Artists to Know
Explore the Emirati, Saudi and wider Arab artists we have featured, with a focus on women artists. Discover their interviews, studio stories and exhibition coverage, and follow the ideas, memories and heritage shaping the region’s contemporary art scene.
Articles
Emirati artist Fatma Lootah's visionary art takes centre stage at ‘Elysian Awakening’ exhibition in DIFC
Meet Fatma Lootah, an exceptional name in the Arab art world and perhaps one of the most important UAE cultural and art ambassadors internationally. This month, four of her evocative works are on view at RARARES Gallery in DIFC’s Gate Village, as part of the exhibition Elysian Awakening. The show runs through to 31 August 2025.
Celebrating Emirati women through their creativity and stories
Celebrating Emirati women through creativity Four Emirati women explore identity, heritage, and storytelling through embroidery, photography, weaving, and writing.
A celebration of Emirati women’s creativity at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi
Emirati Women’s Day celebrates the incredible achievements of women across the nation. To mark the occasion, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi has partnered with Zayed University’s College of Arts and Creative Enterprises (CACE) to showcase the creativity and powerful self-expression of female Emirati artists.
Art in the Middle x Fatma Lootah: Emirati Women’s Day Exhibition
Art in the Middle collaborates with Fatma Lootah for an Emirati Women’s Day exhibition at ME Dubai, celebrating art, identity, heritage and femininity.
Interview with Sara Al Mheiri: Exploring Emirati culture Under the Ghaf Tree
In this exclusive interview, Sara Al Mheiri, author of Under the Ghaf Tree, shares her journey of documenting Emirati culture through real stories, art, and lived experience.
Maisoon Al Saleh: Multidisciplinary Artist on Identity and Memory
Maisoon Al Saleh explores identity and memory through surreal, skeletal forms across painting, sculpture and digital work.
Saudi rapper Asayel talks culture, musical influences, and what's next!
Born in Makkah and creatively shaped by Jeddah’s cultural buzz, Asliyah’s sound is a rich fusion of heritage and innovation. We caught up with her to talk about her journey, the inspirations behind her music, and how she’s carving a path for the next generation of artists in Saudi Arabia.
Dubai artist creates ‘wearable art’ collection inspired by UAE’s spirit of unity
Dubai artist Dina Sami collaborates with New Balance on a wearable art collection inspired by UAE unity, identity and community.