Explore the culture of Dubai in traditional spaces and modern art districts

Dubai is home to many award-winning galleries, cultural centers and contemporary street art, which means that many "colorful" surprises await you around every corner of this metropolis.

There is a whole creative world of culture and art waiting to be discovered in Dubai. You can start your exploration in the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood before heading to the Dubai Design District, Jameel Arts Center, and beyond.

This city has so many world-class sights, attractions and activities that it's a real challenge where to start, and here are just a few must-visit destinations.

History and culture in the palm of your hand

Etihad Museum

The Etihad Museum covers all those key moments that led to the establishment of the Emirates on December 2, 1971. This museum is located near the Union House, the home and birthplace of the United Arab Emirates, where the rulers of seven political territories ruled by dynasties of Islamic monarchs with the title of emirs gathered a little over five decades ago.

This magnificent museum is a must-see if you are a visitor to Dubai who wants to know more about the UAE, its history, culture and heritage. Through interactive exhibitions in a space of more than 25,000 square meters, visitors can expect various events, workshops and tours in addition to learning about history.

Dubai Opera

Performances at the fascinating Dubai Opera, which is designed to resemble the iconic dhow (traditional fishing boat), is another must-see destination for a culture-seeking visitor. The repertoire offered by this iconic institution ranges from comedy shows to rock, pop and jazz concerts, and of course, some of the best opera stagings in the world.

This institution also organizes behind-the-scenes visita of the opera house, an architectural tour that provides an insight into the backstage secrets of the theater, where you can learn about specially created sculptures and works of art in and around the building.

Al Fahidi Historic District

Old Dubai offers tourists a glimpse of Arab life in the mid-19th century. Visitors who come to the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood, which is located along the Dubai Creek, can enjoy the environment of preserved and intact original infrastructure. Under the slogan "Historical Neighborhood" (Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood), this place offers a variety of cultural activities, museums, art galleries, special events and festivals such as "Sikka Art Fair" and "Heritage Week" throughout the year.

During the walking tour, visitors can see over 50 houses, starting with the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding, or the House of Calligraphy (Dar Al Khatt), which specializes in Arabic calligraphy and everything related to this creative art form. There is also the Coffee Museum, the first museum in the UAE dedicated to coffee that details its importance in Dubai's history. Another stop is the Coin Museum where you can see around 470 coins from the period of the early Islamic Caliphate.

Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding

Located in the historic Al Fahidi District, the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) is a must-visit destination to learn more about Emirati culture, customs and traditions while enjoying traditional Emirati cuisine.

Dubai Museum

You can explore the origins of Dubai, a former trading and fishing village, and today's number one world destination, at the Dubai Museum located in Al Fahidi Fort, the oldest building in the city, dating back to 1787.

The museum uses life-size dioramas that depict everyday life in Dubai from the days before the discovery of oil. Full-size, detailed three-dimensional replicas recreate a wide variety of scenes from the daily life along the Dubai Creek, traditional Arab houses, mosques, souks (traditional markets), ancient date farms and other desert and marine life.

Al Shindagha

For history lovers, the Al Shindagha Museum is a great destination. Located in Dubai's historic district, next to Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum's house near the mouth of Dubai Creek, the museum features interactive exhibits that showcase the city's cultural heritage, traditional crafts and the Emirati way of life before the discovery of oil.

Museum of the Future

A stunning futuristic museum, the Museum of the Future showcases the latest innovations in science and technology making it ideal for tourists looking to learn something new during their visit to Dubai. Visitors can enjoy interactive exhibitions and various live demonstrations, as well as talks on topics related to innovation, sustainability and future technology.

Mohammed Bin Rashid Library

One of the most modern libraries in the world, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library is the ideal place for bookworms of all interests and ages. Designed in the shape of an open book, this seven-floor library covers an incredible 650,000 square meters, housing a collection of more than four million books, multimedia resources and cultural exhibits.

