Features
In-depth reporting on the exhibitions, artists and ideas shaping the Gulf's creative landscape.
FeaturedAlserkal Avenue opens the art season with 19 exhibitions
Discover 19 exhibitions opening across 16 galleries and art spaces at Alserkal Avenue this September, featuring artists from the UAE, the region and beyond.
Review: Inside CQ French Brasserie
Explore CQ French Brasserie at Grand Millennium Hotel in Barsha Heights, Dubai, and discover its contemporary take on classic French brasserie design and dining.
Creative workshops to try across Dubai this October
Looking for creative things to do in Dubai this October? From ceramic workshops and painting sessions to photography classes, here are five workshops to have on your radar this month.
Review: Inside Vera Versilia, Dubai
Discover Vera Versilia, a Tuscan inspired restaurant in Dubai where eclectic artwork, considered interiors and coastal Italian cuisine bring the spirit of the Italian Riviera to the city.
Artist of the week: Abstract artist Äj
Meet Dubai-based abstract artist Äj, whose vibrant works transform colour, emotion and memories into expressive contemporary art.
Restaurants that are made for sketching this summer
Discover these indoor Dubai lunch spots with beautiful interiors, creative details and plenty of inspiration for sketching this summer.
Restaurateur Jessica Kassim on bringing the spirit of Portugal to Lana Lusa
Discover how Jessica Kassim brings Portugal to Lana Lusa, where family memories, art, food and design come together to create a warm and inviting Dubai dining experience.
The ultimate guide to the Gulf’s best art fairs
A guide to the top art fairs in the Gulf region to watch in 2026, from major international events to emerging festivals across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Artist Abdul Vas on his November show, Legacy Trucks
Artist Abdul Vas discusses his latest series, Legacy Trucks, exploring American cars, rock music and popular culture through his distinctive visual language.
Meet the artist turning flowers into fashion: Katerina Shukshina
Katerina Shukshina transforms flowers into fashion, art and contemporary mehndi, creating a whimsical world where nature becomes the ultimate material.
Andaz Dubai The Palm: art and what’s new
Andaz Dubai The Palm has evolved since our last visit, with new creative spaces, The Magic Table dining experience and a speciality coffee bar joining its distinctive Mahmoud Al Abadi art collection.
Put it on a t-shirt
Discover the coolest UAE merchandise collections, from Maiz Tacos and Good Burger to Pickl, Pitfire Pizza, riina and Cinema Akil.
UAE open calls to have on your radar this August
Looking for creative opportunities in the UAE? Discover open calls for artists, designers and creatives, from Dubai Design Week and Sikka to Burj Khalifa and World Art Dubai.
Review: Inside Daniel Arsham’s art café at Dubai Mall
Step inside Daniel Arsham’s Daniel’s Room at Dubai Mall, a living gallery where art, design and dining come together through his signature fictional archaeology.
The best exhibitions to see in Sharjah this summer 2026
Explore Sharjah’s summer 2026 art scene with must-see exhibitions featuring contemporary artists, photography, heritage collections and immersive cultural experiences. From Sharjah Art Foundation’s latest shows to permanent displays exploring the Gulf’s visual history, these exhibitions offer the perfect indoor cultural escape.
Hotel Review: The Lana, Dorchester Collection, Dubai
A design-led review of The Lana Dubai, where contemporary art, curated interiors and refined hospitality redefine waterfront luxury in Business Bay.
Hotel Review: The Lince Braga is a design-led retreat in the hills of Northern Portugal
The Lince Braga is a 77-room design-led hotel in Northern Portugal, set in the Falperra hills near Braga. It offers a calm escape with spa facilities, an outdoor pool overlooking pine forests and mountains, and access to scenic hiking trails.
The design language of listening
Listening bars inspired by Japanese jazz kissaten are reshaping UAE nightlife, focusing on immersive sound, vinyl culture, lighting, and acoustic-led design in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Six UAE exhibitions you can’t miss this June
Looking for the best art exhibitions in the UAE this June? From immersive installations in Abu Dhabi to contemporary African art, large-scale sculptures and emerging local talent in Dubai, these six exhibitions offer some of the most exciting cultural experiences across the Emirates this month.
The coolest post-fair hangouts during Art Dubai 2026
From rooftop dinners to buzzy tapas bars, discover the coolest post-fair hangouts during Art Dubai 2026 where the city’s creative crowd gathers after the fair.
Art Dubai 2026: Inside this year’s special edition
Art Dubai 2026 returns for its landmark 20th anniversary edition with immersive installations, global gallery presentations, public talks and free entry at Madinat Jumeirah this May.
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.
David Carson reinterprets The Macallan Timeless Collection with a design as considered as its craft
Designer David Carson reinterprets The Macallan Timeless Collection through a human-centered design lens, blending heritage, authenticity and modern luxury across its Double Cask, Sherry Oak and Colour Collections.
Art & Dine: Kutubna Cultural Centre & Gerbou
Spend a quiet evening in Dubai with a meaningful dinner at Gerbou followed by reflective writing at Kutubna Cultural Center. A soulful pairing of culture and calm.
Art & Dine: teamLab Phenomena & Ting Irie Abu Dhabi
Spend your weekend soaking up culture and flavour on Saadiyat Island. Start at teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, an immersive digital art space where interactive projections respond to your every move. Located in the Saadiyat Cultural District, this futuristic gallery blends light, sound and motion for a one-of-a-kind experience. After exploring, head to Ting Irie for bold Caribbean flavours in the heart of Abu Dhabi. This is a creative and vibrant pairing of art and dining, perfect for a refreshing weekend escape.
6 ways to experience a gallery with confidence
Discover 6 ways to experience a gallery with confidence, from understanding artwork to exploring exhibitions, asking questions, and enjoying art your own way.
