• Curating Art with Maria Firetti

    CB2 Level 2, Mall of The Emirates, Dubai

    The eponymous founder of Firetti Contemporary Gallery talks about understanding value and choosing art if you're a novice collector (always interesting to hear the views of a galerist on such subjects). The talk is at CB2, the high-end furniture and [ ... ]

    Free
  • Emmie McLuskey: Creative Practices and Curation in Sound Art

    Sharjah Art Foundation -- Calligraphy Square Sharjah

    Glasgow-based Emmie McLuskey works with sculpture, print, sound and performance to explore the physical embodiment of communication with a particular focus on systems of learning. McLuskey works across the roles of artist, programmer, writer and educator. She sees these as [ ... ]

    Free
  • Curators Talk | Suheyla Takesh

    NYUAD Art Gallery Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    The first in a new series presented by The NYUAD Art Gallery, in which curators working in the UAE and beyond discuss their approaches to curatorial practice. The aim is to survey the various individual positions and institutional models at [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • The Abbasid Caliph and His People: A View From the Centre

    NYUAD Campus, Conference Centre NYUAD Campus, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    This talk explores the conventional representations of the Abbasid dynasty, highlighting its perceived trajectory from its rise in the mid-eighth century to its decline in the tenth century. Letizia Osti, Associate Professor of Arabic Language and Literature a the University [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Cveto Marsič: An art night

    Slovenian artist Cveto Marsič talks about his creative process and “the profound influence of color, music, and the diverse landscapes he has encountered throughout his artistic journey”. His fascination with the cultures and landscapes of Southern Europe, particularly regions like [ ... ]

  • The Jazz of the Cosmos

    NYUAD Campus, Conference Centre NYUAD Campus, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    Now this looks like a fine way to start the new year: Stephon Alexander, Professor of Physics at Brown University, talks about the intriguing connections between the realms of physics, cosmology, and quantum physics with the music that defines an [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • (No) Body is Translating

    Jameel Arts Centre Al Jaddaf, Dubai

    The Jameel is running a third season of Night School, a seminar programme where UAE residents can discuss urbanism and history in Dubai. Under this season's theme, There You Are, participants will assess how much we can know about a [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Closing event: Plaited Time – A Talk + Sonic Interlude with Lubaina Himid, Magda Stawarska, Omar Kholeif

    Al Mureijah Art Spaces Al Mureijah Square, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

    Join Turner Prize-winning artist Lubaina Himid (above right) and collaborator Magda Stawarska (left) as they talk about their rather good SAF exhibition Plaited Time / Deep Water with the exhibition's curator, Dr Omar Kholeif. They will delve into the role [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Shehan Karunatilaka: Writing Across Borders

    NYUAD Campus, Conference Centre NYUAD Campus, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    Shehan Karunatilaka, the 2022 Booker Prize Winner, talks with NYUAD Visiting Professor of Literature and Creative Writing Harshana Rambukwella. Karunatilaka’s fiction combines the surreal and the drakly humorous, notably in his Booker winner The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida – [ ... ]

    Free
  • Sharjah Architecture Triennial: Material & Land Narratives

    The Sharjah Architecture Triennial (SAT) is hosting the final day of public programme for its second edition, The Beauty of Impermanence: An Architecture of Adaptability, which runs until 10 March. 'Material & Land Narratives' explores the regenerative potential of earthen [ ... ]

    Free
  • Future Experts: AI in arts and culture

    Museum of the Future Trade Centre 2, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai

    Some of the sessions in the Museum of the Future's Future Experts talks series have been a tad over-technical, but this one should hit the mark. Apparently it's designed "to ignite intellectual discussions and foster collaborative exploration at the intersection [ ... ]

    AED 100
  • Visualizing Palestine: Gaza in Context

    Jameel Arts Centre Al Jaddaf, Dubai

    Aline Batarseh, Executive Director of Visualizing Palestine talks about her organisation's most recent work contextualising the crisis in Gaza — from infographics to videos to interactive platforms – while also providing insight into Visualizing Palestine’s process for data collection and [ ... ]

