Looking to get inspired while on your holiday in Dubai? For all art and design lovers, Dubai has a lot to offer – from local artists’ exhibitions to numerous workshops in Old Dubai. The region’s largest Design Festival – Dubai Design Week is being held in Dubai every autumn while spring is reserved for Art Dubai – a fair with more than 130 participating artists and designers. Read our guide to the top must-know locations to get your culture share secured!
Dubai Design District
Just a five-minute drive from Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Canal View lies a booming design community – Dubai Design District (also called D3). D3 has a mixture of designer-focused spaces, studios and offices, as well as a wide choice of spots to socialize over a cup of coffee or a lunch. Since 2013 D3 had grown to be a design hub for Middle East’s talents and agencies. D3 is also a home to Dubai Design Week, the six day program covering design, architecture, interiors etc. When in Dubai don’t miss to visit this place which inspired our hotel’s moto – Distinctive, Design-Led, Delightful.
Bastakiya Quarter
Not everything in Dubai is shiny and new! For history enthusiasts who would like to experience how everything looked before, a tour in Al Fahidi Historical District (also called Al Bastakiya) is a must! From chatting with locals, walking through the narrow alleys, visiting different cultural events, exploring various ways of making coffee in a Coffee Museum, to Make Your Art café and colorful market stands.
If you happen to stay in Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Canal View in March during Dubai’s annual Art Week, you might as well want to check SIKKA Art Fair in Bastakiya.
DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre)
DIFC is definitely a place where corporate life meets night life and a little bit of art! Being a home for several art galleries, from which one is renowned ‘Opera Gallery’, DIFC gathers contemporary art collectors and connoisseurs. Twice a year DIFC hosts Art Nights showcasing a unique blend of entertainment, art exhibitions and hospitality. Luckily Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Canal View is on a close proximity from this popular spot!
La Mer
This playful beachfront is one of the favorites among residents of Dubai and it’s only 8km away from Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Canal View. Take a walk on the strand with your friends enjoying numerous colorful graffiti with Arabic phrases. We can’t think of a more instagramable place than La Mer! But that’s not all what it has to offer, there is something for everyone, whether you are visiting for shopping, dinning or simply soaking up the sun – we promise you will quickly become a fan of this location.
Alserkal Avenue
Don’t be surprised by its looks – Alserkal Avenue is a cluster of more than 20 galleries spread across warehouse space. Alserkal Avenue is definitely a star of the culture scene in Dubai. Located in industrial part of Dubai called Al Quoz, this artsy hub is your ‘go to’ place if you are in search for an underground vibe, unique pieces of furniture and clothes built and designed by true modern artisans. Throughout the year this district is hosting many conceptual events and programs, welcoming everyone who is up for a less touristy experience in Dubai.
There’s so many things to take a look at in Dubai! To complete your artsy tour in the Middle East – don’t miss to visit Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi opened in November 2017 or Sharjah Art Foundation.