The United Arab Emirates, formerly recognized mainly for its petroleum sector, has remarkably transformed into a premier global tourism hub.
More and more, the nation is establishing itself as a hub for cultural growth, with newly opened Louvre and Guggenheim museums in Abu Dhabi and the renowned Sharjah Biennial entering its 16th edition.
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In this edition and at Art Dubai, the Middle East’s premier art fair, there is a growing creative community being attracted and fostered, comprising both local and international artists.
As the art community gathers for this year’s fair, we connect with some of the women defining Dubai’s cultural scene.
THE FAIR
As Art Dubai nears its 20th anniversary, it has revealed that two additional women will be taking up key leadership positions alongside Executive Director Benedetta Ghione. Alexie Glass-Kantor, previously with Artspace in Sydney, will assume the newly established role of Executive Director Curatorial. Meanwhile, Dunia Gottweis, who was most recently at Art Basel, will step into her new capacity as the event’s director.
As the area’s biggest commercial art show keeps expanding, this step underscores the significant part women have in shaping culture, not just locally but globally as well.
Art Dubai, from April 18th to 20th, 2025
artdubai.ae
THE INSTITUTION
Helmed since 2016 by Antonia Carver, Art Jameel is an independent organisation founded by Jameel family philanthropies, on the belief that the arts are fundamental to life and should be accessible to all. Launched under Carver’s leadership, Jameel Arts Centre in Dubai champions work that interrogates the major issues of our time.
An excellent illustration of this can be seen in the ongoing exhibition.
The Farmer, the Intellectual, and the Engineer
By Spanish artist and researcher Assunción Molinos Gordo, this work addresses one of the most pressing issues of our time—the political aspects of land use, labor, and environmental sustainability.
“The Peasant, the Scholar and the Engineer” by Assunción Molinos Gordo, up to September 21, 2025
artjameel.org
THE CULTURAL HUB
Established in 2008, Alserkal Avenue is an energetic hub comprising contemporary art galleries, performance arts groups, designers, and craftsmen located within what was once an industrial area. Led by Executive Director Vilma Jurkute, this entity has evolved into multifaceted Alserkal Initiatives—a highly respected model of cultural development for various parts of the world, emphasizing the cultivation of local artists’ potential.
The organization’s three divisions are led by women, including Basmah El-Bittar guiding the transformation of Alserkal Avenue into Dubai’s primary cultural center, Fiza Akram establishing Alserkal Advisory, and Nada Raza overseeing Alserkal Foundation’s outstanding curatorial program, which presently features Imran Qureshi’s work.
Vanishing Points
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Imran Qureshi’s “Vanishing Points” at Concrete, Alserkal Avenue, runs until April 20, 2025.
alserkal.online
THE FOUNDATION
Established in 2019 by Smita Prabhakar—an Indian entrepreneur, collector, and art supporter who has been residing in the UAE for more than forty years—the Ishara Art Foundation concentrates on modern South Asian art that embodies various perspectives and common narratives from throughout the area.
The organization is presently exhibiting one of my favorite artists, Shilpa Gupta, whose deeply affecting creations underscore and question how societal norms and governmental actions influence the lives of people and groups, sometimes beyond their control and frequently against their wishes.
Shilpa Gupta’s exhibition ” Lines of Flight” at Ishara Art Foundation continues until May 31, 2025.
ishara.org
THE STUDIO
Established by the Canadian-Lebanese artist Maha Eddé, 8th Street Studios is an independent studio located in Dubai’s Al Quoz district. It provides a creative haven for five female artists including Ranim Alhalaky, Chafa Ghadder, Solimar Miller, Hadil Moufti, and Maha Eddé herself.
This area was designed to cultivate a cooperative, community-oriented atmosphere centered around collective education and giving back to the broader artistic community.
@8thstreetstudios
THE ARTIST
Emirati artist Shaikha Al Mazrou creates extensive, minimalistic sculptures and installations that find their roots in modernist ideologies and industrial design, along with geometric shapes and color theories. In her recent piece,
Deliberate Pauses
It is the biggest site-specific art installation in Dubai.
Located amidst the picturesque scenery of Leem Lake in Hatta, this installation features five crimson metal statues positioned thoughtfully along walking paths. These structures serve as guides and gateways, inviting guests to stop, contemplate, and engage more deeply with the nature enveloping them.
@
shaikha.almazrou
The Art Dubai event for 2025 is scheduled from April 18th through April 20th.
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