Art enthusiasts in the UAE can look forward to a diverse array of exhibitions this weekend, offering insight into cultural narratives from the Arab world, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia.
Central Asian Symbolism Takes Center Stage at Al Habtoor Palace
Al Habtoor Palace in Dubai is currently hosting Dreams of Spring, a collaborative exhibition by Andakulova Gallery and Legends Art Club, under the patronage of the Consulate General of Uzbekistan in Dubai. Running until May 31, the showcase features the works of acclaimed Central Asian artists Timur D’Vatz, Timur Akhmedov, and Alfiz Sabirov.
Renowned for their intricate use of mythology and symbolism, the artists bring to life a vibrant cultural tradition that intertwines historical narratives with modern aesthetics. The exhibition has drawn attention from art collectors, diplomats, and creative professionals alike, serving as a platform to elevate Central Asian art within the global cultural conversation.
Arab Women’s Narratives Explored at Kutubna Cultural Centre
In Dubai’s Kutubna Cultural Centre, Women in Contemporary Arab Art presents more than 30 works from a private collection curated by the International House Group over the past 25 years. The exhibition, open until May 18, spans modern and contemporary styles and explores the nuanced identities and roles of Arab women through powerful visual storytelling.
Featuring celebrated artists such as Adham Wanly, Hafez Droubi, Fateh Moudarres, and Najat Makki, the works range from intimate domestic portrayals to dynamic social scenes. The exhibition challenges reductive views of Arab womanhood, highlighting complexity, resilience, and transformation through diverse artistic lenses.
Malaysian Artistic Heritage Celebrated in Abu Dhabi
The Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi is currently home to To Know Malaysia is to Love Malaysia: Highlights from the AFK Collection, a landmark exhibition showcasing works by pioneering contemporary Malaysian artists. Running until September 10, the exhibition draws from one of the most comprehensive collections of Malaysian art dating from the 1980s to the present.
Featured artists include Ahmad Shukri Mohamed, Ahmad Fuad Osman, Ali Nurazmal, Anniketyni Madian, Yusof Ghani, and Zulkifli Yusoff, among others. The exhibition traces Malaysia’s journey from its post-independence rural roots to its emergence as a modern, multicultural nation. Through a variety of styles and media, the artists examine national identity, socio-political change, and cultural memory, offering a compelling portrait of a country in flux.
From the richly symbolic canvases of Central Asia to the powerful expressions of Arab womanhood and the evolving artistic voice of Malaysia, this week’s exhibitions offer UAE audiences a rare opportunity to engage with global narratives through the lens of contemporary art.
