Dubai is opening the year with a cultural marathon. Dubai Culture has just launched Dubai Art Season 2026, running from 21 January to 26 April, bringing together the city’s biggest art, literature, design, and performance moments under one umbrella.
Held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, this year’s season unfolds under the theme “Take a walk on the art side” — a fitting invitation to explore the city through creativity.
The season kicks off with the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature (21–27 January), welcoming leading writers and thinkers from around the world. Shortly after, Al Quoz Arts Fest takes over Alserkal Avenue on 24 and 25 January, followed by the Sikka Art & Design Festival in Al Shindagha from 23 January to 1 February, spotlighting Emirati and regional voices.
Spring brings the heavyweights. Art Dubai returns to Madinat Jumeirah from 18 to 20 April, featuring over 100 galleries from 35 countries, while World Art Dubai follows at the World Trade Centre from 22 to 26 April, making art collecting more accessible to a wider audience.
Beyond festivals, the season includes exhibitions at Etihad Museum, Jameel Arts Centre, Alserkal Avenue, immersive shows at Arte Museum, and year-round performances at Dubai Opera.
In short: for three months, Dubai becomes one continuous art walk — across galleries, stages, heritage sites, and public spaces.
Full programme details are available here.
