Dubai is getting ready to live and breathe art, and it’s not just for one weekend.
Dubai Art Season 2026 is officially here, running from January 21 to April 26, and it’s bringing months of creativity, culture, and can’t-miss events across the city.

Launched by Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, the season is all about making art accessible, celebrating local and global talent, and reminding everyone why Dubai continues to grow as a global creative hub. This year’s theme says it all: “Take a walk on the art side.”

Festival of Literature 

The season kicks off with the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature from January 21 to 27 at InterContinental Dubai Festival City. Ranked among the world’s top literary festivals, it brings together writers, thinkers, and creatives from around the globe for talks, performances, and interactive sessions. Expect highlights like Desert Stanzas and Arabian Nights: Poetry and Law, alongside Dubai Culture’s support for the BilEmirati and Translation programmes, shining a spotlight on Emirati writers and translators.

Just days later, Alserkal Avenue comes alive with Al Quoz Arts Fest on January 24 and 25. With music, exhibitions, live performances, creative pop-ups, and family-friendly activities, it’s one of those festivals where you wander in for an hour and somehow stay all day.

Sikka Art & Design Fes

At the same time, Dubai Culture celebrates emerging and established creatives at the Sikka Art & Design Festival, running from January 23 to February 1 at Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood. Under the theme “Imagining Dubai: Identities of the Future,” the festival brings together visual art, design, music, workshops, and panel talks by Emirati, UAE-based, and GCC artists, all set against one of the city’s most atmospheric heritage districts.

Fast forward to April, and the spotlight turns global with Art Dubai, returning to Madinat Jumeirah from April 18 to 20. Marking its 20th edition, the fair will showcase over 100 contemporary and digital galleries from 35 countries, with more than 30 exhibitors joining for the first time. Expect a dynamic mix of the past, present, and future of art, all under one roof.

World Art Dubai

Later that week, World Art Dubai takes over the Dubai World Trade Centre from April 22 to 26, offering a more accessible way to collect art. From affordable pieces to emerging talent, it’s designed for everyone, whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned collector.

Throughout January and March, Dubai Opera will add to the buzz with a lineup of musical and theatrical performances, while exhibitions continue across the city. Highlights include Observers of Change at Etihad Museum, a powerful retrospective tracing five decades of artistic practice in the UAE, running until June 30, and Birds of Verse at l’ecole Middle East, exploring the connection between Islamic art and Western jewellery through more than 150 exceptional works.

Add immersive experiences at Arte Museum, year-round digital showcases at Theatre of Digital Art, and exhibitions across Alserkal Avenue and Jameel Arts Centre, and it’s clear, art isn’t confined to galleries this season. It’s everywhere.

As Dubai Culture puts it, Dubai Art Season isn’t just a calendar of events; it’s a platform that supports talent, strengthens cultural tourism, and connects communities through creativity. For art lovers, casual explorers, and everyone in between, the city is officially inviting you to take that walk on the art side.