Art in The City, DIFC Art Nights Return for its 21st Edition

Lindsay Judge   |   01-05-2026

DIFC Art Nights returned for its 21st edition, transforming Gate Village into a lively hub of art, culture and creativity. Running until Sunday 26 April 2026, the long-standing event once again drew visitors from across the city, reinforcing its position as one of Dubai’s most popular free cultural experiences.

Now in its second decade, DIFC Art Nights brought together a diverse programme spanning visual art, film, music and discussion. This year’s edition featured a curated series of short film screenings presented by Cineolio and its founder, Nawaf Al Janahi, alongside live performances from emerging young pianists Abdulla Makki, Ameera Al Ali and Hadi Kotaich.

Opening night featured a series of panel discussions exploring the evolving cultural landscape, including a session on “The Next Generation of Collectors,” hosted by Christie’s and Dubai Culture, as well as insights from the Electronic and Emerging Art Conference, ISEA2026.

Across Gate Village, visitors experienced a range of installations and live works, from Domingo Zapata’s large-scale acrylic-on-metal sculpture to interactive doodle art by Nour Bazerbashi and live painting by Ayman Mohammed. Complementing the exhibitions, the programme also included complimentary workshops and ongoing live entertainment.

The event continued to highlight Dubai’s growing creative scene, offering an accessible platform for both established and emerging artists.

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