The UAE is emerging as a vibrant artistic hub, witnessing rising local and international artistic talents. The UAE continues to push boundaries through various foundations and exhibitions to support visionary artists, such as the Sharjah Art Foundation, Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation and Ishara Art Foundation to name a few. From visual arts and installations to conceptual arts and drawing, below are some of the notable artists in the country.
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1. Abdalla Almulla
Abdalla is an Emirati and Dubai-based Architect & Designer and founder of MULA studio. MULA is a creative practice that revolves around dynamic energy, constantly generating ideas as projects progress.
Abdalla’s process involves studying the attributes of his subjects, using patterns, geometry and digital technology as frameworks for his designs. He continuously adds creative value to his practice, ensuring unique and ever-evolving designs for his clients.
In addition, he has displayed his work at prestigious international exhibitions, including the London Design Fair 2018, as part of the UAE Design Stories Exhibition. In Dubai Design 18’, and in collaboration with GAFLA Jewelry, Abdalla created the majestic “Specular” installation.
Specular at Dubai Design Week
All Photos credits to: MULA
2. Ameena Aljarman
Fairoza, A Passage, 2021
Born in Ras Al Khaimah, Ameena Aljarman holds a double major in Fine Arts and International Studies from Zayed University. Her current artistic pursuits focus on exploring and reinterpreting the visual and social elements of her African roots and heritage.
Her work primarily examines the influence of the African diaspora on the culture, music, and environment of Ras Al Khaimah. She is deeply active in long-term research projects, documenting both oral and visual histories. Through these studies, she creates new conceptual approaches to present her findings.
Her work is prominent in numerous exhibitions. Some highlights include Art Dubai 2021, Tashkeel: COVID Conversations 2021, and the Ras Al Khaimah Fine Art Festival 2020. She also exhibited at the Emirates Fine Art Society Annual Exhibition 2019, EMERGE II Exhibition in Venice 2019, and Sikka Art Fair 2019.
Freedom beyond belief, 2018
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3. Abulrahim Salim
Born in 1955, Abdulrahim Salim is a pioneering Emirati artist who played a key role in shaping the UAE’s arts scene. He was a founding member of the Emirates Fine Arts Society in Sharjah and served as its chairman.
Salim holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sculpture from the College of Fine Arts in Cairo. Over the years, he has participated in both regional and international solo exhibitions. His notable appearances include the UAE Pavilion at the 56th Venice Biennale (2015) and two editions of the Cairo Biennale in Egypt (1988, 1992).
Blame, 2000
Face and Pigeon, 1980
Salim has earned numerous accolades throughout his career. He won first prize at the Sharjah Biennial in 1993 and the Jury Prize at the Cairo Biennale the same year. In 1994, he received the Bangladesh Silver Award, followed by the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Award in 1995.
His artwork remains prominent in prestigious collections, including the Sharjah Art Museum, ADMAF (Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation), ADNOC in Abu Dhabi, and the Jordan National Museum. In 2018, Salim participated in the “Artists and the Cultural Foundation: The Early Years” exhibition at the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation.
4. Diaa Allam
Born in 1981 in Ajman, United Arab Emirates, Diaa Allam currently lives and works in Sharjah. He graduated from Cairo University in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in Urban Design and Landscape Architecture. In addition to his work as an urban planner, Allam is also an accomplished Arabic calligrapher, specializing in 3-D calligraphy.
Allam is the founder of Naht Designs. He sources pigments from around the world, using both dark and bright tones to create his signature calligraphy illusions.
The Change 01, 2020
Kindness is the Key, 2020
He has participated in numerous large-scale projects across the UAE and the GCC. These include contributing to the Guinness World Record for the Largest Glow in the Dark Mural in Ras Al Khaimah.
In recognition of his talents, Diaa Allam was awarded the Cultural Foundation Art Residency in 2020.
