As the art world kicks off its busy autumn season and the UAE begins to cool down, the cultural scene is coming into full swing. Luckily, there is no shortage of exhibitions to fill your weekend with, from exploring the historic trade routes that connected Africa, Asia and beyond across the Indian Ocean to discovering the artistic legacy of Paul Guiragossian: 100 Years of Art and delving into the rich Ottoman heritage and bridal customs. Here are the exhibitions worth visiting this weekend in the UAE.
Spices and Wonders: Sailing the Indian Ocean
A cultural experience you shouldn’t miss, Spices and Wonders: Sailing the Indian Ocean runs until February 2027 at Louvre Abu Dhabi. The exhibition explores approximately 1,000 years of maritime history, tracing the trade routes that connected Africa, Asia and beyond across the Indian Ocean. Through the movement of spices, objects, ideas and cultural traditions, it reveals how these maritime connections shaped societies across continents.
Organised in partnership with the Guimet National Museum of Asian Arts in Paris, the exhibition brings together around 240 artworks and historical objects from 24 lenders, offering a fascinating journey through centuries of maritime exchange, from antiquity to the 17th century.
Paul Guiragossian: 100 Years of Art
Art lovers shouldn’t miss Paul Guiragossian: 100 Years of Art, an exhibition held at Bassam Freiha Art Foundation celebrating the centenary of the Armenian-Lebanese artist, recognised as one of the most important figures in 20th-century modern art in the Arab world. It offers an opportunity to discover the work of an influential modern artist and explore a significant chapter in the region’s artistic history. The exhibition runs till 17 January 2027.
Bridal Treasures: A Journey Through Ottoman and Anatolian Dowries
If you’re fascinated by bridal fashion, heritage and craftsmanship, Bridal Treasures is an exhibition worth visiting. Celebrating Ottoman and Anatolian bridal traditions, it showcases 236 artefacts, including intricately embroidered wedding garments, bridal accessories, traditional textiles and decorative objects.Presented under the patronage of Türkiye’s First Lady, Emine Erdoğan, the exhibition also explores traditional wedding rituals, Turkish bath and coffee ceremonies, alongside a recreated Ottoman salon. Held at Manarat Al Saadiyat, Gallery S, Abu Dhabi, the exhibition closes on 26 October 2026, making this weekend your last chance to visit.
Vantage Point 13
Where: Photography Gallery, Sharjah Art Foundation
Dates: 8 August–29 November 2026
If you’re a photography enthusiast, this is a wonderful opportunity to discover Vantage Point 13. The thirteenth edition of the exhibition places photography at the centre of a showcase featuring newly commissioned works by six artists. Through documentary photography and distinctive visual narratives, it explores how images shape our understanding of people, places and the wider world. Held at the Photography Gallery, Sharjah Art Foundation, the exhibition runs until 29 November 2026.
