Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a vibrant hub for culture and creativity with the launch of the 21st edition of Art Nights at Dubai International Financial Centre today. Running until April 26, the event presents a diverse program of visual experiences, panel discussions, and film screenings, while shining a light on both established artists and emerging talent.
This year’s edition is held with the support of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, in partnership with Opera Gallery and hospitality partner Le Petit Beefbar Dubai. Together, they bring forward an event that reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to supporting the arts and expanding access to creative experiences.
Over several days, Art Nights offers a varied line-up that includes visual and interactive art, along with short film screenings presented by Cineolio and its founder Nawaf Al Janahi. Five films will be shown daily, adding a cinematic layer to the overall cultural experience. The program also features free creative workshops, artistic activations, culinary experiences, and live entertainment.
Visual art remains at the heart of the event, with visitors invited to explore a selection of striking works. Among the highlights is an acrylic-on-metal piece by artist Domingo Zapata, whose work blends pop art with neo-expressionism. Zapata is known for his energetic lines and bold compositions, and has gained international recognition for his large-scale murals in Times Square and Miami.
Visitors of all ages will also have the opportunity to take part in free creative workshops organized in collaboration with Dubai International Art Centre. The event will also feature live art experiences, including an interactive doodle-based performance by artist Nour Bazrbashi. Doodle art, built on simple and repeated lines and shapes, is often associated with spontaneous expression and can help promote relaxation and emotional release.
Music will also be part of the atmosphere, with a series of performances by three young pianists, including UAE-based talents Abdullah Makki, Ameera Al Ali, and Hadi Qteish. In addition, artist Ayman Mohammed will present live artistic performances that add an immediate and experimental dimension to the event through direct interaction with the audience.
Beyond the visual program, Art Nights also creates space for discussion through a number of curated talks addressing key issues in the art world. During the opening ceremony, Christie’s and Dubai Culture will host a panel titled The Next Generation of Art Collectors, focusing on the changing behavior of collectors and the future outlook for supporting the arts. The session will be moderated by Christie’s Middle East and North Africa Managing Director Megha?n Kelly Horsman and will feature Dubai Culture’s Director of Fine Arts Khalil Abdulwahid, Opera Gallery Middle East Director Sylvain P. Gaillard, and writer and cultural commentator Ghaith Abdullah.
As part of efforts to promote the 31st edition of the International Symposium on Electronic Art, ISEA 2026, which Dubai will host in November, Dubai Culture will also hold a dedicated session during Art Nights. The discussion will highlight the importance of the upcoming event, which will be held under the theme Yallah: Arts Creating Place, Data and Identity. The symposium is expected to bring together artists, designers, academics, technologists, curators, and museum specialists from around the world to explore the intersections of art, science, and technology, while looking ahead to the future of digital art.
Shayma Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, emphasized the importance of Art Nights in enriching the local arts movement and showcasing the strength of Dubai’s creative ecosystem.
She said the event represents a lively platform for artistic expression, community engagement, and meaningful exchange between artists and audiences. She added that Dubai Culture’s participation reflects its continued commitment to making art accessible to all, while supporting creatives through an encouraging environment that helps them grow, connect, collaborate, and contribute to the long-term development of the cultural sector.