    Free
  • Romance and War/Music and Technology: from David Lean’s Brief Encounter to his Lawrence of Arabia

    NYUAD Campus, Conference Centre NYUAD Campus, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    This talk explores the connected themes of romance and war in two of David Lean’s classics. Both films were about “transports of love and the transportation of warring parties”, both comment on the post-Second World War context. What did it [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • (De)Constructing the Virtual Character in Motion Pictures 

    NYUAD Campus, Conference Centre NYUAD Campus, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    In the last 30 years, virtual characters in motion pictures have grown from a novelty to a staple of movie-making. This talk for the NYU Abu Dhabi Institute examines is by Luca Fascione, a senior ray tracing engineer for NVIDIA; [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • On the Meaning of Place: A Walk Through the Old City

    NYUAD Campus, Conference Centre NYUAD Campus, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    Matthew Teller’s Nine Quarters of Jerusalem: A New Biography of the Old City (2022) gives voice to the layered tapestry of communities, each with its own story, that make up the city. His talk for the NYU Abu Dhabi Institute [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Art, Social Space, and Public Discourse

    Alserkal Arts Foundation Warehouse 50/51, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai

    An artist talk by Ala Ebtekar at Alserkal Arts Foundation that draws from his recent explorations and research on art in public space. Ebtekar expands the critical framework of conversation around public art projects, exploring various tools of cultural production [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Artist Talks | Sheher, Prakriti, Devi

    Alserkal Arts Foundation Warehouse 50/51, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai

    Ishara Art Foundation presents talks by Gauri Gill, Shefalee Jain and Mariam Suhail with their first public presentations in the UAE – the ongoing exhibition Sheher, Prakriti, Devi, which Gauri Gill has curated. Moderated by media and culture theorist Rashmi [ ... ]

    Free
  • Artist Talk: Independence in the Music Business with Oddisee

    NYUAD Art Gallery Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    Prior to his Arts Center show tomorrow, the fiercely independent hip hop artist Oddisee will lead a talk in the NYUAD Gallery Reading Room that focuses on the DIY entrepreneurial approach to building his career – instead of pursuing record [ ... ]

  • Art History Evenings: Orientalism in Decorative Arts, Architecture and Fashion

    BFAF Culture District, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

    BFAF's art history lecture programme continues with art historian and researcher Maryam Jalali, who will explore how Eastern motifs and styles were romanticised in Western design from the 18th to the early 20th centuries. Above: Fabio Fabbi, Women Resting on [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Curators Talk: Munira Al Sayegh – Exhibitions as Cultural Correctors

    NYUAD Art Gallery Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    For the sixth in the new NYUAD Art Gallery Curators Talk series, Munira Al Sayegh will explore the role of a curator as "sociopolitical ambassador". Delving into the various complexities of representing cultures and nations outside their usual contexts, Al [ ... ]

    Free
  • Diamond, Art & Science

    L'ÉCOLE Middle East, School of Jewelry Arts Building 10, Dubai Design District, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    A talk in L'ÉCOLE Middle East's regular evening series, presented by gemologists Chandra Horn and Tania Heikal (both lecturers at L'ÉCOLE): "embark on a voyage to discover the diamond, between science and history". The talk is preceded by a welcome [ ... ]

    AED 50
  • The Fascinating Colours of Diamonds

    L'ÉCOLE Middle East, School of Jewelry Arts Building 10, Dubai Design District, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    What is the origin of the colour of diamonds? Can it be measured, quantified and appraised? Is rarity the only aspect to explain their appeal? This talk in L'ÉCOLE Middle East's regular evening series, presented by gemologists Chandra Horn and [ ... ]

    AED 50
  • Preserving the Past, Embracing Change, Honoring Traditions

    NYUAD Campus, Conference Centre NYUAD Campus, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    Managing the tensions between traditions and progress (whatever that means) is a particularly acute issue for the Gulf states, awash with money and keen to welcome the world but concerned to maintain a culture rooted in the last. Zaki Aslan, [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Music From Space: Where Science Meets Art

    The Arts Center @ NYUAD NYUAD Campus, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    This talk by Leonardo Barilaro, pianist, composer and aerospace engineer, explores the intersection of science and art, transcending cultural barriers to bring people closer to the marvels of space. Dr Barilaro will showcase his compositions sent to the International Space [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Steven Naifeh: Art, Writing, and Passion for Art Collection

    Richelieu Amphitheatre Hazza Bin Zayed St, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    The artist, writer, art historian and collector Steven Naifeh will discuss his work, currently featured in a solo exhibition at Artbooth Gallery and at Abu Dhabi Art; his writing, notably his biography of Vincent van Gogh; and his collection of [ ... ]

    Free
  • Alserkal Art Week

    Alserkal Avenue Al Quoz 1, Dubai

    Alserkal Art Week returns 17-25 November. As usual many of the galleries will be opening new shows during the week (we count ten: they're listed separately in the Agenda), but the Alserkal Avenue people have been developing a programme themselves [ ... ]

    Free
  • Artist Talk: Ayesha Sultana

    Ishara Art Foundation Alserkal Avenue, Dubai

    Ayesha Sultana’s first public talk in the UAE examines the complex relationship between the human body and the natural world, and in particular her hand-blown glass sculptures and watercolour paintings on tissue displayed at Ishara in her ongoing Fragility and [ ... ]

    Free
  • Curators Talk: Salwa Mikdadi

    NYUAD Art Gallery Reading Room أبو ظبي, أبو ظبي, United Arab Emirates

    The first in the Curators Talk talk series of the 2024-2025 academic year features art historian and curator Salwa Mikdadi, Professor of Practice in Art History at NYUAD and Founding Director and Principal Investigator of the Al Mawrid Arab Center [ ... ]

    Free
  • Bejeweled: A Symphony of Gemology and Art

    Louvre Abu Dhabi Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

    A two-part talk exploring the history and craftsmanship of 11 extraordinary pieces from the museum’s permanent collection, presented by L’ÉCOLE Middle East and Louvre Abu Dhabi. There’s a livestream talk on 9 December (3-4pm: the Zoom link is here) followed [ ... ]

    Free
  • Precious Ornamental Stones

    L'ÉCOLE Middle East, School of Jewelry Arts Building 10, Dubai Design District, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    A talk about the use of ornamental stones, from ancient civilisations to their revival in modern jewellery and decorative arts. The speakers are two lecturers at the L’ÉCOLE Middle East, School of Jewelry Arts; Chandra Horn, gemologist, and David Usieto [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Pearls, Art & Science

    L'ÉCOLE Middle East, School of Jewelry Arts Building 10, Dubai Design District, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    A L'ÉCOLE Middle East talk that exploring the world of pearls, given by two of the School of Jewelry Arts' lecturers – gemologist Chandra Horn and art historian May El Hage.

    AED 50
  • Crafting Tomorrow: Riken Yamamoto’s Architectural Journey

    NYUAD Campus, Conference Centre NYUAD Campus, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    Riken Yamamoto, winner of the 2024 Pritzker Architecture Prize, will talk about the transformative power of architecture in shaping communities via key themes such as sustainability, intergenerational living, human-centred design, and the integration of public and private spaces. Drawing from [ ... ]

    Free
  • Cosmopolitan Imagination: Cultural Reflections from the 21st Century

    NYUAD Campus, Conference Centre NYUAD Campus, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    What does it mean to be a citizen of the world? How do literature, culture, and identity shape our understanding of belonging and difference? These are the kinds of profound questions that Werner Sollors, one of our time's most celebrated [ ... ]

    Free
  • Gustave Caillebotte: The Unknown Impressionist

    Bassam Freiha Art Foundation Cultural District Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

    Stéphanie Chardeau-Botteri, art historian, great-grandniece of the artist, and author of a study of Caillebotte of the same name as the talk (it was shortlisted for the 2024 Goncourt Prize for biographies) discusses the life and legacy of the "unknown [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Burj Rashid: A Landmark Reimagined Into Art

    Al Safa Art & Design Library Al Safa Park, Jumeriah 3, Dubai

    A talk accompanying the Burj Rashid exhibition that commemorate the 45th anniversary of the tower's inauguration (and which ends soon). This panel discussion, moderated by architect Amal Anoohi, features artist Ahmad AlAttar, designer and artist Sara Al Khayyal, and artist [ ... ]

