GCC Galleries
Explore the GCC’s changing gallery scene, from Dubai spaces such as JD Malat, Ayyam and Efie Gallery to independent galleries across Bahrain, Qatar and beyond. Find our exhibition spotlights, opening reports and practical guides in one place.
Articles
Efie Gallery presents The Shape of Things to Come
Efie Gallery opens its new Alserkal Avenue space with The Shape of Things to Come, a landmark group exhibition curated by Dexter Wimberly. Featuring artists such as El Anatsui, Iman Issa, Yinka Shonibare, and Carrie Mae Weems, the exhibition reflects on contemporary life through bold, innovative practices. On view from 11 October 2025 to 10 January 2026, this must-see show affirms Efie Gallery’s mission to connect African voices with global audiences in the heart of Dubai’s art district.
Efie Gallery and the Rise of African Art in Dubai
Efie, the Twi word for ‘home’, reflects the idea of belonging through culture, history, and identity for communities across the world. Founded by Kwame and Kobi Mintah, Efie Gallery has rapidly become a cornerstone of Dubai’s contemporary African art scene. Set to open its doors in the trendy Alserkal Avenue, with a new two-storey, 4,400 sq. ft. space and a monumental solo exhibition by internationally acclaimed Cuban artist María Magdalena Campos-Pons this April, Efie Gallery is poised to make a significant impact.
Aïda Muluneh at Efie Gallery: This Bloom I Borrow
This week’s Art in the Middle Exhibition Spotlight features Ethiopian artist Aïda Muluneh at Efie Gallery, Alserkal Avenue (17 January – 5 April 2026), presenting over ten previously unseen works from her latest photographic series, shot in her Abidjan studio and hand-finished in Dubai, where photography, painting, and performance converge to explore identity, womanhood, and heritage through bold colour and symbolism.
Sophie-Yen Bretez opens her exhibition at JD Malat Gallery Dubai
JD Malat Gallery Dubai presents “The Unsaid Remains Remembered,” a solo exhibition by Paris-based artist Sophie-Yen Bretez, on view from 1 Oct to 2 Nov 2025. The show features large-scale works exploring memory, silence, and transformation through symbolic landscapes and everyday objects.
Exhibition Spotlight: Made in the UAE at JD Malat Gallery
Made in the UAE exhibition at JD Malat Gallery presents seven contemporary artists exploring identity, memory, and materiality in the UAE art scene.
Inside Out '25 by Elias Izoli at Ayyam Gallery Dubai
Inside Out 2025 at Ayyam Gallery Dubai marks the return of Syrian artist Elias Izoli. Through vivid portraits and circus motifs, Izoli transforms the trauma of war into deeply moving visual narratives. The exhibition explores resilience, illusion, and the unseen struggles of life under conflict, inviting viewers to step beyond the surface and witness the emotional truths beneath.
The Doha Fire Station Gallery Guide
The complete guide to Doha Fire Station gallery, including ticketing information and the exhibits in February and March.
Gallery B•R’s Spring 2025 Showcase Ends Soon
Located in Bahrain’s Manama Sea Front, Gallery B•R isn't your typical art space – forget predictable white walls and predictable art. This gallery, located at 10 Harbour Row, curates a compelling and colourful dialogue between contemporary art, mid-century design, and intriguing antiques.
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.