Dubai Culture has unveiled the much-anticipated Dubai Art Season 2025, under the theme “Take a Walk on the Art Side.” This cultural extravaganza, running from 4 January to 20 April 2025, reflects the Authority’s dedication to nurturing Dubai’s creative landscape and cementing its global status as a cultural hub and incubator for talent.
Held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the season offers an array of activities, festivals, and initiatives that promise to inspire and engage audiences from across the globe.
Major Highlights: Al Marmoom, Al Quoz, and Sikka
The season kicks off with the fourth edition of Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert Festival from 4 to 12 January 2025, themed “Stories at One with Nature.” This festival will feature a rich lineup of films, live performances, workshops, and panel discussions, aiming to enhance the regional film industry’s sustainability and inspire emerging talent. Visitors can also enjoy immersive experiences, public art, digital exhibitions, competitions, and a vibrant marketplace featuring homegrown food concepts.
Following closely, the twelfth edition of the Al Quoz Arts Fest will take place on 25 and 26 January 2025 at Al Quoz Creative Zone and Alserkal Avenue. Supported by Dubai Culture, the festival will host over 200 artistic and cultural events, including musical performances and interactive experiences, showcasing Dubai’s vibrant creative scene.
The Sikka Art and Design Festival will return for its 13th edition from 31 January to 9 February 2025 at Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood. It will spotlight visual arts, innovative creations by Emirati and resident artists, and a series of workshops, musical performances, and talks that celebrate the region’s artistic ingenuity.
Literature and International Art Take the Stage
The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature will hold its 17th edition from 29 January to 3 February 2025 at InterContinental Hotel Festival City. Featuring 150 events, the festival will welcome writers, creatives, and thinkers worldwide. Special highlights include the “Bil Emirati” section, celebrating UAE culture with prominent authors such as Adel Khozam and Nahla Al Fahad. Events like Desert Stanzas and LitFest Families promise engaging literary experiences for all.
Art enthusiasts can look forward to the 18th edition of Art Dubai, scheduled for 18 to 20 April 2025 at Madinat Jumeirah. This global art exhibition will feature galleries across Contemporary, Modern, Bawwaba, and Digital sections, alongside expert-led workshops and discussions.
Throughout the season, Dubai Opera will host a series of musical and theatrical performances, spotlighting regional and international talent in the performing arts.
Statements Reflect the Spirit of Dubai Art Season
Dr. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, CEO of the Arts & Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, emphasized, “Through its diverse artistic, cultural, and creative activities, Dubai Art Season offers a unique experience that reflects the essence of Dubai, its vibrancy, and its future aspirations. It also highlights the emirate’s capabilities in attracting creatives from around the world and cultivating connections among them, aligning with the Authority’s responsibilities and sectoral priorities aimed at enriching Dubai’s cultural movement and supporting cultural tourism.