    Free
  • Talismans, Gems and Marvels

    L'ÉCOLE Middle East, School of Jewelry Arts Building 10, Dubai Design District, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    A lecture exploring the powers attributed to stones and their symbolism, the beliefs surrounding protective animals, and the fascinating stories of legendary jewels and talismans from various cultures. The speakers – both lecturers at L’ÉCOLE Middle East – are art [ ... ]

    AED 50
  • Ruby, Art & Science

    L'ÉCOLE Middle East, School of Jewelry Arts Building 10, Dubai Design District, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    A L'ÉCOLE Middle East talk that exploring the world of pearls, given by two of the School of Jewelry Arts' lecturers – gemologist/lecturers Chandra Horn and Tania Heikal. A welcome reception is followed by the talk at 6.30pm.

    AED 50
  • Hussein Nassereddine: You, Only, Inhabit My Years

    Alserkal Arts Foundation Common Room Warehouse 51, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai

    Artist and writer Hussein Nassereddine, the Alserkal Arts Foundation's Fall 2025 resident, presents an afternoon of film and reading around poetics of time, repetition, and the limits of language. He will present his recent video work You, Only, Inhabit My [ ... ]

    Free
  • Art Thinking: The Intricacies of Corporate and Brand Patronage

    Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi Reem Island, Abu Dhabi

    What do Louis Vuitton, Marina Abramović and BMW have in common? According to cultural strategist Vadim Grigoryan in his newly published book, Art Thinking: Art, Meaning and Brand Leadership, they are all players in the evolving relationship between the art [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Off the Menu in Dubai: Arva S Ahmed

    Jameel Arts Centre Al Jaddaf, Dubai

    Arva Ahmed is the entrepreneur behind Frying Pan Adventures, one of the Dubai’s more interesting food tour guides. This talk draws from her writings, YouTube channel, and television work to take stock of her career, her evolving relationship with the [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Legends and Motifs of Feathers

    L'ÉCOLE Middle East, School of Jewelry Arts Building 10, Dubai Design District, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    Another of L’ÉCOLE Middle East’s entertaining talks about the art of jewellery – mostly of course from the atelier of the school’s parent, Van Cleef & Arpels. This one explores how birds and feathers became a major theme in jewellery [ ... ]

    AED 50
  • School is a City: Prasad Shetty and Rupali Gupte

    Jameel Arts Centre Al Jaddaf, Dubai

    Prasad Shetty and Rupali Gupte reflect on the motivations and challenges that shaped their commitment to the School of Environment and Architecture in Mumbai which they founded in 2014. Today, it is a fully accredited architecture school with around 200 [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Museums, Social Media, and Public Space

    NYUAD Institute NYU Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi

    This NYUAD Institute talk considers how artworks operate across different contexts, from museums and galleries to public spaces and digital circulation. Drawing on over 15 years of experience, Bahia Shehab reflects on how audience engagement shifts when art is encountered [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Biographies of a Cairo Neighbourhood: Khaled Adham

    Jameel Arts Centre Al Jaddaf, Dubai

    Architect and author Khaled Adham traces the personal and familial impulses that have shaped the Mohandiseen district in Cairo. His research focuses on how late capitalism shaped Cairo’s urban and physical transformations, with particular attention to housing and urbanisation of [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Stories of Home, Memory, and Shared Humanity

    Abrahamic Family House Jacques Chirac Street, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

    This Ramadan Suhoor talk, hosted by NYU Abu Dhabi in partnership with the Abrahamic Family House as part of the AFH Dialogue | Ramadan Edition, will explore themes of belonging, resilience, and the power of literature to foster shared humanity [ ... ]

  • Behind the Scenes of Museums: From Conservation to Communication

    Bassam Freiha Art Foundation Cultural District Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

    A lecture by Elsie El Deek Bou Jaoude, art historian and Director of the USEK Archaeological Museum, that promises “a rare glimpse into the unseen work of museums, exploring how conservation, research, and collaboration shape collections beyond what is visible to [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register