Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) is a large district in Dubai that hosts everything from office spaces to art galleries to even hotels and residential areas. It is marked as “the ultimate destination where business meets lifestyle”. With a larger focus on innovation and art, recently, the Gate Avenue in DIFC started hosting many art galleries that are a must see in Dubai. There is a wide selection of galleries that are in the Gate Avenue and also all around DIFC.
Below is a list of 11 galleries that are either in the Gate Avenue or sprouted around the district of DIFC to take a look at while visiting Dubai.
For more information about DIFC, visit their website: https://www.difc.ae/
1. Sconci Gallery
Sconci Gallery was founded in 1977 and is now open in DIFC, Dubai. The gallery merges contemporary and modern art by both established and emerging artists from all over the world. Sconci has a focus on the art community in Dubai due to the importance it holds commercially and culturally. The art gallery has a lot of pieces that an art lover must see as all the pieces hold authenticity certificates by virtue of their high caliber in the international art world.
For more information, visit:
@sconci_gallery or http://www.sconcigallery.net/
2. The Farjam Foundation
The Farjam Foundation has a focus of art history in the realm of Islamic and pre-Islamic art, as well as modern and contemporary Middle Eastern art in its collection. The foundation is a non-profit and non-governmental organization. The foundation hosts a plethora of exhibitions and programs to the public.
For more information, visit:
@thefarjamfoundation or http://www.farjamcollection.org/
3. Opera Gallery
Opera gallery encompasses the meaning of international with all the gallery spaces it has around the world. Founded in 1994, the gallery opened with two branches in both Paris and Singapore, later opening more branches internationally. Opera gallery has a large roster of both emerging and established modern and contemporary artists. The gallery works closely with art collectors hence them having a branch in Dubai, a place known for art lovers.
For more information, visit:
@operagallery or https://www.operagallery.com/
4. The Empty Quarter
The Empty Quarter is a fine arts photography gallery located in DIFC. The gallery supports different media through the camera lens including documentary, fine art, street photography, and photo journalism. The space is a hub for both artists and art enthusiasts to discuss the likes of photography. It also deals with many internationally established and award winning photographers whilst being a space for emerging artists to share their space as well.
For more information, visit:
5. Van de Goudenberg
Van de Goudenberg art gallery offers a wide selection of artists and medias. The gallery also works closely with art enthusiasts and collectors to make the buying and selling experience easier for both the artist and the collector. The gallery welcomes many emerging artists to their gallery, being a great place for artists starting out to sell their pieces.
For more information, visit:
@goudenberg_art or https://www.artsy.net/van-de-goudenberg
6. Sotheby’s
Sotheby’s is a renowned name in the international art world. It holds a great significance to artists and art lovers alike and thus having a branch in DIFC, Dubai. Sotheby’s has a roster of household names such as Banksy, Picasso, Rembrandt, and so many more. Consequently, it tells the art lover that there are many medias to explore when visiting the gallery. The gallery holds many auctions for collectors and many exhibitions alike for art enthusiasts to enjoy as well.
For more information, visit:
@sothebys or https://www.sothebys.com/en/
7. AnYahh!! Art
AnYahh!! art gallery is one that focuses directly on emerging Indian artists and thus having branches both in India and in Dubai. Known for being the most affordable art gallery, it is wonderful place for both artists and art collectors to start immersing themselves in the art scene. The gallery showcases the talents exclusively of contemporary artists.
For more information, visit:
@anyahh_art_dubai or https://anyahhartdubai.com/
8. Tabari Artspace
Tabari Artspace was founded in 2003, housing modern and contemporary artists in and from the MENA region. The goal of this gallery is to pave a pathway for artists in the MENA region to have a global reach. The gallery seeks inclusivity and collaboration, dismantling the current realms of the art scene.
For more information, visit:
@tabari_artspace or https://www.tabariartspace.com/
9. Cuadro Art
Cuadro Art is a gallery with a focus of contemporary art, being known as a platform of contemporary art in Dubai. They have curatorial programs for emerging artists to hold exhibitions. Also, they are known for being established fine arts books publishers. Their roster includes contemporary artists in the MENA region.
For more information, visit:
@cuadroart or http://www.cuadroart.com/
10. Akka Project Art Gallery
Akka Project art gallery has a special focus of emerging contemporary artists within the African diaspora. The art gallery has an initiative to merge African art with art around the world, creating an intimate space for artists to share their different mediums. The art mediums include sculptures, installations, and films for the art lover to fully immerse themselves in the world of African art. The gallery is a commercial gallery and holds pieces which art collectors can buy.
For more information, visit:
@akkaproject_official or https://akkaproject.com/
11. Andakulova Gallery
Andakulova focuses on and showcases talents within Central Asia, and more precisely, in Uzbekistan. The gallery roster includes contemporary artists that are either emerging or in the mid-market range, being a space that provides a large platform for them in Dubai. The gallery’s goal is to spark a dialogue between Dubai’s art scene and Central Asian talents. The gallery also seeks a goal of engaging art collectors with artists from Central Asia.
For more information, visit:
@andakulovagallery or https://www.andakulova.com/
We hope you enjoyed this carefully curated list of 11 art galleries to visit on your next trip to DIFC, Dubai!
