Alserkal Avenue has established itself as a central pillar of the United Arab Emirates’ cultural and artistic landscape. Located in the Al Quoz area of Dubai, it is widely recognized as a pioneering district for contemporary art, innovative design, and creative collaboration. Since its founding in 2008, Alserkal Avenue has grown into a comprehensive cultural platform that brings together galleries, studios, creative enterprises, and public programming under one integrated vision.
A Cultural Vision
The creation of Alserkal Avenue reflects a broader ambition to develop sustainable cultural infrastructure in Dubai. Designed to support both established and emerging artists, the district provides a space where artistic, cultural, and intellectual practices converge. It has become a meeting point for curators, collectors, designers, and the wider public — fostering an environment where artistic expression and cultural innovation are not only exhibited, but actively produced and shared.
Through its programs, exhibitions, and partnerships, Alserkal Avenue has contributed significantly to shaping the regional creative economy and has positioned Dubai as a serious player on the global cultural map. It also serves as a platform for dialogue, education, and community engagement, supporting the development of local talent while encouraging international exchange.
Founding and Development
Alserkal Avenue was founded by Abdelmonem Bin Eisa Alserkal with the aim of creating a permanent home for the arts in Dubai — a place that would offer both visibility and support to artists and cultural practitioners. The vision was to establish a district dedicated to contemporary cultural production and to provide a space that could grow in step with the city’s evolving creative scene.
Since its launch, the district has expanded significantly. A major development in 2015 enabled the creation of new exhibition spaces, performance venues, and cultural foundations, allowing the Avenue to accommodate over 70 organizations and creative initiatives. Today, it includes some of the region’s most respected galleries, such as The Third Line, Lawrie Shabibi, Custot Gallery, and Elmarsa, alongside independent cinemas, design studios, public art installations, and a variety of cultural programs open to the community.
Role in the Creative Economy
Alserkal Avenue plays a key role in advancing contemporary art and design in the UAE. Beyond serving as a space for exhibitions and performances, it functions as a creative ecosystem — one that supports innovation, dialogue, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Through initiatives that focus on research, education, and socially engaged practice, the Avenue has succeeded in creating a framework for long-term cultural development.
Its contribution is not limited to the presentation of art; it actively invests in the creation, preservation, and future of cultural heritage in the region. The presence of dedicated foundations and privately funded institutions within the Avenue highlights its commitment to sustainability and long-term impact in the arts.
Accessibility and Location
Alserkal Avenue is located in Al Quoz 1, a district that has gained cultural prominence within Dubai. The site is easily accessible via Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), one of the city’s main transport routes, and is approximately 10 minutes by car from The H Dubai Hotel.
Transportation Options:
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By Metro: Closest station – Onpassive (formerly Al Safa); from there, taxis and buses provide direct access within minutes.
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By Car: Accessible from major highways; approximately 20 minutes from central Dubai.
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Parking: On-site parking is available, ensuring ease of access for all visitors.
Thanks to its strategic location and transportation links, Alserkal Avenue is easily reachable for both local residents and international guests, making it one of the most convenient cultural destinations in the city.
Alserkal Avenue represents a forward-looking model for cultural infrastructure in the Gulf region. With its diverse programming, institutional partnerships, and commitment to artistic excellence, it continues to shape the cultural narrative of Dubai and the wider UAE.
As a space that supports creative production, public engagement, and global exchange, Alserkal Avenue stands at the forefront of contemporary culture — not only as a destination, but as a driving force in the region’s cultural future.
