This September, the UAE is buzzing with art exhibitions that invite you to explore identity, culture, and creativity
From group exhibitions and solo showcases to immersive digital experiences, there’s something for every kind of art lover. Whether you’re a seasoned gallery-hopper or just starting to explore the world of contemporary art, this month brings fresh, inspiring ways to connect with bold ideas and creative storytelling.
Summer Collective: Wavering Hope
Wavering Hope at Ayyam Gallery brings together 12 prominent Syrian artists — including Othman Moussa — in a powerful exploration of the tension between despair and renewal. Featuring everything from emotive portraits to striking mixed-media works, the exhibition captures themes of resilience, memory, and the enduring power of art in moments of transformation.
Location:Â Ayyam Gallery, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1, Dubai
Times:Â Until September 5, 10am to 6pm (closed Sundays)
Contact:Â (04) 323 6242
Ana Escobar Saavedra: It Starts Where It Ends
Colombian artist Ana Escobar Saavedra makes her solo debut at 421 Arts Campus with a striking exhibition that explores identity through sculptural installations in marble and granite. By transforming stone into skin-like textures marked by scars, her work challenges our notions of permanence, vulnerability, and transformation. The exhibition’s title draws from linguistic concepts in her native language, reflecting a cyclical understanding of being. Guided tours are available in both Arabic and English.
Location:Â 421 Arts Campus, Zayed Port, Freezone, Abu Dhabi
Times:Â Until September 7, tours in Arabic at 3pm and 5pm, English at 4pm and 6pm
Contact:Â (02) 676 8803
To Know Malaysia Is To Love Malaysia: Highlights from the AFK Collection
This exhibition showcases works by NYU Abu Dhabi MFA grads across photography, video, installation, painting, and performance. Tackling themes like environment, migration, memory, and human connection, these Malaysian contemporary artists weave personal and collective stories while tapping into global art currents. Now in its fourth year at 421 Arts Campus, the show highlights emerging talent and marks their creative evolution.
Location:Â Cultural Foundation, Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Abu Dhabi
Times:Â Until September 10, Saturday to Thursday, 9am to 8pm; Friday, 2pm to 8pm
Contact:Â (02) 657 6348
History Encoded: A Journey Through the Evolution of Digital Art
History Encoded offers an immersive journey through the evolution of digital art — from early algorithmic experiments to cutting-edge AI and blockchain-driven creations. Showcasing pioneers like Julian Hespenheide, LIA, Casey Reas, alongside NFT innovators Hackatao and OBVIOUS, the exhibition highlights the game-changers shaping the future of creativity. On view until 22 September, it’s a must-see for anyone curious about where art and tech collide.
Location:Â kanvas, Al Khayat Art Avenue, Unit 1, 1 19 Street, Al Quoz, Dubai
Times:Â Until September 22, Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm
Contact:Â (04) 242 8199
Marwan Bassiouni: New Western Views (Preview)
Lawrie Shabibi presents a solo exhibition by Swiss-Egyptian-American photographer Marwan Bassiouni, featuring large-scale images captured between 2018 and 2022. These striking photos peer out from mosque interiors across the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the UK, framing everyday Western landscapes through patterned tiles, rugs, and wooden details. The series explores how Muslim communities have shaped and redefined spaces in the contemporary West. This preview offers a first glimpse into Bassiouni’s ongoing international project.
Location:Â Lawrie Shabibi, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz 1, Dubai
Times:Â September 19 to November 5, 10am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday (closed Sundays)
Contact:Â (04) 346 9906
Don’t miss the chance to explore these diverse art exhibitions.
