How to explore Dubai’s art and design scene

Nestled within Deira’s Dubai Gold Souk is a hidden gem, seldom uncovered. Called the Women’s Museum, visitors to this cultural masterpiece will be afforded a fantastic chance to learn of the relationship between Emirati women and the region’s art. Made-up of a number of galleries, patrons can look forward to being treated to stunning calligraphy, poetry, paintings, temporary shows crafted by leading female artists in the United Arab Emirates and in general, examples of how women have contributed to education and local businesses.

Laden with wind-tower dwellings, beautiful courtyards, mudbrick alleyways, galleries and charming coffeehouses; Al Fahidi Historical District as its name makes reference to presents rewarding insights into the good old days of Dubai. Also, termed the Bastakia Quarter, the said area encompasses and celebrates the true essence of Emirati heritage. Playing host to a wealth of art-based attractions such as the Majlis Gallery where you may stumble upon permanent collections of fine art that bring to light Bedouin times and the colourful XVA Gallery; Al Fahidi Historical District is a heritage site that you must devote time for.

For a design masterclass which is as good on the inside as it is on the outside, then nothing ought to get in the way of your travels to the acclaimed setting of Jameel Arts Centre. Featuring stacks of geometric white cubes that look out over the Dubai Creek, Jameel Arts Centre is where you need to be at should you be keen to get your head around Dubai’s growing contemporary art culture. Part of its offerings are rotating exhibitions that are the work of leading as well as emerging artists from not just the Middle East but also Africa and Asia. Added to these draws is Jameel Arts Centre’s incredible state-of-the art sketches, videos and sound installations that will easily grab your attention from the moment you walk in.

Affording a wonderful opportunity to get up, close and personal with a far funkier side to Dubai, La Mer which is an open-air dining and shopping precinct located north of Jumeirah Beach is an absolute must before your time in the city draws to a conclusion. Filled to the brim with fast food outlets, kids’ play areas, sportswear stores and what not, La Mer boasts a casual and carefree vibe that will grow on you the longer you decide to stay and walk about. Encounter a plethora of steampunk sculptures in the likes of cogwheels and large pipes to even graffiti-themed paintings and gigantic building murals that will take your breath away in an instant.  

Found in the region known as Downtown Dubai is Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard which is where you can come into contact with some of the finest public art installations. Through a gamut of captivating outdoor sculptures, this flashy boulevard reveals the interests of current ruler of Dubai and Prime Minister of the UAE, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in no uncertain manner. Worthy of mention are the ‘Wings of Mexico’ which is a pair of golden wings that form a ready-made photo opportunity with the magnificent structure of the Burj Khalifa as its backdrop. Not to be outdone, the ‘Camels’ evidence a life-size portrayal of Arabian camels of exquisite detail and craft. Further, should you be looking to be based at one of the top hotels in Dubai in close proximity to the mentioned boulevard, then factor in the possibility of booking with Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel.