Detractors are giving Dubai a hard time, pinpointing that the city embodies modern-day megalomania and consumerism — a luxurious and artificial place built on oil money, located on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf.

That said, taste and colors are not always the same, and while criticism is certainly justified and constructive to some extent, one cannot ignore the ever-growing importance of Dubai as an advocate of the Middle East’s art and design scenes.

Like the saying goes, numbers don’t lie, and both the 2015 editions of Art Dubai (March 18th 21st, 2015) and Design Days Dubai (March 16th to 21st, 2015), the Middle East’s only fair for contemporary design, recently proved that Dubai continues to attract local and international art and design influencers. In fact, the latter registered a record of 13 500 visitors during the recent 5-day long fair, with 150 designers shown by 44 exhibitors from 20 countries; while Art Dubai welcomed over 25 000 visitors with more than 500 artists exhibited by 92 galleries from 40 countries over 4 consecutive days.



In addition, Dubai Design District (d3), a mixed use development, which is currently under-construction, aims to foster the growth of the Emirate’s design, fashion, art, and luxury industry. The new initiative proposes a range of 11 buildings that are fully dedicated to the city’s creative community, with flexible work spaces, pop-up shops, galleries, and production facilities, among other retail and residential buildings. In this context — and in order to celebrate the opening of the first 11 buildings — Dubai Design District launched the Meet d3 initiative, a multi-dimensional lifestyle event, which takes place from April 2nd to 4th, and showcases the commissioned and curated work of regional and international artists, such as a live concert by Mashrou’ Leila, artwork by Obey, and a culinary collaboration between Hassan Hajjaj and Momo, among others.

That said, even if Dubai might be the Middle East’s leading cultural melting-pot so far, it is not the only city in the Emirates that currently pushes boundaries. Both Sharjah and Abu Dhabi are playing a considerable role in boosting the local cultural scene, whilst attracting regional and international attention, with events such as the Sharjah Biennial, which is on till June 5th, and Abu Dhabi Art (November 18th to 21st, 2015).

Finally, the Saadiyat Cultural District, Abu Dhabi, is aiming to become a world-renowned art and culture hub. Internationally reputed museums, such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, which are set to open in 2016 and 2017 respectively, are currently under construction on Saadiyat Island, and many international conferences and panel talks on art have already been hosted at the district.

What is there else to say? Dubai is on its best way to become a moveable feast.

Courtesy of Hassan Hajjaj / Taymour Grahne.