Support regional talent with these thought-provoking exhibitions
From immersive installations to thought-provoking contemporary works, museums and galleries across the region are presenting compelling exhibitions this spring. These shows highlight regional voices alongside international artists, offering an opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives and evolving creative practices.
Jumana Emil Abboud, The Storyteller and the Obedient Tide
Location: Jameel Arts Centre, Dubai
Dates: 28 January – 28 June 2026
Palestinian artist Jumana Emil Abboud transforms the galleries of Jameel Arts Centre into an evocative environment shaped by folklore, memory and storytelling. Drawing from oral traditions across the Levant, the exhibition brings together drawings and installations that explore myth, collective narratives and personal histories. Through delicate and immersive works, Abboud creates a contemplative space where imagination and cultural memory intersect.
Jorge Tacla, Time the Destroyer Is Time the Preserver
Location: Sharjah Art Foundation, Sharjah
Dates: 8 February – 7 June 2026
Chilean artist Jorge Tacla presents monumental paintings that examine architecture shaped by time, conflict and transformation. His layered compositions depict buildings caught between decay and reconstruction, reflecting the lasting impact of history. Through textured surfaces and muted palettes, Tacla’s work considers how architecture becomes a silent witness to social and political change.
Abdulnasser Gharem, Cemetery of Martyrs
Location: Ithra Museum, Dhahran
Dates: Spring 2026
Saudi conceptual artist Abdulnasser Gharem explores themes of memory, sacrifice and identity through sculptural installations. The exhibition examines how societies construct meaning through monuments and memorials, encouraging reflection on collective narratives. Gharem’s work challenges viewers to consider how history is remembered and interpreted over time.
Rays, Ripples, Residue
Location: 421 Arts Campus, Abu Dhabi
Dates: Spring 2026
Marking the 10th anniversary of 421 Arts Campus, this exhibition reflects on a decade of artistic development in the UAE. Featuring multimedia works including video, performance and installation, the exhibition highlights emerging artists and creative collectives. The show also explores how cultural institutions and grassroots initiatives have influenced the region’s evolving artistic landscape.
Image Keepers
Location: Sharjah Art Foundation, Al Manakh, Sharjah
Dates: Until 26 April 2026
The inaugural exhibition at Sharjah Art Foundation’s new photography space brings together works from 17 artists and collectives. The exhibition features portraits, documentary photography and multimedia installations drawn from the foundation’s collection. Through diverse visual narratives, the show examines identity, urban transformation and social histories across different regions.
Wafa al-Hamad, Sites of Imagination
Location: Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, Doha
Dates: 19 April – 9 August 2025
In her debut solo museum exhibition, Qatari artist Wafa al Hamad explores themes of mythology, architecture and memory. The exhibition presents immersive works that blur the boundaries between imagined and real landscapes. Through poetic compositions, the artist offers a new perspective on contemporary Qatari art.
Shamsa Al Omaira, Hard Like Tears, Soft Like Glass
Location: MiZa, Port Zayed, Abu Dhabi
Dates: Spring 2026
This exhibition marks the first solo presentation by multidisciplinary artist Shamsa Al Omaira. The works explore contrasts between comfort and fragility, using materials such as glass, ceramic and textiles. Through sculptural installations, the artist examines memory, vulnerability and the relationship between familiar objects and emotional experience.
Of Land and Water
Location: Kalba Ice Factory, Sharjah
Dates: Until 31 May 2026
This exhibition presents large-scale works from the Sharjah Art Foundation collection, marking the first major presentation on the emirate’s east coast. Featuring nine international artists and collectives, the show explores themes of borders, geography and displacement. Through installations and multimedia works, the exhibition reflects on how landscapes shape identity and daily life.
