The Middle East has long been celebrated for its luxury and grandeur, but a new wave of artistic expression is taking root across the region.
In Saudi Arabia alone, initiatives are transforming public spaces and establishing creative institutions to foster art and culture.
Whether you are an art aficionado or simply curious, here are some standout exhibitions and artistic spots to explore right now.
SAUDI
AlUla Arts Festival
Returning for its fourth edition, AlUla’s renowned AlUla Arts Festival transforms the desert into a vibrant hub of creativity. Spanning the AlJadidah Art District and Old Town, the festival features contemporary art, photography exhibitions, open-air film screenings, performances, and live music.
When: Until 22 February 2025
Where: AlJadidah Arts District, AlUla
Misk Art Institute
The non-profit Misk Art Institute presents The Silent Age of Singularity, a group exhibition featuring 20 artists. The show examines how technology has transformed communication and creative expression, exploring the profound changes of the digital era.
When: Until 27 February 2025
Where: Prince Faisal Fahd Arts Hall
Hayy Jameel
Curated by Rotana Shaker, We Saw an Endless Cycle explores how artists intimately engage with cities through gestures like walking, recording, and counter-mapping. This exhibition features works inspired by cities from Jeddah to London and provides a thought-provoking lens on urban environments.
When: Until 17 April 2025
Where: Al Muhammadiyah District, Jeddah,
Jeddah Islamic Arts Biennale
Organised by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, this biennale celebrates Islamic civilisation through historical artefacts and contemporary art, being the only biennale in the world to focus solely on Islamic civilisation. Held at the award-winning Western Hajj Terminal, the event highlights the diverse tapestry of Islamic culture.
When: January 25th - March 25th
Where: Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah
In the GCC…
Post Impressionism: Beyond Appearances
Perched on Saadiyat Island, The Louvre Abu Dhabi celebrates post-impressionism with masterpieces by iconic artists such as Vincent van Gogh and Paul Cézanne. The exhibition spans nine sections, exploring this transformative art movement's unique styles.
When: Until February 9 2025
Where: Louvre, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Three Tired Tigers
This exhibition draws inspiration from the street cats of Dubai, and you might even spot one roaming freely near the Jameel Arts Centre. It explores how animals interact with urban landscapes across the globe, from bears in the Kurdish mountains to displaced dogs in Istanbul. Ultimately, the exhibition prompts us to consider our relationship with animals, inviting us to view their presence as integral to our cities and everyday lives.
When: Until March 16 2025
Where: Jameel Arts Centre, Jaddaf Waterfront, Dubai
M7, Doha, Qatar
Established under the leadership of Sheikha Al-Mayassa Doha's innovative hub, M7, pays tribute to Ellsworth Kelly with Ellsworth Kelly at 100, a retrospective of her seven-decade career. The exhibition showcases over 70 works, reflecting her journey from post-war Paris to becoming a modern art icon and one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.
When: Until February 25 2025
Where: M7, Msheireb Downtown, Doha, Qatar
