Dubai’s vibrant arts ecosystem was in focus at the London Art Biennale as Her Excellency Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, delivered a keynote address outlining the city’s creative journey. Speaking at the historic Chelsea Old Town Hall, Badri highlighted Dubai’s dynamic cultural policies, public art strategies, and talent-support initiatives that have collectively shaped the emirate into a leading global arts centre.
The 2025 edition of the London Art Biennale brought together 350 artists from 60 countries, presenting a museum-grade showcase of contemporary art. The event fostered international dialogue among artists, collectors, and cultural professionals, while also deepening the UAE’s global cultural ties. UAE-based artists participated alongside a diverse international lineup, reinforcing Dubai’s growing profile as a bridge between the Gulf and the wider creative world.
Keynote Address: A City as a Living Canvas
In her address, Her Excellency spoke passionately about embedding creativity into everyday life in Dubai. “We aspire to make creativity part of the everyday experience—to transform the entire city into a living canvas where expression and imagination are not confined to galleries but encountered everywhere,” Badri stated.
She emphasised recent milestones such as the Dubai Cultural Grant, the long-term cultural visa, and the emirate’s growing role as a preferred host for major international cultural events. These developments, she said, underscore Dubai’s commitment to fostering both local talent and international collaboration.
Strategic Cultural Engagements in London
While at the Biennale, Her Excellency toured the exhibition with Aarien Areti, Deputy Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, and Peter Gagliardi, Director at Gagliardi Gallery and a member of the Biennale’s curatorial team. The engagement reinforced Dubai’s role in global cultural diplomacy.
Her visit also included key cultural exchanges across London. Badri joined a guided tour of the Victoria and Albert Museum Storehouse, led by Isabella Valentini, City & Partnerships Officer at the World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF). She explored East Bank, one of London’s emerging creative districts, where she toured Sadler’s Wells East, walked a public art trail, and attended student showcases at the London College of Fashion (LCF) alongside Tamsin Ace, Director of East Bank.
Conclusion: Creativity as a Cornerstone of Global Connectivity
Dubai’s participation in the London Art Biennale signals the emirate’s sustained investment in cross-cultural engagement and global dialogue. By integrating creativity into the urban experience and establishing platforms for artistic growth, Dubai continues to position itself as an international beacon for the arts.
As Her Excellency affirmed, Dubai’s cultural future is shaped by its people, partnerships, and a vision that embraces creativity as a core of global connectivity.