From African sculptures to street murals, immersive light installations, globally renowned art fairs, and more, art lovers will be in their element this winter with the choice of incredible new exhibitions launching across the UAE.
Tunisian artist Nja Mahdaoui is widely known for his pioneering role in the development of calligraphic abstraction. This winter, Saadiyat Island’s only private art foundation will showcase his best works from over six decades. The other half of the main gallery will present an exclusive collection of Orientalist works, including intricate paintings by acclaimed French painter Jean-Léon Gérôme.
Until January 25 (Nja Mahdaoui), May 31 (Constructing the Orient: Fragments of a Western Dream). Visit bfaf.ae
Furthering its reputation as one of Dubai’s most exciting and welcoming contemporary galleries, the latest exhibition at the Efie Gallery showcases boundary-pushing paintings and sculptures by talented African artists. Addressing important topics as diverse as politics, technology, cultural exchange and climate change, you can expect an explosion of bold colours, unconventional materials and diverse textures, all used in ways that make a statement about the rapidly changing nature of modern life.
Until January 10. Visit Efiegallery.com
Furthering its commitment to empowering local artists, Iris Projects is proud to present the first solo exhibition by Emirati multidisciplinary artist Shamsa Al Omaira. Part of the rapidly developing MiZa artistic community at the historical Mina Zayed Port, the collection explores complex emotions through paintings, photographs, prints, and sculptures made from found and repurposed materials.
January to April. Visit irisprojects.online
Few museums in the GCC (or even the world) are as beautiful as the Jean Nouvel–designed Louvre Abu Dhabi, and its latest exhibition might just be its most fascinating one yet. Developed in collaboration with the Musée du Louvre in Paris, Mamluks: Legacy of an Empire is the first major exhibition dedicated to the art of the Mamluks in more than four decades. Featuring over 250 artefacts and artworks, including calligraphy, textiles, metalwork, ceramics, and manuscripts, it provides a priceless opportunity to learn about the legacy of the influential dynasty and discover why they weren’t just formidable warriors but also masterful craftsmen and skilled diplomats.
Until January 25. Visit louvreabudhabi.ae/en
Every Abu Dhabi resident will remember the mesmerising Manar project that illuminated the city back in 2023. This year, the awe-inspiring public art experience is back with 35 more incredible light installations, projections, sculptures, and performances, and you’ll find them spread as far as the Corniche, Saadiyat Island, Jubail Island, and Fahid Island. Providing a welcome excuse to spend your evenings out in the fresh air, technology-infused art collective teamLab, Emirati multidisciplinary artist Ahmed Al Areef Al Dhaheri, and Emirati poet, filmmaker, and artist Nujoom Alghanem are just some of the huge names taking part.
November 15 to January 31. Visit abudhabiculture.ae
