Art in Dubai is full of creative genius, whether it is the grand installations of contemporary art or the smaller exhibitions of a single artist. You like experimental sculpture, photography, or something thought-provoking using mixed media, but, the city keeps on positioning itself as a global cultural destination.
To serious collectors and gallery-hoppers of all levels, these art exhibitions in Dubai represent an effective combination of global stars and local artists. These are the nine art shows in Dubai exhibitions in 2026 you will not regret attending.
Also look for 8 Free Things to Do in Dubai 2026
Art Exhibitions in Dubai This Winter
Art Dubai will continue to be the star cultural event in the city, which is going to be reinstated in 2026 with a much more international perspective. The modern, contemporary, and digital art fair boasts a large number of first-time exhibitors, and this is indicative of the role that Dubai can take as a place of the gathering of various artistic voices.
In addition to the gallery booths, the visitors should expect the live performances, talks, and immersive installations. The three day event is both entertaining and involves educational workshops and curated programmes so that it is accessible and interesting. It remains one of the best art exhibitions in Dubai that attracts collectors, critics, and creators worldwide.
- Art Dubai
- Dates: April 17-19, 2026
- Setting: Madinat Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim.
- Exhibitors: 100+ trades show exhibitions with 35 countries.
- Entry: Prices TBC
Ayyam Gallery – At The Fire
Having a powerful symbolism, At The Fire is an interesting piece that explores the theme of identity, fragility, and transformation. The first solo show of Ali Kaaf at Ayyam Gallery is a representation of scorched paper, blown glass, and eye-popping art pieces that make one think about the weakness of material things.
Located in the artistic soul of Alserkal Avenue, the exhibition transforms into a slow-viewing and emotional experience, which makes it a remarkable gallery experience in winter.
- Dates: Nov 16, 2025 – Jan 10, 2026
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10am -6pm; Saturday 11am-6pm.
- Place: Ayyam Gallery, Al Quoz..
- Entry: Free
Bady Dalloul: Self Portrait with a Cat I Don’t Have
It is the first institutional solo exhibition by Bady Dalloul in the UAE. The exhibition includes a self-portrait painted in Tokyo and dozens of small images put in matchboxes, capturing the pieces of events taking place in the whole world, personal recollections and political commentaries.
It can be miniature, but the effect is mighty and it rewards those visitors who care to take the time to scrutinize each work of art.
- Dates: Sep 20, 2025 – Feb 22, 2026
- Hours: Sat-Thu 10am-8pm; Fri noon-8pm.
- Place: Jameel Arts Centre, Al Jadaf.
- Entry: Free
DIFC Art Nights
DIFC Art Nights is an outdoor event which transforms the financial sector into a cultural destination. The event gives a person an opportunity to experience art in a playful urban setting full of sculptures, pop-up galleries, and interactive workshops all over the location.
The architecture of the district of the city acquires its volume as the component of the visual perception when the sun sets, and it is a mixture of the creativity and urban life.
- Dates: TBC 2026
- Location: Dubai International financial centre.
- Form: Outdoor exhibitions, installations, workshops.
- Entry: Free
FN Designs Dubai: Light, Lens, Legacy
The exhibition of the photographs will provide the viewer with a special look at Dubai because of the archival pictures dated back in the 1940s. The exhibition dedicated to 50 photographs by 5 Leica photographers is a documentation of the changing of the city into a modern metropolis with the beginning of it being the coastal settlements.
It is a time-travel adventure in terms of its visuals: down abra-filled waterways, across desert scenes below skyscrapers, and so forth.
- Dates: Oct 15, 2025 – Jan 8, 2026
- Timings: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm
- Location: FN Designs, Al Quoz
- Entry: Free
In the Space of Becoming
This best art shows in Dubai exhibit of the works of Alia Hussain Lootah explores the concept of transforming by way of form and shape and space. Sculptures and drawings are united to demonstrate the development and interaction of separate objects.
The exhibition is a very relaxing and thought-provoking one and it is best enjoyed by the visitor interested in conceptual art and creativity based on processes.
- Dates: Jan 17 – Mar 10, 2026
- Timings: Mon-Sat 10am-6pm
- Place: Aisha Alabbar Gallery, Al Quoz.
- Entry: Free
Remnants: Kais Salman
Remnants introduces the most recent works by Kaiser Salman, in which the brushstrokes are overlapping, concealing the face and form behind the textured layers. Both paintings are a manifestation of memory, loss, and time.
The exhibition begs to be examined closely, and it can be rewarding to the viewers with the ability to spot small details that are revealed over a time.
- Dates: Jan 17 – Mar 18, 2026
- Times: Monday-Friday 10am-6pm; Saturday midday-6pm.
- Location: Ayyam Gallery, Al Quoz
- Entry: Free
World Art Dubai
The World Art Dubai is one of the biggest art fairs of the region, uniting artists of different parts of the world. Coupled with the visual art, visitors have access to live performances, talks and live workshops.
Its open accessibility and mere diversity make it one of the most successful art exhibitions in Dubai to find new talent and styles.
- Dates: April 23-26, 2026
- Address: Dubai World Trade Centre.
- Artworks: 10,000+ pieces
- Entry: Prices TBC
Zawyeh Gallery – Houselessness by Mohammed Joha
The exhibit is emotional and covers issues of displacement and identity using salvaged materials of cardboard, fabric, and paper. The work by Mohammed Joha shows an impact of distinguished surroundings and his personal past and is a sad commentary on loss and survival.
- Dates: Nov 16, 2025 – Jan 11, 2026
- Timings: Daily 10am-6pm
- Directions: Zawyeh Gallery, Al Quoz.
- Entry: Free
Final Thoughts
The Dubai 2026 art calendar is the response of the city to the increasing cultural maturity, presenting diverse, meaningful, and global exhibitions. Whether it is big fair or a small gallery display, these nine exhibits demonstrate the artistic richness that characterizes the city in modern times.
Regardless of whether you are organizing a specific gallery trip or an unexpected cultural trip, these top art shows in Dubai will make the year the year of art exploration.
