Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has officially launched Dubai Art Season 2026, an expansive cultural initiative running from January 21 to April 26, 2026, aimed at enriching Dubai’s creative landscape and reaffirming the city’s global reputation as a thriving center for arts and culture.
Under the theme “Wander Through a World of Art and Creativity”, the season offers a curated calendar of diverse events, exhibitions, and festivals across the emirate, inviting residents and visitors alike to engage with the arts in all its forms.
A Season of Premier Art Events and Global Talent
Kicking off the season is the 18th Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, held from January 21 to 27 at InterContinental Dubai Festival City. Ranked among the top 10 literary festivals worldwide, this year’s edition features inspiring stories, thought-provoking discussions, and interactive sessions. Notable highlights include “Verses from the Desert” and “Arabian Nights: Poetry and Law”. Dubai Culture is sponsoring two key segments—”Bil Emarati” and “Translation”—to honor the contributions of Emirati authors, translators, and cultural pioneers in promoting dialogue and enriching the local cultural scene.
Simultaneously, on January 24 and 25, Alserkal Avenue will host the Al Quoz Arts Festival, supported strategically by Dubai Culture. Set within the vibrant Al Quoz Creative Zone, the festival offers an immersive mix of live music, art installations, cultural experiences, and family-friendly entertainment—providing a comprehensive cultural outing for all ages.
Celebrating Emerging Identities and Bold Visions
One of the cornerstone events of the season is the 14th Sikka Art and Design Festival, scheduled from January 23 to February 1 in the historic Al Shindagha neighborhood. This year’s theme, “Imagine Dubai: Identities of the Future”, sets the stage for an exciting blend of visual arts, performance, design, public art, technology, and creative programming. The festival showcases works by emerging and established Emirati artists, as well as creators from across the Gulf, offering an immersive exploration of cultural identity and futuristic narratives.
Art Dubai and World Art Dubai Return With New Energy
In April, the season reaches a creative crescendo with two major art fairs:
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The 20th edition of Art Dubai will take place at Madinat Jumeirah from April 18 to 20, under the theme “The Future, the Past, and the Present”. With over 100 participating galleries from 35 countries, and 36 newcomers, Art Dubai continues to push the boundaries of contemporary and digital art, while embracing cultural diversity.
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World Art Dubai, now in its 12th year, will run from April 22 to 26 at Dubai World Trade Centre. Known for making art more accessible, the exhibition offers affordable artworks and promotes artistic appreciation among new collectors, while also supporting emerging talent.
Year-Round Cultural Engagement
Beyond major festivals, Dubai Opera will host a rich lineup of theatrical and musical performances in January and March, spotlighting regional and global talents in the performing arts.
Meanwhile, Dubai Culture continues to pay homage to the UAE’s artistic journey through the retrospective exhibition “Witnesses of Change” at Etihad Museum, running until June 30. Featuring around 60 works from the Barjeel Art Foundation, the exhibition reflects on five decades of creative evolution, showcasing pioneering artists who shaped the nation’s cultural narrative since 1971.
Also part of the season is the “Birds’ Poems” exhibition by L’ÉCOLE Middle East, running until April 25. The show explores the dialogue between Islamic art and Western jewelry, displaying over 150 exceptional pieces from more than 20 institutions.
Additionally, Dubai residents and visitors can experience digital and interactive art year-round through platforms like Arte Museum at Dubai Mall, Theatre of Digital Art at Souk Madinat Jumeirah, and exhibitions at Alserkal Avenue and Jameel Arts Centre.
A Vision for a Sustainable Creative Future
Commenting on the season, Saleh Shukri Al Breik, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Dubai Culture, emphasized the significance of the initiative, saying:
“Dubai Art Season plays a pivotal role in shaping the cultural and creative industries in the emirate. It provides an inclusive platform for talents to transform their visions into impactful experiences. This season reflects Dubai’s aspiration to be a global capital of culture, a sanctuary for creativity, and a gathering place for talents from around the world.”
He further noted that the season boosts cultural tourism, encourages cross-cultural dialogue, and supports Dubai Culture’s strategic mission to enrich the creative ecosystem and cement Dubai’s status as a global cultural leader.
Explore the full schedule of Dubai Art Season 2026 at:
