Abu Dhabi is fast becoming the cultural capital of the UAE, the Middle East and the world.
As well as several high profile developments that will capture the imagination of the global art world there are many smaller galleries that champion home grown talent.
Time Out picks 10 of the best.
Al Jahili Fort: Traditional Arabic fort dating back to 1891. Jahili has both a bookshop and permanent exhibition devoted to the British travel writer and explorer Wilfred Thessiger, as well as a secondary exhibition area for temporary exhibitions.
(03 784 3996/03 764 1595) Al Ain. Opens 9am-5pm, Fri 3pm-5pm daily.
Acento: New loft gallery specialising in South American art, showcasing paintings, sculptures, object-art and hand-painted furniture.
(050 847 6772) Meena Port Area, Street 12. Warehouse No. 6.
Al Qibab Gallery: Gallery showcasing up-and-coming and established Iraqi artists and hopes to host more local contemporary artists.
(02 665 2350/050 816 3695) gallery@qibab-art.com. Villa 3, Street 15, Al Bateen area in Al Zaab. Opens 10am-1pm, 5pm-8pm.
Barakat Gallery: Recently opened, this Abu Dhabi gallery sits alongside branches in London and Los Angeles. Barakat specialises in ancient art, and on display are antiquities from China, Egypt, the Near East, Africa, Pre-Columbia and ancient Greece and Rome. Every item on display is also for sale.
(02 690 9000), barakat@barakatgallery.com, www.barakatgallery.com. Emirates Palace. Opens 10am-10pm daily.
Folklore Gallery: Art, craft and gift items from the Arab world. Prints and paintings inspired by UAE landscape, as well as traditional Bedouin jewellery, ceramics and a picture framing service.
(02 666 0361) Zayed 1st, Khalidiya. Opens Sat-Thu 9.30am-1.30pm, 5pm-10pm.
Ghaf Art Gallery: This new gallery features monthly exhibitions where local and international artists show their works.
(02 665 5332) Khaleej Al Arabi Street. Opens Sat-Thu 9am- 1pm, 5pm-9pm.
Hemisphere Design Studio & Gallery: Shows collections of original artwork created by local artists The gallery also has a wide range of prints, photographs and locally produced hand-crafted gift items and greetings cards for sale. As well as regular exhibitions and events, they also offer a full design service for graphics, interiors and event decoration.
(02 676 8614) Khalifa Street, next to the Russian Embassy. Opens Sat-Thu 9.30am-12.45pm, 3pm-9pm. ruth@hemisphere.ae, www.hemisphere.ae.
Made In The UAE: Souvenirs shop promoting the UAE handicrafts. Also at Grand Stand (ADNEC) when there’s an exhibition on.
(050 414 4040) Hilton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road (opposite Hiltonia Beach Club). Opens 5pm-8pm daily.
Salwa Zeidan Gallery: Newly opened gallery from self-taught Lebanese artist Salwa Zeidan. The constantly changing exhibitions span a huge variety of media.
(02 666 9656), Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street. Opens Sun-Thu, 10am-8pm; Sat 3pm-8pm.
Abu Dhabi Pottery: Make some time for creativity at these friendly classes. Also a pottery shop.
16th Street, next to Khalidiya Garden (o2 666 7079). Open for adults: ladies only Sat 10 am-11.30am, 6pm-7.30pm, Children: Sat 4.30pm-5.30pm; Mon-Thu 4.30pm-5.30pm. Fees per month (four sessions): adults Dhs360, children Dhs240.
