Alserkal Avenue

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. Alserkal Avenue grew and became a popular parade of gallery exhibits and displays of modern artwork, as well as seasonal events and open-air community days.

Indulge your creative side at Alserkal Avenue

It’s the first such precinct to exist in the UAE and comes under the guidance of Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate winner, Rem Koolhaas. Even if you’re not typically a fan of the arts, it’s worth making time to visit Alserkal Avenue’s contemporary galleries – from Carbon 12 and Leila Heller Gallery to Gulf Photo Plus – and creative community spaces, such as thejamjar for a painting class.

Visitors can also stop by for independent movie screenings at arthouse theatre Cinema Akil or see local thespians take the stage at performing arts venue The Junction. Try a workout session at boutique gym CRANK Fit and fuel up on speciality brews at hipster-inspired cafe Nightjar Coffee or tuck into health-conscious meals at Wild & The Moon.

Follow the trail of art in Dubai at the city's top cultural hubs.