JD Malat Gallery Dubai has announced a new initiative titled Made in the UAE, designed to highlight the country’s next generation of contemporary artists.
The programme will culminate in a group exhibition at the gallery’s Downtown Dubai location in December 2025.
Open to artists working across painting, photography, sculpture, installation and video, the project aims to support those with a strong creative vision and innovative approach to material and form. A panel of regional curators and international art professionals will review submissions and select five artists for the exhibition.
According to the gallery, Made in the UAE is intended to engage directly with the country’s evolving cultural landscape and provide a platform for artists whose practices reflect the region’s diversity and complexity. The initiative seeks to foster dialogue between local and international audiences while championing artistic rigour and visibility.
Founder Jean-David Malat described the programme as part of the gallery’s commitment to deepening its connection with the region. He said the gallery wanted to give artists working in the UAE the chance to be seen on international platforms, many for the first time. Malat added that the project welcomes multiple mediums to reflect the layered histories and varied voices that shape the country’s artistic output. Themes explored are expected to include identity, place, memory, technology and belonging.
Submissions for Made in the UAE are now open and will close on 15 October 2025. Artists can apply online through the gallery’s website.
Founded in 2018, JD Malat Gallery represents 17 international artists and has locations in Mayfair, London and Downtown Dubai. The gallery focuses on supporting both established and emerging artists, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, and participates regularly in international art fairs.
The Dubai space, located at Act 2 Tower on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, is open daily from 10am to 10pm.
