A round up of some of the best Ramadan-related exhibitions and events – from calligraphy works and photography shows to pop-up exhibitions and art-filled iftar tents – that run across the emirates during the holy month.
Transcendental Strokes, Ayyam Gallery, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai
A good way to mark Ramadan is with a celebration of the Arabic script, such as Iranian calligrapher Mohammad Bozorgi’s fluid, contemporary paintings.
• Until July 30; 04 323 6242
Garden After, 1971 Design Space, Flag Island, Sharjah
Flowers recurring in Islamic art and trees mentioned in the Quran are transformed into stunning geometric computer-generated patterns.
• From June 24 to September 6; 06 556 6555
Marwan, Meem Gallery, Al Quoz, Dubai
It is your last chance to see Syrian painter Marwan’s large-scale works, which mostly depict oversized heads that the artist describes as “landscapes in and of themselves”. There are also a few sketches and one rare abstract work. All the pieces have been sold and will soon be going off to private collections. The impromptu summer show opened at Meem Gallery last week.
• Until July 6; 04 347 7883
Ramadan, Art Couture, Al Badia Golf Club, Dubai Festival City
A group exhibition on what Ramadan means to three photographers: Emiratis Khawla Alhameli and Mohammed Ahmed Ahli, and the Briton Julian John. From portraits of people across the UAE to wildlife images and architectural shots of mosques and other holy buildings, these photographs will give the viewers an opportunity to reflect on the holy month.
• From June 21 to July 30; 04 601 0101 (ext: 2101)
Art Index 1.0, Maraya Art Centre, Al Qasba, Sharjah
An interesting photography exhibition, not least because it features UAE artists as its subjects. Ammar Al Attar’s series of 50 images, curated by Alexandra MacGilp, are portraits of professionals on the local art scene and traces its shifting ecosystem.
• From June 15 to August 29; 06 556 6555
Art Souq 2015, Etihad Modern Art Gallery, Abu Dhabi
Every year, this gallery in Abu Dhabi’s Khalidiya district is turned into an open souq, where the public are encouraged to buy a selection of affordable art from one of the capital’s vibrant gallery spaces. Find photographs, calligraphy art and sculptures ranging from as little as Dh300 up to Dh5,000.
• From June 18 to August 7; call 02 666 0175
Louvre Abu Dhabi Stories: Al Qalam, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi
Check out the newest pieces acquired by the Louvre Abu Dhabi over the past year, including a page of the Quran in Kufic script, miniature paintings from India and a rare French manuscript from the book that was the first to be printed on English soil, in 1477.
• Until July 25; 02 657 5800
Interlocking Harmonies, Cube Arts, Dubai International Financial Centre
The DIFC gallery has teamed up with Shanghai-based Moge Gallery to exhibit ink paintings by well-known Chinese painters alongside Arabic calligraphy works.
• From June 16 to August 31; 04 359 3449
I Love You, Mosque, Abu Dhabi Art Hub, Mussaffah, Abu Dhabi
Filipina photographer Aze Ong’s images reflect her spiritual connection with the desert. Mosques feature prominently, with the artist saying that the buildings left her “speechless”.
• Until July 2; 02 551 5005
The House, La Serre, Dubai
This restaurant, which will serve pistachio meringues and date cookies, great for after iftar, is hosting a pop-up art exhibition. The Animation Chamber, a Dubai-based initiative committed to illustration, has decorated the walls with
illustrations of animals and interior elements to give patrons something festive to look at.
• Until July 17; 04 428 6969
Ramadan tent, Downtown Dubai
Emirati artist Khalid Mezaina's quirky 5 Times a Day series features black-and-white graphic depictions of prayer mats skewed at an angle so as to represent the direction of prayer. The collection is part of a group show in Emaar's Ramadan tent on the boulevard at the base of the Burj Khalifa.
• From June 17 until the end of Ramadan; 04 423 8883
Ramadan Garden, A4, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai
Head to A4 community space for an alternative iftar; the area will be transformed into an enchanting indoor urban oasis, in collaboration with Ghaf Kitchen. Visitors get to enjoy a delicious spread every evening as well as board games and film screenings. Don’t forget to pop into the art galleries while you’re there.
• From June 18 to July 18; 050 556 9797