BMW “Majlis Fann” at Abu Dhabi Art Fair celebrates local culture, art and design
• Created jointly with Emirati artist Omar Al Gurg, BMW’s pavilion reflects the premium automotive brand’s commitment to design and community.
• In partnership with Abu Dhabi Motors, the pavilion is a unique hub inspired by the capital’s famous modernist architecture.
Dubai, UAE, 20 November 2024 – BMW Middle East, in partnership with Abu Dhabi Motors, the official importer of BMW Group vehicles in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, announces its collaboration with Emirati designer Omar Al Gurg for the BMW “Majlis Fann” at the fair’s 16th edition.
Inspired by Abu Dhabi’s brutalist and modernist architectural heritage and BMW’s design excellence, this unique pavilion aims to be a hub for dialogue, inspiration, and cultural exchange at the prestigious art fair.
As the VIP mobility partner of Abu Dhabi Art Fair taking place from November 20 to 24 – BMW Middle East and Abu Dhabi Motors will be providing ten 7 Series for VIPs and will also highlight their backing of the local creative community through support for design, art and culture.
Al Gurg is the founder of the design house Modu Method, and his vision for BMW Majlis Fann pavilion blends the region’s architectural influences with BMW’s ethos of boundlessness and innovation.
Reflecting some of Abu Dhabi’s iconic landmarks, Al Gurg has incorporated flowing forms, arches, and modular elements into the design. Interior elements such as metallic surfaces, and sand-coloured textures evoke both the sleek aesthetics of BMW and the local desert landscape.
“Our participation with Abu Dhabi Motors at Abu Dhabi Art Fair and our collaboration with Omar Al Gurg embodies our high appreciation and supporting local talent and the creative arts,” said Karim Christian-Haririan, Managing Director of BMW Group Middle East. “BMW has long understood the connection between art, design, and community. Our Majlis Fann in collaboration with our partners Abu Dhabi Motors, is not only a space of aesthetic and architectural resonance but a celebration of the UAE’s cultural heritage. By blending Al Gurg’s vision with BMW’s spirit of innovation, I’m confident that we created a truly unique space that honours both heritage and forward-thinking design, merging the elements of comfort, functionality and storytelling.
“This Majlis-inspired pavilion will offer a welcoming space for visitors to experience art, discussions, and performances, all within a structure that represents both tradition and cutting-edge design. It will be a unique gathering space that lies on the intersection of contemporary design, regional culture, and artistic innovation.”
Majlis Fann is an annual Abu Dhabi forum and platform that seeks to connect young collectors with the city’s thriving art scene, cultivating a new generation of art enthusiasts. As part of this initiative, the BMW Majlis Fann will host a series of thought-provoking talks and performances, covering topics such as the evolution of Arab art and practical guidance on the care and storage of art. The programming will include exclusive art previews, music evenings, and public art hours, enabling the space to function as a true hub for creative exchange.
As the BMW Majlis Fann welcomes art lovers, collectors, and creators alike, it will also offer visitors the chance to engage with BMW’s design legacy. This partnership with Abu Dhabi Art Fair reaffirms BMW’s dedication to promoting cultural dialogue, supporting local talent, and building meaningful connections within the global art and design community.