The art and culture of Dubai is a part of its soul

Dubai's Sikka Art Fair in the Cultural area of Al Fahidi. Antonie Robertson/The National

The world is increasingly talking about the Gulf. Whether it is Saudi Arabia as the host of the 2034 Fifa World Cup or Qatar’s 2022 hosting of the tournament, there have been several defining moments that have helped reshape perceptions of the region. Of late, stereotypes have been dispelled and replaced with first-hand experiences of warmth, rich cultural traditions and an environment that challenged preconceptions.

The UAE doesn’t rely on singular events to leave an impression. By the time the next World Cup arrives in Saudi Arabia, Dubai, for example, will have further cemented its status as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity and a thriving hub for talent. While the city's skyline, luxury tourism and business ventures dominate western perceptions, Dubai and the other emirates have cultivated a deeper narrative.

Through a dedication to more classically recognised forms of expression – art, heritage and cultural initiatives – the UAE crafts opportunities for global engagement and a sense of identity that transcends borders.

Dubai thrives as a space where tradition and ambition converge. Once a modest trade port, the city has evolved into a cultural bridge. Whether through its museums, cultural and creative industries or public art installations, Dubai tells a story that is rooted in history and focused on the future.

Sikka Art Fair in Al Fahidi. Antonie Robertson/The National

The city serves as a vibrant canvas, where contrasting landmarks illustrate its evolution. The winding alleys and traditional wind towers of Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood preserve the essence of an earlier era, while the bold, futuristic design of the Museum of the Future highlights its ambitions for what’s to come. These spaces show how Dubai's past influences its present and shapes its aspirations for the future.

This intentional juxtaposition is no coincidence. Dubai’s artistic and cultural ecosystem is designed to engage, provoke and evolve. Its artists and institutions bridge history and innovation, grounding their work in tradition while exploring uncharted paths. They help citizens understand their place in a changing world and give them a chance to contribute to its story.

For many outside the UAE, art and culture provide their first impression of the region. Through events such as the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, Dubai communicates its identity to a global audience. These are invitations for the world to understand the UAE on its terms.

Dubai's success lies in celebrating its heritage while remaining open to global influences

Public art installations push this effort further, with sculptures and murals inspired by Arabic calligraphy blending the old and the new. These works resonate because they are visually striking but also rooted in local traditions, creating a connection between the viewer and the place.

Dubai has established itself as a cultural hub not by imposing an identity but by presenting one that feels authentic. This authenticity is a key element of its appeal. Dubai's success lies in celebrating its heritage while remaining open to global influences.

Central to Dubai's vibrant cultural calendar is Dubai Art Season, a city-wide celebration of creativity that encompasses major events across the city. This annual season highlights the emirate's commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive creative ecosystem.

Cultural heritage in Dubai is part of daily life. The preservation of Bedouin traditions, from poetry to falconry, co-exists with contemporary practices. Locations such as Al Shindagha Museum, the UAE’s largest heritage museum, ensure these stories are not lost, while modern initiatives reinterpret them for younger generations. Exhibitions highlighting contemporary Emirati artists show how heritage is evolving. These artists, many of whom draw from a globalised world, bring fresh perspectives to traditional themes.

Dubai’s reputation as a cultural hub is closely tied to its ethos of balancing heritage with modernity. Through its galleries, festivals and public spaces, the city tells a story that is deeply Emirati but universally relatable.

The role of culture here extends beyond aesthetics. Art becomes a lens through which history, values and aspirations are communicated. Calligraphy-inspired works and exhibitions are symbolic of the UAE’s commitment to preserve traditions while engaging in global conversations.

This is evident in Dubai Culture’s initiatives. By supporting local artists, hosting international events, and fostering dialogue, these projects keep Dubai’s cultural identity vibrant and relevant.

Cultural institutions are essential to articulating national identity. The Etihad Museum, for one, offers insights into the UAE’s founding, while events like Art Dubai bring together artists from around the world to explore themes of identity and globalisation.

The UAE’s cultural narrative is increasingly influenced by its younger generation. With initiatives encouraging Emirati participation in arts and open calls, artists in their 20s and 30s are reinterpreting what it means to be Emirati today.

Dubai’s socially driven ethos finds a powerful expression in the annual Sikka Art and Design Festival. Originating in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood to fuse art and heritage together, Sikka has evolved into a vibrant platform that nurtures creativity while celebrating the city’s heritage. Over the past two years alone, it has provided over 1,000 development opportunities, directly supporting more than 6,000 artists. This festival amplifies Emirati and regional voices, drawing international attention to Dubai’s creative ecosystem. Sikka embodies the city’s ability to connect its traditions with a global audience.

Art and culture record a society’s stories, struggles, and achievements. In Dubai, these narratives are thoughtfully curated but remain adaptable. They evolve with each new artist, project and generation, reflecting the city's dynamic spirit.

Dubai’s cultural identity thrives in its ability to weave together past and present, local and global. In this continuing story, the city invites the world to experience its unique narrative – rich, evolving and full of possibility.