Selected from more than 300 submissions, seven UAE-based artists will present works in a group exhibition opening on 11 June 2026.

JD Malat Gallery Dubai is pleased to announce the selected finalists of Made in the UAE, a curatorial initiative launched in October 2025 to spotlight and support artistic voices shaping the UAE’s contemporary cultural landscape. Following an open call that attracted more than 300 submissions from artists residing across the Emirates, seven artists have been selected for the upcoming group exhibition opening on 11 June 2026 at JD Malat Gallery in Downtown Dubai.

The selected finalists, all residing in the UAE, are Ahmed Emad (UAE/Egypt), Anila Ashraf (Pakistan), Camelia Mohebi (UAE), Elizaveta Pugacheva (Russia), Samo Shalaby (Egypt/Palestine), Sasan Nasernia (Iran) and Yousif Albadi (Sudan).

Reflecting the multicultural fabric of the UAE’s dynamic creative ecosystem, the finalists represent a range of distinct artistic perspectives and practices. Their works span painting, sculpture and mixed-media, exploring themes of identity, memory, materiality and cultural exchange, while offering a snapshot of the evolving contemporary art landscape shaping the region today.

The finalists were selected by a panel of leading figures from the region’s art and cultural community, including Zina Khair, Patron and Co-Founder of the Khair Art Collection; Roxane Zand, Founder of Zand Fine Arts and former Sotheby’s Deputy Chairman Middle East; Ali Mohammadioun, Collector-Curator and Founder & Architect of E Plus A Atelier; and Jean-David Malat, Art Dealer and Founder of JD Malat Gallery. 

Following the review process, the panel expanded the original selection to include seven artists, recognising the exceptional quality and breadth of submissions received.

“Made in the UAE was created as a way to engage more directly with the artistic energy emerging from across the Emirates,” said Jean-David Malat, Founder of JD Malat Gallery. “The level of submissions we received was incredibly strong and demonstrated the depth of talent currently shaping the UAE’s cultural landscape. What stood out was not only the quality of the work, but the diversity of perspectives and experiences represented. These artists reflect the international and layered identity that makes Dubai such a compelling creative city today.”

Opening on 11 June 2026 at JD Malat Gallery Dubai, the exhibition will present works by the seven artists selected through the Made in the UAE open call.