Museum of Illusions

During a unique experience, visitors to the Museum of Illusions take part in an unforgettable journey through a fascinating and unreal world. In addition to providing an educational and sensory experience, this museum is guaranteed to challenge all of your senses thanks to settings such as the Anti-Gravity Room, the Infinity Room, and even the Rotating Room. The museum also has a "Vortex Tunnel," a rotating tunnel, the first of its kind in this region, where visitors are expected to pass through a rotating cylinder, which represents a real challenge and adventure.

La Perle by Franco Dragone

"La Perle" is the region's first permanent show that combines breathtaking choreography, dazzling stunts and daring gravity-defying acrobatics. Housed in a purpose-built "aqua theater" in the city of Al Habtoor, "La Perle" was created by legendary art director Franco Dragone.

He paid homage to the UAE's pearl mining tradition spectacularly, creating gushing waterfalls and torrents of rain that flood the scene and disappear within seconds. Visitors to this show are left breathless by world-class artists who perform extraordinary feats, aerial acrobatics, death-defying diving and various daring motorcycle tricks before their eyes.

Art galleries and other visual experiences

Alserkal Avenue

Established in 2008, Alserkal Avenue is a famous cultural district located in the industrial area of Al Quoz. This area is home to many contemporary art galleries, fitness and yoga studios, as well as local restaurants and cafes. There is also Cinema Akil, which shows independent art films.

Alserkal Avenue is home to some of Dubai's most famous art galleries, including Leila Heller Gallery, which promotes contemporary artists from the Middle East, Central Asia, Southeast Asia and Turkey, Custot Gallery, which presents modern and contemporary artists from Europe and the US, and The Third Line which exhibits contemporary Middle Eastern artists. A leading destination for collectors, artists and visitors, Alserkal offers a variety of cultural pop-up events and a year-round program from the worlds of art, literature and education.

Dubai Design District (d3)

Just 15 minutes away from Dubai International Airport, d3 is a creative neighborhood designed and built on smart city principles, combining digital connectivity and smart design. The space is populated with creative workshops, design labs and carefully designed workspaces, and is dedicated to nurturing new local talent. This place is practically a magnet for creative thinkers and discerning travelers, where visitors can explore d3's various open studios, shop in boutiques and enjoy cuisine and coffee at some of Dubai's best local restaurants.

Jameel Art Center

An independent institution dedicated to exhibiting contemporary art, Jameel Arts Center is located on the Jaddaf Coast, near Dubai International Airport and Dubai Festival City. Dedicated to supporting artists and creative communities, this center presents many projects, commissioned and curated individual and group exhibitions, regional and international in nature. The center also houses the Jameel Library, as well as an open research center dedicated to artists and cultural movements in the Gulf and beyond.

Theater of Digital Art

The Theater of Digital Art (ToDA) is a multi-sensory, multimedia immersive installation located in an area of Dubai called Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Opened in October 2020, ToDA is actually the first art initiative in the UAE to combine various digital art formats, including multimedia exhibitions, contemporary immersive installations and virtual reality art, resulting in a stunning artistic, educational and entertainment hub. ToDA today offers a seasonal program of musical events featuring local jazz musicians and classical performers.

Foundry in the center of Dubai

Launched in response to the cultural scene in the United Arab Emirates, Foundry is a hybrid progressive art space that includes a collaborative environment, a creative library, a podcasting room and a coffee shop. Here you can enjoy exhibitions, workshops and talks throughout the year. The goal of Foundry is to engage and entertain the local creative community, as well as to host global travelers who want to better understand the local cultural scene.

Tashkeel Studio

Through multidisciplinary studios, workspaces and galleries located in the historic neighborhood of Nad Al Sheba and Al Fahidi, Tashkeel Studio offers the local community and tourists an opportunity for creative practice, experimentation and dialogue between artists and the wider community. Established in 2008, this studio highlights the talent of local and international artists living and working in the UAE.

Infinity des Lumieres

Infinity des Lumieres is an impressive 2,700 square meter space in the Dubai Mall that hosts incredible digital exhibitions featuring works by artists such as Vincent Van Gogh and contemporary directors and filmmakers such as Thomas Vanz. This space offers guests a unique journey that combines digital art and image mapping. The innovative concept creates fluidity between indoor and outdoor space in a magnificent digital facade.

(Ona.rs)