Dubai cultural hubs stage cautious comeback amid war

Welcome back to AL-MONITOR Dubai.

The war across the region continues to cast a shadow over life in the United Arab Emirates, with travel disruptions, heightened security and uncertainty affecting daily routines. In Dubai, parts of the cultural scene paused briefly when the conflict erupted in late February, but many galleries and creative spaces have since reopened, cautiously welcoming visitors again.

At Alserkal Avenue — one of the region’s largest cultural hubs — galleries, restaurants and concept stores are once again open while taking precautions. This week we highlight several exhibitions currently on view where residents, visitors and stranded travelers can spend time with art and momentarily step away from the tensions outside.

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Happy reading,

Rebecca

P.S. Have feedback or tips on Dubai's culture scene? Send them my way at contactus@al-monitor.com.

1. Leading the week: Dubai arts scene cautiously reopens

A view of Iranian-German artist Anahita Razmi’s solo show The Task of the Mythologist at Carbon 12. (Courtesy of Carbon 12)

When Iranian strikes reached the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf states on Feb. 28, many galleries and cultural institutions across Dubai quickly closed their doors. As the conflict stretches into its second week, parts of the city’s cultural scene are cautiously reopening, while others remain shuttered as authorities maintain heightened security measures.

At Alserkal Avenue — one of the region’s most prominent cultural hubs — galleries, restaurants and concept stores are gradually welcoming visitors again.

“Alserkal Avenue has always been a space committed to fostering a sense of community, solidarity and togetherness, and that continues, especially now,” Basmah El Bittar, Director of Alserkal Avenue told Al-Monitor. “While we are opening gradually and in line with the government’s guidance, the safety and wellbeing of our community, concepts and visitors, will always be our highest priority.” 

Several galleries have resumed exhibitions. Carbon 12, which has operated in Dubai since 2008, reopened this week with a solo show by Iranian-German artist Anahita Razmi examining the shifting meaning of symbols and power in global visual culture.

The Jameel Arts Centre has also reopened after briefly closing when the conflict began.

“Given the challenges with shipping at the moment, we're rejigging our exhibitions calendar and have also moved some discursive events online. The situation is fluid and at all times, we're following the—caring, clear and regular—advice of the UAE government as to next steps,” Antonia Carver, director of Art Jameel, told Al-Monitor.

Despite the disruptions, major cultural events are still moving forward for now. Art Dubai, the international art fair set to mark its 20th edition this year, is continuing preparations for its April 17–19 opening while monitoring the situation.

Elsewhere, some events have been postponed as travel disruptions ripple across the region, including L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts festival, initially planned from March 27th to 29th 2026, as well as performances at Dubai Opera and programs at NYU Abu Dhabi Arts Center.

Even so, parts of Dubai’s creative community have responded by creating spaces for solidarity. Cultural venues across the city have hosted informal gatherings and wellness sessions, while Cinema Akil — the independent cinema platform at Alserkal Avenue — has offered “pay what you can” seats for travelers stranded by the disruptions.

Find more information here.

2. Word on the street: Asateer Tent at Atlantis The Palm

A view of the opulent Asateer Tent. Courtesy of Atlantis The Palm

While many tourists and residents have left Dubai since the war began, others remain. The city’s roads are noticeably quieter — a stark contrast to the endless traffic jams of just a few weeks ago. Most restaurants, bars and Ramadan iftars and suhoors are still taking place, though under heightened safety protocols. Some hotels have closed outdoor dining areas considered vulnerable amid ongoing missile and drone interceptions. Even so, there are still plenty of places open to enjoy a good meal.

As the holy month enters its third week, those seeking an upscale Ramadan feast can head to the palatial Arabian Asateer Tent at Atlantis The Palm. Known for its lavish Gulf-style Bedouin tent setting, it remains one of Dubai’s most popular spaces for families and friends to gather during Ramadan. Each evening features a carefully curated iftar with rotating themed nights — from Khaleeji and Persian specialties to international dishes — alongside live cooking stations, mezze, grills and an extensive dessert selection.

Location: Asateer Tent, Atlantis, The Palm, Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah

Find more information here.

3. Dubai diary

:mentalKLINIK. Likewise. 2025. Museum quality layered pass UV print with manual UK ink interventions on mirrored aluminium composite. Courtesy of the artists and Gallery Isabelle

• ‘ARE YOU HUMAN ENOUGH? By :mentalKLINIK

Offering an atmosphere of visual overload and compulsive accumulation, the Turkish artist duo :mentalKLINIK explores the human figure at risk of dissolving into its surroundings — becoming no longer a subject, but a carrier of data and aesthetic signals — in their latest exhibition at Gallery Isabelle. The show probes questions of authorship and agency within a culture shaped by algorithms, visibility and overload.

Date: Until March 20

Location: Gallery Isabelle, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz 1

Find more information here.

• ‘The Field of Dreams” by Bashar Khalaf

This upcoming exhibition by Palestinian artist Bashar Khalaf explores how steel formations in public space can offer new perspectives on the relationship between the self, the object and the other. In the show, Khalaf’s oil paintings open a dialogue on the fragile state of reality in which humanity dwells. The artist’s steel fragments serve as metaphors for the contradictions and dilemmas of the present moment. Rather than attempting to transcend these complexities, Khalaf seeks to understand and accept them. Two notable works include The Junk Garden and The Protective Shield.

Date: March 29 to June 1

Location: Zawyeh Gallery, Alserkal Avenue

Find more information here.

• ‘Pay What You Can’ seats at Cinema Akil

Cinema Akil, the region’s first independent cinema house, has launched a flexible daytime ticketing initiative as part of its “Here, Together” program at Alserkal Avenue, offering an affordable, community-focused option for those in transit, waiting for flights or simply seeking a quiet moment at the movies. The daytime lineup, designed to appeal to a broad audience during the spring break period, includes titles such as Spirited Away, Little Amélie, Character of Rain, Arzé, Father Mother Sister Brother and The Voice of Hind Rajab. Screenings begin at noon, with weekday showings running until 3 p.m. and weekend screenings extending later into the afternoon, creating a welcoming space for reflection, conversation and connection during a difficult moment for the region.

Date: Until March 23

Location: Cinema Akil, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz 1

Find more information here.