DIFC Art Nights returns for its 22nd edition
Brazilian pop art, contemporary Emirati works, live Arabic calligraphy and interactive installations feature in this year's DIFC Art Nights, alongside exhibitions by local and international artists.
Image courtesy of DIFC Art Nights
Dubai's cooler November evenings are perfect for exploring art outdoors and DIFC Art Nights provides just the reason.
Free and open to the public, the event returns to Gate Village from 12 to 15 November with four evenings of art and culture running from 5 pm to 10 pm.
The four-day open-air exhibition brings together over 600 artworks, including everything from Romero Britto's colourful pop art to contemporary Emirati art, Arabic calligraphy, and interactive installations. Expect live music, creative workshops, and plenty to explore as Gate Village transforms into an evening gallery under the open sky.
Now in its 22nd edition, DIFC Art Nights brings together artists from the UAE and around the world, with a programme that celebrates creative expression, cultural exchange, and the city's growing art scene. This year's international highlight is Brazilian pop artist Romero Britto, who makes his debut at the event with a special showcase and appearance. Known for his vibrant colours, bold patterns, and playful compositions, Britto is the founder of the Happy Art Movement, which champions optimism and joy through art.
His participation has been facilitated by Gate Avenue concept store The Coolrator. There is also a new addition to this year's programme. For the first time, DIFC Art Nights will extend beyond Gate Village, with special projections illuminating the iconic Gate Building. Opening night features a projection celebrating ISEA2026, followed by a showcase of Britto's distinctive artwork.
Emirati art, heritage and identity
A dedicated Emirati heritage art corner, presented in collaboration with Dubai Culture and developed by Dubai-based Seed's Creativity Studio, brings together three interactive installations exploring the relationship between heritage, art and technology. Located in front of GAIA in Gate Village, the activation offers visitors a contemporary take on Emirati traditions.
The exhibition programme also features works by Emirati artist Alia Bent Sultan, whose presentation, Strong Future Depends on Strong Roots (قوة مستقبلنا من قوة جذورنا), explores the importance of ancestral knowledge and intergenerational connections. Meanwhile, artist Kira Melnikova presents The Geometry Between Us (الهندسة التي تجمعنا), examining collective memory, balance and Dubai's evolving cultural landscape.
Visitors can also explore exhibitions by Art Connects Women and Dubai International Art Centre, alongside artworks by internationally recognised artist Tom Lohner.
Celebrating the written word, Emirati artist Mohammad AlTamimi will present live Arabic calligraphy performances titled Roots & Ambition (جذور وطموح). Inspired by the words and vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the performances examine how traditional Arabic calligraphy continues to develop as a contemporary art form.
Workshops, music and conversations
There is plenty to get involved in beyond the exhibitions. Creative workshops led by thejamjar will introduce visitors to abstract art, printmaking and calligraphy, offering hands-on activities for different interests and abilities.
The workshops will take place in front of Gate Village 10, near Perrotin, where visitors can simply drop by and get involved. All sessions are complimentary, with no advance booking required. Just turn up during the listed times to enjoy a creative activity or join one of the scheduled calligraphy workshops.
13 November, Friday
5pm - 10pm: Oddly Ordered Experiment with shape, pattern, and texture in an abstract printmaking workshop with The JamJar Dubai. Duration: 30–60 minutes
14 November, Saturday
5pm - 10pm: In Between Lines Design your own abstract art tote bag, inspired by Mondrian and Calder. Duration: 30–60 minutes
6pm - 8pm: Velvet Calligraphy: From Arabic Letters to Art
Discover the art of Arabic calligraphy with Fatima Hossein Bor. Duration: 2 hours
15 November, Sunday
5pm - 10pm: Oddly Ordered. Get hands-on with abstract printmaking, playing with shape, pattern, and texture alongside The JamJar Dubai. Duration: 30–60 minutes
Live music will add to the atmosphere throughout the four evenings. Opening night features a performance by Emirati cellist Elham Al Marzooqi, followed by regional musicians Cynthia Khabsa, Ward Ahmed and Khalil Morad.
For those interested in the relationship between art and technology, a panel discussion titled ISEA2026 in Dubai takes place on Thursday 12 November, from 8pm to 9pm. Moderated by ISEA2026 Producer Esra Ozkan, the discussion explores Dubai's hosting of the International Symposium on Electronic Art and the opportunities for collaboration between artists, researchers and the wider creative community.
Organised by DIFC in strategic partnership with Dubai Culture, with Seed's Creativity Studio and Shanghai ME among the event partners, the 22nd edition offers an opportunity to experience art in a relaxed outdoor setting. Whether you're stopping by for exhibitions, catching a live performance, or joining a workshop, Gate Village is the place to spend an evening with art this weekend.
Visit: difc.com/whats-on