Alserkal Avenue galleries and shops reopen their doors as Dubai eases restrictions

The arts district announced new guidelines for visitors while art galleries are open by appointment only

A visitor at a gallery inside Alserkal Avenue, which recently reopened following weeks of closure. Courtesy Alserkal Avenue

Galleries and concept stores in Alserkal Avenue are cautiously reopening their doors as Dubai continues to ease its restrictions on movement amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The arts district in Al Quoz made the announcement on social media on Sunday evening, sharing new guidelines for visitors looking to stop by.

These include using a specific pedestrian entrance where visitors must then proceed to an adjacent warehouse for temperature checks. It is also here that individuals can obtain face masks and gloves if they need them.

Though the avenue will be open from 12pm to 10pm, visitors will only be allowed to stay for a maximum of three hours, and they must be mindful to keep a distance of two metres from others. There are also restrictions on age, with children aged 3 to 12 and adults over 60 not allowed to enter.

A separate warehouse has been assigned as an isolation room for those who begin to experience any Covid-19 symptoms.

Each of the businesses in the avenue have determined their own timings. Contemporary art galleries such as Grey Noise, Gallery Isabelle van den Eynde and Showcase Gallery are open by appointment only, so those interested in viewing their current exhibitions must call ahead to ensure entry.

Other businesses within the avenue are resuming operations with shorter hours, including hair salon Chalk, which is accepting individuals with bookings from 12pm to 5pm, and community art space thejamjar, open from 12pm to 6pm for children aged 13 and above.

Alserkal Avenue temporarily shuttered in mid-March following guidelines from the government to help stem the spread of the virus. This left many galleries and creative concepts fearful of the financial impact such closures could have on their businesses, particularly during a busy time in the art calendar.

The organisation behind the Avenue, Alserkal, has since developed a few measures of relief, including a Pay It Forward programme that includes rent waivers for tenants and the launch of a digital platform Alserkal.Online for galleries to display available artworks online.

More information on timings can be found at alserkalavenue.ae