Dubai - Arts & Culture

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Arts & Culture

Dubai

Provided by: Dubai Economy and Tourism

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In collaboration with Dubai Economy & Tourism

Overview

Arts & Culture The guide was updated: 2024-04-25

With Dubai Opera, the arts district Al Quoz and the discovery of relics from the Iron Age, Dubai is fast evolving into a cultural hotspot. The city’s highlights range from the ancient past to stark modernity, and there is no better time to see its evolution than now.

Museums

Museums

Learn about Dubai's origins, traditions and culture at one of the city's many museums. Take the time to explore the Coins Museum in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, which showcases precious coins from different historical eras. Don't miss other museums, like Saruq Al-Hadid, which unlocks the mysteries of the Iron Age, Etihad Museum that tells the story of the UAE's formation, and Al Shindagha Museum that brings Dubai's seafaring past to life.

Art Galleries

Art Galleries

Discover the region's contemporary art scene in Dubai, where galleries in locations like DIFC, Alserkal Avenue and d3 (Dubai Design District) are leading the charge with a year round calendar of cutting edge exhibitions. In March, Dubai celebrates art, with the much-awaited art exhibition Art Dubai and World Art Dubai attracting leading creatives, gallery owners and experts.

Historical Neighbourhood

Historical Neighbourhood

Escape the city's skyscrapers and travel back in time with a trip to Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. This atmospheric area is one of the oldest heritage sites in the city, with a neighbourhood that dates back to the early 1900s. A tour of the area offers a beguiling glimpse into the Dubai of a bygone era including traditional wind towers, bustling courtyards and a maze of winding alleyways. This neighbourhood is home to art galleries, restaurants and charming souvenir shops.

La Perle

La Perle

This world-class venue stages the city’s first ever resident show, masterminded by creative director Franco Dragone. La Perle is a show that combines the spirit of Dubai with an iconic 860-square-metre ‘aqua-stage’. Using 2.7 million litres of water for each performance, the custom-built theatre was constructed around the show’s concept. Inspired by the vibrancy of this city, the show has it all — cascading waterfalls, fast-paced acrobatics, a 25-metre high dive and fantastical characters.

Mosques

Mosques

Visit the stunning Jumeirah Mosque, one of just a couple of mosques in Dubai that welcome non-Muslim guests. Make the most of your visit by joining a tour hosted by the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding and learn about the Emirati culture in a relaxed, casual and open atmosphere. When lit up at dusk, the mosque's intricate artistry and true beauty are highlighted. Note that women are asked to dress modestly and wear a scarf when visiting.

Infinity des Lumières

Infinity des Lumières

Step into the biggest immersive digital art centre in the GCC, Infinity des Lumières, which brings iconic and contemporary art to life through 130 projectors, 58 speakers and an incredible 3,000 HD digital moving images. The immersive experience will transport visitors into a world where they can enjoy living, dynamic art. Exhibitions related to Gaudi, Kandinsky, Klee, and a groundbreaking data painting experience 'Dubai Data', will run simultaneously through the digital art gallery and captivate your senses.

Theatre of Digital Art

Theatre of Digital Art

The Theatre of Digital Art at Madinat Jumeirah gives famous artwork a modern twist with advanced technology and immersive storytelling. It combines three formats of digital art including multimedia exhibitions, contemporary immersive installations and art in virtual reality. Spread over 1,800 square metres, the venue displays digital shows of classical art, accompanied by music, visual effects and surround sound. Exhibitions change regularly, adding fresh perspectives with every visit.

Dubai Opera

Dubai Opera

Experience the region's contemporary cultural scene at Dubai Opera, one of the city’s architectural masterpieces. Shaped like a futuristic dhow, this institution hosts a stellar program of international names and local legends in opera, ballet, theatre and music. Designed by Danish architect Janus Rostock and located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, the 2,000-seat Dubai Opera is a world-class cultural facility.

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