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.
Bridge in Time: How Hussain AlMoosawi and Mona AlGwaiz are honouring the region’s past and future
Hussain AlMoosawi and Mona AlGwaiz reimagine Middle Eastern heritage through AI driven artworks that bridge past and future.
Where to shop for art materials in the UAE
A curated guide to the UAE’s most trusted destinations for art materials, from specialist studios to reliable everyday essentials for creatives.
Why Peonies are a creative favourite
Spend a few moments on Pinterest or flipping through creative moodboards, and one flower seems to pop up again and again: the peony. Soft, romantic and quietly striking, this bloom has become a beloved muse across the creative world — from fashion stylists and florists to interior designers and branding experts.
5 Cultural Gift Shops in the UAE for Meaningful Souvenirs
Discover where to find thoughtful, design-led souvenirs in the UAE by exploring cultural institutions and independent art spaces that showcase local creativity, contemporary design and collectible print culture.
Art Deco Elegance in the Heart of Mayfair
Step into Palm Court at Sheraton Grand London Park Lane, where 1920s Art Deco design meets one of Mayfair’s most elegant afternoon tea experiences.
Artist of the week: Contemporary Artist Shadab Khan
Multi-award-winning Dubai-based artist Shadab Khan shares her fluid art journey, exploring movement, colour, and immersive emotional experiences.
Awaken Spa at Atlantis The Royal Dubai: Luxury Spa Experience & Wellness Review
Tucked inside the ultra-luxurious Atlantis The Royal, the AWAKEN Spa offers a surprisingly serene and understated escape. Far from flashy logos or over-the-top branding, this world-class holistic spa is designed to help you disconnect from the noise and reconnect with yourself. You won’t find typical reminders that you're inside one of the world’s most recognisable hotels, instead, AWAKEN Spa could be anywhere, and that’s precisely what makes it special. Whether you're indulging in a deeply relaxing facial, detoxifying in the sauna, or simply unwinding in the quiet corners of this thoughtfully designed space, every detail of the spa experience is focused on helping you relax, reset, and restore. For those seeking the ultimate in relaxation in Dubai, AWAKEN Spa at Atlantis is not just a spa-it’s a sanctuary.
5 Gorgeous places to stay during Art Basel Qatar 2026
From design-led city hotels to beachfront resorts, these five gorgeous places to stay will elevate your Art Basel Qatar experience.
5 cool spots to discover in Dubai this weekend: Friday 23rd – Sunday 25th January
Dubai’s arts and culture scene comes alive this weekend with LitFest, Quoz Arts Fest, Sikka Festival, Reel Palestine films, and L’ÉCOLE’s Birds of Verse.
Art and design open calls to know this September
Discover September art and design open calls, residencies and creative opportunities across the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
The best places in the UAE to buy and develop film
In a world ruled by smartphone cameras and filters, there’s still something magical about film. Whether you're a 35mm shooter or just found an old disposable at the back of a drawer, the UAE has a quietly thriving film photography scene ready to support your analog obsession. From buying fresh rolls to getting your shots developed, here are some of the best places in Dubai and Abu Dhabi keeping film alive and well.
Fatma Lootah and OMNIYAT celebrate art in “Wishes” commission
Emirati artist Fatma Lootah marks OMNIYAT’s 20th anniversary with Wishes, a reflective commission curated by Art in the Middle.
Architecture shaped by the way we live
Dubai’s luxury homes are evolving. Buyers are shaping spaces that reflect identity, culture, and lifestyle, where art and architecture merge to create truly bespoke residences.
7 Creative workshops in Doha you shouldn’t miss this month
Discover 7 creative workshops in Doha this month—from advanced Ruq’ah calligraphy and watercolour painting to family pottery and candle making. Something for everyone!
Review: A walking gallery of art inside the bold architecture of Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi
Experience Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi, a living gallery of art and architecture. Housed in the world’s most extreme leaning tower, the 35-storey hotel blends bold design, Emirati artistry, and cultural storytelling. Guests enjoy curated artwork, luxurious rooms, and proximity to Abu Dhabi’s top cultural landmarks for an immersive stay.
Top tips for collecting art
Discover essential tips for collecting art, from trusting your instincts to exploring emerging artists, building gallery relationships and shaping a meaningful long-term collection.
Nostalgia Rewired: Inside Dubai’s most creative social space
Discover how 25hours Hotel One Central revives analogue creativity in the heart of Dubai. A nostalgic, tactile space where guests slow down, unplug and get inspired through vinyl, typewriters, cassettes and hands-on culture.
Where to Shop for Stylish Ramadan Outfits 2025
As Ramadan approaches, the abaya and kaftan remain at the heart of the season’s wardrobe. This year, designers embrace fluid silhouettes and statement details. Whether through intricate embroidery, luminous fabrics, or contemporary prints, Ramadan collections strike a perfect balance between modesty and refined elegance — ideal for Iftar and Suhoor gatherings.
Discovering Emirati Heritage at Al Shindagha Museum
Fatima Almazrouei explores Al Shindagha Museum, where Dubai’s history comes alive. From restored heritage houses to interactive exhibits, visitors experience Emirati culture and tradition along the calm waters of Dubai Creek.
Exploring the three creative districts of Cairo Design Week 2025
Cairo Design Week 2025 transforms Heliopolis, Zamalek and Downtown into open-air design districts, celebrating architecture, innovation, culture and sensory creativity across the city.
Dubai’s Most Beautiful Beach Clubs
When the sun is shining in Dubai (which, let’s face it, is most days), there’s no better place to unwind than one of the city’s impeccably designed beach clubs. With a chilled drink in hand, your feet in the sand, and the Gulf glistening ahead, it's where style meets summer bliss.