As a city, there is much more to Dubai than its iconic architectural landmarks and malls. Dubai is also a proud cosmopolitan city where cultural and artistic talent is encouraged, celebrated and applauded. Culture, arts and heritage are vital to the success of Dubai’s expanding economy because they are the key building blocks of civil life and public dialogue. Encouragement of cultural activities in the community improves the quality of life of the city’s residents. It also improves the quality of education and fosters creativity, which leads to innovation in other areas such as hospitality management and entrepreneurship causing a positive impact on the economy. But above all, Dubai’s cultural scene defines this great city’s soul, building its reputation as a world class cultural destination, thus enhancing the Dubai brand and the city’s current standing as the cosmopolitan hub of the Middle East.

Set up in March 2009, the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority now re-branded as Dubai Culture has dedicated itself to leading a renaissance of the cultural scene in Dubai and making it a vibrant hub of culture, arts and heritage. For more information on Dubai Culture look at: http://www.dubaiculture.ae

Prominent Art Centres in Dubai:

Established in 1976, the Dubai International Art Centre (DIAC) is one of the city’s primary efforts towards encouraging art and its significance in the city. Dubai’s oldest and largest art organisation, DIAC has around 1200 members from 67 countries and functions today as an important resource as a gallery, library, learning centre, and a home away from home for the city’s art aficionados.

More recently, a modern art centre (DUCTAC) has been opened at the Mall of the Emirates, paving the way for an infusion of new talent, young and old, drawn from various communities in Dubai’s colourful population made up of nearly 200 nationalities.


Other Art Centres in Dubai include:

• A Passion For Art
• Art Attack Gallery
• Art Space
• Eclectic Art & Coffee House
• Four Seasons Ramesh Gallery
• The Third Line

To see what's happening on the art scene in Dubai, click on the URLs in Useful links below, or to see a list of forthcoming cultural events in Dubai see the calendar of events on: http://www.dubaiculture.ae/en/