Timeframe: The evolution of Dubai's arty district, Alserkal Avenue

As the creative hub gears up for the new season of Alserkal Lates, we take a brief look at its history

Alserkal Avenue has expanded rapidly in the last decade. Photo by Jandri Angelo Aguilor

A little over 12 years ago, Alserkal Avenue was no more than a construction site. The now-thriving hub of arts and culture was simply a pipe dream, as its founder, Abdelmonem Alserkal, looked to bring new life into Al Quoz industrial area.

Today, it is one of Dubai's most important arts destinations. It has galleries and art spaces, cafes, an independent cinema, co-working spots and performance venues. It's also home to Concrete, a multidisciplinary space that was recently nominated for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture.

This picture on the left was taken in 2014, a year before the hub was expanded. A former marble factory belonging to the Alserkal family was repurposed and rebuilt, doubling the size of the avenue, which welcomed another 30 concepts in 2015.

Fast forward to this year and a new season of Alserkal Lates begins on Monday, from 6pm to 10pm. This is when the area bustles with activity, as visitors check out new exhibition openings, enjoy food and live music, as well as catch a contemporary dance performance called Wreck – List of Extinct Species at Concrete.

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