Dubai’s evolution as a world-class open art gallery

Since the unification of the Emirates in 1971, the UAE government began issuing art scholarships, paving the way for the burgeoning nation to support its creative talent, while focusing on its macroeconomic growth. For Dubai, that strategy has paid big dividends, culminating in a thriving art scene, and at the heart of it, is DIFC – a global financial centre and vibrant hub where the world of business and innovation intersects seamlessly with art and culture. 

With DIFC being home to the UAE’s largest public art collection and in my capacity as Chairman of the Art Dubai Board, the integration of the arts into DIFC’s fabric has not only augmented the community experience but accelerated its vision to become a destination that provides a sanctuary for both business and culture. Today, the Centre is home to prestigious international and regional art galleries that showcase works by celebrated artists from around the globe. Through this lens, DIFC has showcased a broad range of events, while welcoming several of the world’s leading art galleries to its community, and as a result, found a common ground between creativity and economy.    

DIFC hosts prestigious events like DIFC Art Nights and Sculpture Park – widely recognised as two of the most important events in the city’s cultural calendar – attracting thousands of visitors each year and solidifying its reputation as a cultural epicentre in Dubai. By harnessing the power of art to promote innovation, dialogue, and community enrichment, the Centre is effectively creating a link between business and creativity.

The Centre’s flagship biennial art event, DIFC Art Nights enters its 18th edition this year, and will bring renowned galleries and local and international independent artists together to showcase their masterpieces, transcending mediums, genres, and styles. DIFC’s unique landscape and architecture will come alive with a vibrant display of paintings, murals, sculptures, digital art, public art installations and more - each pushing the boundaries of creativity and artistic expression. Rather than running for one night, in celebration of DIFC’s 20th anniversary, we are delighted to be partnering with likeminded organisations and artists to turn Art Nights into a nine-night celebration. 

In line with the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, to make art accessible to the public through open-air art galleries, DIFC Sculpture Park – now heading into its third edition – will turn DIFC into an eclectic public art space, weaving artworks through the indoor and outdoor public areas of the district to provide visitors with a unique and immersive art viewing experience.

According to a recent report by Deloitte, the global creative economy has the potential to grow 40 per cent by 2030  and contribute more than 8 million new jobs. Dubai’s creative economy alone is poised to double its GDP contribution to 5 per cent by 2025 . 

Consequently, Dubai’s organic evolution as an arts hub is perhaps its most sustainable feat. Long known for its historic trade offerings, today the city boasts a multi-faceted art and culture scene that embraces the soft skills of its citizens and residents, while providing a vibrant palette for global arthouses and artists. As an added benefit, the entry of high-net-worth auction-houses such as Christie’s and Sotheby’s, who have established their presence in DIFC, have only invigorated the city’s bustling art scene. 

With a profusion of museums, auction houses, art fairs and collectors, the city serves as a virtual open-air gallery, embracing sculpture parks, art installations, open-air theatres, and immersive virtual art displays.