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Arts & Culture
A contemporary art journey
New perspectives, majestic architecture and modern art. This three-day itinerary showcases the best of Dubai's growing creative scene.
1
Witness the joyous creativity of Dubai's burgeoning art scene
Once an industrial area in the centre of Dubai, Alserkal Avenue now comprises around 40 warehouses, converted into galleries, dance studios, artisanal cafes and more. The neighbourhood has nurtured a culture of creativity and is now one of the region’s leading art hubs. Since its humble beginnings as a standalone gallery in 2008, word caught on and similar concepts soon moved into the area. Popular spots include arthouse theatre Cinema Akil, the hipster-inspired Nightjar Coffee and Leila Heller Gallery.
2
A cosy arthouse cinema screening movie magic
Cinema Akil is an independent cinema platform that brings quality films from across the world to audiences at Alserkal Avenue. From fully fledged film festivals to one-off special screenings and exclusive events, this is a cinema experience you won't find anywhere else in the UAE. Every film that is screened in the converted shipping container is personally chosen by the cinema's founder Butheina Kazim for its artistic integrity, often reflecting social issues or addressing topical themes.
3
Dubai's contemporary art scene thrives at Carbon 12 in Al Quoz
Located in the gallery-filled Alserkal Avenue, Carbon 12 Dubai is one of the original outposts of contemporary art in Dubai. Since 2008, Carbon 12 has been committed to offering a comprehensive, global programme of institution-grade artists. In addition to its eight annual exhibitions, Carbon 12 regularly participates in international art fairs like Art Cologne, ABC (Art Berlin Contemporary), Viennafair and Art Dubai.
4
A progressive art gallery with a focus on new talent
Founded in 2011, Lawrie Shabibi is an art gallery housed in a 300sqm warehouse in Dubai’s most artsy neighbourhood of Al Quoz. The gallery’s mission is to promote the works of innovative contemporary artists, mainly from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia. The focus has been to support mid-career and emerging talent. Artists represented to date include Hamra Abbas, Wafaa Bilal and Asad Faulwell.
5
Go on a fascinating chocolate factory and café experience
Mirzam Chocolate Factory lets you experience the art of chocolate making right here in Dubai. Situated in a quaint shop amid Dubai's industrial art district, Al Quoz, Mirzam is a must-visit for any chocolate lover. The entire production is in full view through the shop's glass windows, taking you through every intricate detail, from roasting the cocoa beans to hand wrapping each bar.
