For
those that think Dubai is just about shopping and showboating – think again.
There is a real, and thriving, art market that continues to gain momentum each
year. And it’s drawing all kinds of international attention, with dedicated
fairs such as Art Dubai putting the UAE on the map in terms of its cultural
endeavors. However, art is not something to be consumed but once a year. Here
are some of the best galleries to familiarise yourself with on a regular basis.

Alserkal Avenue

OK,
so Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz isn’t strictly a gallery – per se – but it’s home
to a collection of some of the best in Dubai, and all within a hop, skip and a
jump of each other. Citing itself as a ‘community’ it is the closest thing to
an underground art scene that Dubai has. Think alternative and up-and-coming as
opposed to some of the more established names. That’s not to say they don’t
draw in the big guns, though – Zaha Hadid recently had a show at the fabulous
Leila Heller gallery. One of the best things about Alserkal Avenue is that many
artists also have their studios here, and you can even pop in and watch them
work on selected Saturdays. Make it a must-do.

Recommended

Lovin’ Life With Farhana Bodi: It’s Time To Meet The Real Farhana5 Amazing Shows For The Musical Lover In You!Dubai After Dark: Must-Attend Nightlife Events Happening This Season!

Opera
Gallery

The Dubai branch of the Opera Gallery family (they have premises everywhere
from New York to Miami, London, Paris, Geneva and Seoul) is just as impressive
as its capital counterparts. They regularly showcase some of the most expensive
(we’re talking multimillion Dirham) auctions in Dubai – with works from the
likes of Botero, Chagall and Matisse currently on show. Granted, you may not be
able to find the loose change for those kind of purchases down the back of the
sofa, but you can make the most of their presence in DIFC and go and see them
for free. Now that’s what we call a steal.

The
Empty Quarter

Also
in DIFC (in case you couldn’t tell, this is one of the main art hubs of Dubai –
might have something to do with the wages of the people that work there…) you
will find The Empty Quarter. Co-founded by Saudi Arabian Princess HRH Reem
Al-Faisal and Emirati Safa Al-Hamed, it is the only fine art photography gallery
in the city, and regularly showcases work from some of the world’s greatest
photographers, such as Steve McCurry, Bruno Barbey, Marc Riboud, and
Al-Moutasim Al Maskery. If you or your mates are keen snappers, this is the
place to geek out and learn a thing or two about lighting.

Artspace

Another
slick addition to DIFC’s huge art offering is Artspace: a gallery that was
founded in 2003, and is dedicated to promoting contemporary Middle Eastern art
to the world. So dedicated, in fact, that in 2012 they opened a London branch
to further bridge the cultural gap between east and west. Their most recent
exhibition features the fascinating work of Syrian painter, Saad Yagan, who is
widely regarded as a key member of the development of contemporary art in
Syria. Go and take a stroll around Artspace one afternoon and immerse yourself
in the modern creativity of the region you call home. It’ll be worth your
while. (Feeling inspired? Check out This New Art Class Where You Can Paint Underwater and Drink Wine)

Cuadro
Fine Arts

CuadroFine Art gallery, founded in 2008, separate themselves from the other spaces
dotted throughout DIFC by focussing more on developing existing talent in the
region, than attracting stars from overseas. With a mantra of “exhibitions,
education, residency and consultation” the gallery even offers studio space to
artists within the UAE, as well as promotion of their subsequent work. It is
this kind of passion about the community in which it sits, that makes Cuadro
one of the most interesting galleries to visit in the city, as the work
exhibited inside is there because of reasons more than financial value, it’s
about what it means to people living in the UAE today.

Meem
Gallery

Located
in Al Quoz, the Meem Gallery was founded in 2007 by Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi,
Mishal Hamed Kanoo and Charles Pocock and is another champion of contemporary
artists in and from the Middle East. With their most recent exhibition being a
solo show by Texas-based, Iraqi artist Nazar Yahya, which explored
“Andalusian-Arab heritage, the idea of history and how it can come to be
re-examined” – thought provoking stuff, we’re sure you’ll agree. Like all good
galleries, they also have a pretty good shop, though you’re more like to find original art pieces costing
a few thousand dollars, than a cheap postcard.

Now read: Celebrating the UAE: The 10 pictures that show how Dubai has changed