Spanning everything from interactive sound installations to steel sculptures, African abstract art, and much more, art lovers of all tastes will find plenty to get excited about.
Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi
Created by Emirati artist and robotics engineer Dr. Ahmad AlAttar, this incredibly cool, sound-based interactive installation will literally take your breath away. A product of 421’s Artistic Development Program for local emerging talents, it is both an uplifting example of how the institution is supporting and growing the UAE’s creative scene, and a thought-provoking examination of the ever-growing relationship between humans and technology. Questioning who really remains in control as AI continues to develop and influence everyday life, you are invited to directly interact with the artwork by pulling ropes to generate different sounds and solve puzzles to find the location of the installation’s hidden algorithm.
Until 13 September 2026
Visit: 421.online
Al Khayat Avenue, Dubai
A collaborative effort by 12 fantastic regional talents, this beautiful and unique group exhibition is inspired by the idea of ‘vegetal time’, and the ecosystems and rhythms of the natural world. Along with exploring how time is connected to the seasonal and circadian rhythms of plants, it cleverly addresses ecological, feminist, philosophical, and postcolonial concerns and serves as a nice reminder of how important it is to slow down and reflect.
Until September 13.
Visit: dom_artprojects
Business Bay, Dubai
Proof that you don’t have to visit a gallery to find amazing art in the UAE, ultra-trendy hotel The Lana is displaying six stunning, large-scale sculptures by Foad Hamzeh (also known as FH Visual) as part of its collaborative exhibition with JD Malat Gallery. A Lebanese artist known for blending Arabic calligraphy and contemporary graffiti to create unique pieces, you’ll find Hamzeh’s six mirror-finished, stainless-steel works spread across the beautiful exterior public areas, each with an equally powerful story to tell. Designed to interact with the changing light, the dramatic Dubai skyline behind them enhances their sense of drama and significance.
On display until June 30.
Visit: thelanadubai
Alserkal Avenue, Dubai
Curated by Brice Arsène Yonkeu, In Abstracto, In Concreto features a series of magnificent new paintings by Luke Agada, Tunji Adeniyi Jones, Ludovic Nkoth, and Naila Opiangah, African artists who have each experienced diaspora. Using both contemporary figuration and abstraction to express elements of personal history and ancestry, the collection is divided into three poignant themes: memory and inheritance, generative transformation, and how the body can be used to convey tenderness and care.
Until September 21.
Visit: efiegallery.com
Downtown Dubai
Bright, funky, and tremendously fun, SUPERMARKET is all about making art accessible to everyone and challenging the idea that art galleries are only meant for a certain segment of society. Featuring contemporary works from selected UAE-based independent artists, it encourages us to think about how artworks are presented and valued, and how creativity is connected to all aspects of everyday life. Also offering pieces for sale (at reasonable prices), it seeks to increase the number of art collectors in the UAE while providing extra exposure for some of the country’s most promising emerging talents.
Until June 7.
Visit: foundry.downtowndubai
DIFC, Dubai
Bringing together paintings from Emirati artist Fatma Lootah’s 2019 Ghaf Tree project, created in honor of the UAE’s Year of Tolerance, Under The Ghaf Tree Where Everything Belongs is a moving tribute to the UAE’s national tree and the country’s natural environment. Including mesmerizing desert landscapes and stunning paintings of Emirati women, Lootah explores why the ghaf tree has long been a symbol of resilience in the UAE and its deep connection to the country’s national identity.
Until 10 September 2026
Visit: rararesgallery.com
Harriet Shephard is a freelance travel and lifestyle journalist based in Abu Dhabi. A keen runner, yogi, reader and foodie, she spends her free time trying out new restaurants, lounging on Saadiyat's beautiful beaches and marathon training along the Corniche. Also often found in the departure lounges of Zayed International Airport, she has visited 67 countries, and aims to reach the 100 mark ASAP.
