UAE has become the art hub of the Middle East due to its unique position between East and West. While cities like Tehran and Cairo may have prospered as cultural capitals, in the twentieth century, they have subsequently faded from view owing to strife.
The UAE’s three biggest emirates have adopted the arts in diverse ways, inspired by their individual UAE rulers’ and patrons’ ideals. Dubai has evolved into a commercial art hub, Abu Dhabi has invested in large global collaborations, and Sharjah has introduced local artists to an international arts community.
This article will take you on an art gallery journey and help you understand the influence the UAE ruler’s vision had on making it the art hub that it is now.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is an architectural marvel that draws influence from the UAE’s landscape and history. UAE rulers designed it as a micro-city, with 55 separate chambers that visitors may stroll around as if they were in an Arab medina.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is meant to be a crossroads of civilizations, both artistically and curatorially. It is the Arab Nation’s first worldwide museum, with a collection of over 600 objects that convey tales of human ingenuity that transcend space and time.
Sharjah Biennial
The Sharjah Biennial was primarily a regional event conducted at an exhibition center when Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi (UAE ruler) founded it in 1993. Thanks in great part to the supervision of his daughter SheikhaHoor Al-Qasimi, the biennial is now renowned across the globe and holds exhibits around the city.
After attending the Documenta art show in Germany in 2003, Hoor decided to modify the concept of the Sharjah Biennial, focusing on individual artists rather than national pavilions and enlisting independent curators.
Art Dubai
Art Dubai is held in March for 3 days at the MadinatJumeirah Resort. It was founded in 2006 and has since grown to become one of the most worldwide international art fairs.
Apart from serving as a crossroads for civilizations, Art Dubai has played an important role in bringing art patrons to Middle Eastern art.
Another attraction is the Abraaj Group Art Prize, which honors a guest artist each year and offers a $100,000 prize to an artist to construct their dream project at Art Dubai.
These pieces are now part of the Abraaj Group Art Prize Collection, which is on display all around the world.
Wish to have a UAE ruler portrait?
UAE rulers have worked hard to make it a center of creative minds. Whether you wish to honor them for their hard work or are intrigued by the royal family, we have just the right place for you. At artworks. you can order portraits of Sheikhs at a reasonable price. Their frames are of great quality and will last you a long time. Go ahead and honor the UAE rulers by buying their portraits today!