The Arts Club is opening in Dubai in 2020 and membership applications are now open

The Dubai private member's club will be the first of its kind outside of the UK

A computer rendering of the exterior of Dubai's The Arts Club, which will open in September 2020. Courtesy ICD Brookfield Place

London's The Arts Club, is one of the most luxurious and famous private members' clubs in the world, and it is set to open its first international venue in Dubai in September 2020.

Membership applications are now open, and it is expected that members at the prestigious club will come from across the UAE, the GCC and throughout the Middle East and Asia.

It seems that the opening of The Arts Club Dubai has been delayed, as it was previously reported to open in 2019.

The club will be located in the new ICD Brookfield Place development, designed by British architects Foster and Partners. It will be located in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). It will occupy 3,716 square metres, across five levels inside, with an additional 2,136 square metres outdoors. Members have access to a rooftop terrace, three restaurants and bars, a cigar club, art exhibition spaces and a business centre.

"The Arts Club Dubai is going to be an iconic location for those seeking the finest hospitality in the region," Ajaz Sheikh, the club's chief operating officer. "We’ll be unveiling the exact details of each floor, and how members will benefit, as we get closer to the launch date but I’m so pleased to be working with a great opening team as we embark on this exciting new members’ club for Dubai."

Inside The Arts Club, Mayfair: 

Arts Club Dubai membership options 

Potential future members can inquire about membership options now, and select group of applicants will be invited to join the club as Founding Members.

There are various membership categories available, the Full, Spouse and Young Memberships. The Young category applies to those aged under 30. There is also an International Membership option, which can be added to each category, giving Dubai and London members access to each of the clubs.

All new members will pay a one-off joining fee and an annual subscription.

According to The Arts Club, it is currently working on the plans for its second overseas club, which will be located in West Hollywood, Los Angeles.

A prestigious history 

The Arts Club was founded in 1983 " in order to provide a haven for those people who had professional or amateur relationships with the Arts, Literature or Sciences." It has been found in the same 18th century townhouse in London's Mayfair since 1896.

Famous past members include, novelist Charles Dickens, artist James McNeill Whistler, composer Paolo Tosti. Current board members include actress Gwyneth Paltrow; poet Carol Ann Duffy; ballerina Darcey Bussell; entrepreneur Alan Sugar; designer Stella McCartney; entrepreneur Guy Pelly; photographer and filmmaker Anton Corbijn and broadcaster Vanessa Feltz.

Its collection of art is described as the "very core" of the club. The London venue has a focus on British artists, curated by Amelie von Wedel, the Club’s art adviser. It is expected that the Dubai Arts Club will focus on work from regional designers.

More information is available from www.theartsclub.ae