Abu Dhabi has positioned itself as something of an authority in the art world in recent years, thanks to world-class galleries like Louvre and Guggenheim opening their doors in the city. However, the city is also a hotbed of local talent, offering lesser-known artists the chance to express themselves in the capital’s many smaller spaces. Read on to learn all about the hidden gems of the Abu Dhabi art world.
Warehouse 421
In the midst of an old warehouse complex in the Mina Zayed district of the city, sits one of the key components of Abu Dhabi’s underground art scene. Like a sculpture emerging from rough marble, Warehouse 421 has been transformed from its former industrial shell into a welcoming space where art and creativity flourish.
Hosting a wide variety of exhibitions, workshops and public programs, the space functions as a place where artists can come to quietly work in their studios, while interested visitors can come to see these creatives – and the work they have produced – in their elements. The space also provides a nurturing environment for young artists through initiatives such as the Summer Program, where poetry-writing, stone-carving and even map-making sessions run throughout the warmer months.
In addition to hosting workshops that encourage young creatives to channel their inner Rembrandt, Plath, or Basquiat, the establishment features Dukkan421, a gift shop showcasing locally made crafts, jewellery, and ceramics. It also offers student and graduate internship programs, providing a valuable bridge between education and professional life. All this combines to position Warehouse 421 as one of the most comprehensive spaces for local art in the city.
Salwa Zeidan Gallery
Contemporary art is at the forefront of proceedings at the Salwa Zeidan Gallery, a place where well-established and emerging artists merge, creating a versatile space that promotes disciplines like photography, painting, sculpture and even performance art.
A now-established player on the art and culture scene in Abu Dhabi, Salwa Zeidan Gallery has been carefully curated by the lady herself; Ms. Zeidan has more than 25 years experience in the field and ensures that every piece on display in her gallery carries an emotional touch, as opposed to the more commercial works you might see in larger galleries.
Of course, it isn’t just art on display at this charming gallery; Zeidan also offers support for emerging artists, in addition to services like corporate art consulting, art procurement for high-end projects and even certification and appraisals. Such is the quality of the work that passes through the gallery – located just seconds from Zayed Sports City – many pieces have been successfully auctioned at world-class auction houses such as Sotheby’s and Christie's. Definitely not to be missed.
Rizq Art Initiative (RAI)
Abu Dhabi’s growth has been shaped by the diverse communities who have contributed their time and talent to building the city. RAI reflects this spirit, serving as a tribute to the cultures and people who continue to play a role in shaping the Emirati capital into the dynamic economic hub it is today.
Showcasing arts and culture from the Global South, as well as functioning as a place dedicated to artistic exchange, RAI hosts cultural exchange events while nurturing long (as well as short) term partnerships. The gallery is run by and for artists, researchers, and practitioners across a wide range of disciplines. Its focus extends beyond art itself to the infrastructure that supports it, encouraging global discourse, continuous learning, and networking forums. It also provides a vital support system for artists who might otherwise struggle to create, whether due to cultural resistance or family pressure.
Artists are provided the necessary spaces they need to cultivate their visions, while they can also make use of RAI’s extensive global network of physical spaces, providing the opportunity for artists to take up residencies in different cities around the world.
Other Hidden Gems and Unique Spots
Abu Dhabi Pottery Establishment is the city’s creative home for clay lovers. Founded by expert potter Homa Vafaie-Farley, the workshop stands as the very first dedicated pottery studio in the UAE. While not a gallery, visitors can indulge in their very own pottery class to learn the timeless art – in a place which has been officially recognised as one of Abu Dhabi’s Urban Treasures by the city’s Department of Culture and Tourism. The workshop also offers private sessions, corporate team-building classes, restoration services and consultancy services, among other things.
The Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi, located a short walk from Abu Dhabi beach, features year-round exhibitions and programmes which cover modern and contemporary art from both the UAE and the wider GCC region. The space also boasts a children’s library and a world-class performing arts programme, taking advantage of the venue’s new 900-seater theatre. The gallery also offers an art residency programme designed to support and advance professional artists in the city.
Founded in 2019 by Roger El Khoury, Artbooth Gallery is a cross-cultural endeavour with the goal of bringing artists and audiences together. Taking advantage of Abu Dhabi’s status as the cultural hub of the UAE, the space has curated countless shows over the years, supporting both young and established artists alike. Artbooth also boasts a sister branch in Seoul, Korea, which offers the chance of exchange and appreciation of both Middle Eastern and Asian art for its affiliated artists.
Abu Dhabi is now one of the Middle East’s cultural hotspots. The city has gone from strength to strength in recent times, showcasing a range of the world’s best art in galleries such as Louvre Abu Dhabi. However, considering the number of artists that now call the city home, the capital also offers a range of smaller galleries; a treasure trove of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.
