Dubai is a city that has everything to offer! You’ll find everything from extravagant shopping centers to monumental architectural structures. However, most people miss out on the magical world of art in Dubai.
If you take a stroll down Alserkal Avenue, wander through the passages of the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood, or admire outdoor exhibitions like the Jaddaf Waterfront, you’ll find clusters of contemporary art and art galleries showcasing the work of many famous local and international artists.
Covering over 50,000 square feet and currently housing over 94 warehouses, Alserkal Avenue not only houses galleries, but also creative spaces, design studios, performance platforms, and exhibition halls. We will highlight some of the best art galleries in Dubai, but we encourage you to visit Alserkal and simply explore!
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How to get there
Alserkal Avenue – How to get there If you’re driving in Dubai and have the convenience of your own car-you’ll find parking at Alserkal Avenue nearby on 6A Street, then you can access the pedestrian entrance (remember to pay for your parking online using 364C).
By public transport, the nearest metro is on the M1 red metro line – Al Safa metro station. It’s a quite long walk from here (about 30 minutes), so you’ll probably want to take a quick 5-minute taxi or connect to local bus services that will take you to Al Quoz Bin Yaleith Mosque and a 5-minute walk.
You may want to plan your visit to take the free Avenue shuttle from the metro – 4 hours in the morning and 4 hours back in the afternoon. The schedule can be found here.
So let’s start our virtual journey into the majestic world of Dubai’s art. Explore 8 art galleries in Dubai that are worth your interest:
1. The Third Line
Located on Alserkal Avenue, The Third Line showcases works by local and international artists from around the world. It hosts exhibitions throughout the year to encourage local talent to showcase their creativity. In this contemporary art gallery, you will find works by Anuar Khalifi, Farhad Moshiri, Fouad Elkoury, Hassan Hajjaj, Lamya Gargash, Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian, Nima Nabavi, Slaves and Tatars, and more.
In addition to artworks, The Third Line also publishes books by renowned artists, including Laleh Khorramian, Farah Al Qasimi, Abbas Akhavan, and others. Being one of the top art galleries in Dubai, The Third Line works towards promoting art and is frequented by global art enthusiasts.
Location: Unit H80, Alserkal Avenue
Hours: Monday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. Closed on Sundays.
Official website: thethirdline.com/viewing-room/
2. Elmarsa Gallery
Located on Alserkal Avenue as well, Elmarsa Gallery is dedicated to showcasing the artwork of local talents. You will find surrealistic art by famous artists from all over the Middle East, including Abdulaziz Ashour, Emna Masmoudi, and Omar Bey.
The work of these great artists draws inspiration from Mediterranean, African, and Arab cultures, as well as art that focuses on global issues.
The gallery was founded in Tunisia in 1994, and its works have been exhibited in art shows in Paris, Miami, and Morocco. It made its entry to Dubai in 2015 and has since presented local artwork.
Location: Unit 23, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz 1
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Official website: galerielmarsa.com/
3. Ayyam Gallery
If you are an emerging artist in Dubai, Ayyam Gallery is the place you should go! Not only does this gallery provide a platform for beginners, but it also showcases the work of seasoned artists such as Sadik Kwaish Alfraji, Safwan Dahoul, Elias Izoli Sama Alshaibi, and Samia Halaby.
The art exhibited at Ayyam Gallery is presented in high-end art exhibitions in the United States, Asia, and Europe to help contemporary art thrive. In Dubai, you will find this gallery on Alserkal Avenue and also at the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC).
In addition to art, Ayyam Gallery also deals with multilingual editions to help emerging artists make their mark.
Location: Unit B11, Alserkal Avenue, Exit 43 of SZR, Al Quoz 8 Street
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Official website: ayyamgallery.com/
4. Lawre Shabibi
Another contemporary art gallery located on Alserkal Avenue is Lawrie Shabibi. It is one of Dubai‘s best art galleries, famous for its reputation in the Art Dubai event, and has managed to attract the attention of art connoisseurs from around the world.
It mainly showcases works by artists from the Middle East and North Africa and has successfully sold famous artworks by Nadia Kaabi-Linke, Adel Abidin, Mounir Fatmi, and Nick Devereux.
Lawrie Shabibi works to promote art and invites famous artists to organize conferences and screenings, which has earned it the title of one of the most important art galleries in Dubai as well as internationally.
Location: Unit 21, Alserkal Avenue, Al-Quoz 1
Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Closed on Friday.
Official website: lawrieshabibi.com/
5. 1×1 Art Gallery
Founded in 1996 and located on Alserkal Avenue, the 1×1 art gallery started as an Indian contemporary art house. However, over time, the founder began adding artworks from the Middle East and the Emirates to the collection.
Currently, 1×1 Art Gallery is one of Dubai’s famous art galleries and has made its way into international art exhibitions, museums, and galleries. It also collaborates with individual curators and organizations to showcase Dubai’s artistic side.
Location: 10, Alserkal Avenue 8 Street – Al Quoz 1
Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. Closed on Friday.
Official website: 1x1artgallery.com/
6. XVA Gallery
Located in the historic neighborhood of Al Fahidi, XVA Gallery supports artists of all kinds. From those trying their hand at art to emerging and established artists, you will find artworks of different levels. The most notable pieces are associated with Samira Abbassy, Mahmoud Hamadani, Colleen Quigley, and Alikhaan Abdollahi.
To showcase Dubai’s contemporary side to the world, XVA Gallery actively participates in international art fairs and exhibitions, such as those held in Istanbul and Hong Kong. As a result, it is considered one of the best art galleries in Dubai.
Combined with a hotel and café, XVA is also one of the best places in Dubai for amateur artists looking to try their hand with regular café and painting nights held in the picturesque courtyard throughout the winter months.
Location: Villa 25, Al Fahidi Street, Bur Dubai
Hours: Saturday to Thursday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Closed on Friday.
Official website: xvagallery.com/
7. Jameel Arts Centre
The new kid on the block is Jameel Arts Centre. Located in the thriving Jaddaf Waterfront district, it is a contemporary art museum and much more.
The center is managed by Art Jameel, an independent organization that promotes the practice of contemporary art, the protection of cultural heritage, and creative entrepreneurship in the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond.
Here, you will not only find art exhibitions but also the Jameel Library for research, a writer’s studio, a restaurant, and a shop, as well as a large outdoor sculpture park along the waterfront.
Location: Jaddaf Waterfront
Opening hours: Monday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Wednesdays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and from 9:00 PM to midnight; Closed on Tuesdays and Fridays
Official website: jameelartscentre.org/
8. Opera Gallery
And ending this list of 8 best art galleries in Dubai is an art gallery that houses not only contemporary art but anything that can be considered art!
At the Opera Gallery, you will find everything from original graffiti to vibrant pop music album covers by world-renowned artists such as George Morton-Clark, Blek le Rat, Keith Haring, David Kim Whittaker, André Brasilier, Andy Denzler, Lita Cabellut, Joe Black, and Mike Dargas. With such an impressive variety of art, this gallery attracts art connoisseurs and businessmen from around the world.
Additionally, it also collaborates with international foundations, museums, and art exhibitions to showcase Dubai’s art scene.
Location: Gate Village Building 3, DIFC.
Hours: Sunday to Wednesday from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, Thursday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, Friday from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and Saturday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Official website: operagallery.com/contact/dubai
