found here. Open 10am to 2pm Sun- day to Thursday.

Al Musalla Roundabout, Al Fahidi Neighbourhood, Bur Dubai

Tel: +971 4 353 6233 www.themajlisgallery.com

XVA GALLERY

This predominantly contemporary art gallery is also the place to visit for screenings of local and international arthouse films, boutique hotel accommodation, a bite to eat at an award-winning vegetarian café or the purchase of locally inspired jewellery, artwork or crafts. Open daily 10am to 6pm.

Building 7, Al Fahidi Neighbourhood, Bur Dubai

Tel: +971 4 353 5383 www.xvagallery.com

Theatre Madinat Theatre

Opening in 2004, Madinat was Dubai’s first purposebuilt theatre, is able to seat 442 people and showcases a range of productions including operas, dramas, dance, film screenings, magic shows and musicals throughout the year. As with many cultural venues around the world, Madinat may have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, so telephone the venue for up-to-date information.

Souk Madinat, Jumeirah

Tel: +971 4 366 6546 www.madinattheatre.com

DUBAI DRAMA GROUP

This not-for-profit theatre company has been run by local acting enthusiasts for nearly 40 years and showcases an eclectic mix of performances that include both classic and original scripts.

Tel: +971 52 453 4410 https://dubaidrama.org

Museums Dubai Museum

Housed in the Al Fahidi Fort (originally built in 1787), this is worth visiting just to explore the building. You will be equally impressed, however, with its interior, as you delve into Dubai’s history and inspect the museum’s resident relics and dioramas of life here before the discovery of oil, as well as its displays of regional artefacts and antiques. Check the stage of the renovation project before visiting.

Tel: +971 4 353 1862 www.dubaiculture.gov.ae

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre For Cultural Understanding

Set against the backdrop of another of the city’s heritage buildings, this cultural centre was established in order to teach people of all backgrounds the traditions and customs of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates.

Tel: + 971 4 353 6666 www.cultures.ae

Etihad Museum

Located in a distinct building that symbolises how Dubai combines modernity with heritage, this museum features rolling footage of the founding father Sheikh Zayed, speaking about his new country and showcasing the development of the United Arab Emirates. Open daily from 10am to 8pm. Last entry at 7pm.

Tel: + 971 80 033 222 www.etihadmuseum.dubaiculture.gov.ae

La Perle

La Perle by Dragone is the region’s first permanent show, located in the heart of Dubai at Al Habtoor City. It features a fusion of immersive artistic performances, imagery and technology, and is influenced by Dubai’s rich culture, vibrant present and aspirational future. The show, featuring an aqua stage to deliver a spectacle that takes place in, on and above the water, was created by artistic director Franco Dragone, famed for his work including Le Rêve in Las Vegas and The House of Dancing Water in Macau.

Tel: +971 4 437 0001 laperle.com