DUBAI (The Thursday Times) — When you think of Dubai, what comes to mind? Gleaming skyscrapers, luxury shopping, and futuristic innovation? While the city is undoubtedly synonymous with wealth, glamour, and architectural wonders, there is another, lesser-known side to Dubai that quietly thrives away from the glittering skyline. Beneath its polished surface lies a vibrant, evolving underground art scene—an ecosystem of creativity where street art, experimental galleries, and performance spaces come alive, offering a raw and refreshing contrast to the city’s luxury image.
Street art in Dubai
In a city as meticulously planned as Dubai, the idea of street art might seem out of place. However, walk through certain neighbourhoods, and you’ll quickly discover vibrant murals and thought-provoking graffiti decorating walls and alleyways. Areas like Karama and Satwa have become unexpected hubs for street art, thanks to a growing community of local and international artists who see these spaces as blank canvases for expression.
One of the most well-known initiatives, Karama Street Art Project, transformed a series of building facades into a lively outdoor gallery in 2016. The murals, ranging from abstract designs to surreal portraits, inject colour and creativity into the otherwise low-key district. For tourists and residents alike, these artworks provide a stark contrast to the opulence of nearby landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, reminding us that Dubai’s artistic soul can be found in even the most unexpected places.
Why it thrives: In Dubai, street art is more than just visual decoration—it’s a form of expression that often pushes the boundaries of what is socially acceptable. Despite the city’s tight regulations, street artists have found ways to make their mark while respecting local laws, producing art that celebrates the city’s cultural diversity and rapid development.
Pop-up galleries in the city
While Dubai’s mainstream art scene is anchored by world-class venues like the Dubai Opera and the Art Dubai Fair, the underground art world finds its home in more unconventional spaces. Pop-up galleries have become a key feature of this scene, offering local and emerging artists a platform to display their work outside the confines of commercial art fairs.
The industrial area of Alserkal Avenue, located in the district of Al Quoz, has grown into a cultural hotspot for contemporary and experimental art. Originally a cluster of warehouses, Alserkal Avenue is now home to independent galleries, art studios, and creative workshops. While some of these spaces are well-established, many operate in a more temporary, fluid format—hosting exhibitions that challenge Dubai’s glamorous image and bring underground creativity to the fore.
Artists working in these pop-up galleries often explore themes such as identity, globalisation, and environmental sustainability—topics that may not always be addressed in more commercial art venues. Additionally, the sense of impermanence inherent to pop-up galleries adds to their appeal, with each exhibition offering a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Cultural fusion
Dubai’s diverse population is one of its most unique aspects. With expatriates from over 200 nationalities living in the city, the underground art scene reflects this cultural melting pot. Artists from all corners of the globe bring their unique perspectives and experiences, creating a blend of styles and influences rarely seen elsewhere.
Many of these artists explore the juxtaposition between tradition and modernity, particularly within the context of Middle Eastern culture. Themes of identity, migration, and the intersection of East and West frequently emerge in their work, offering fresh insights into the complexities of living in a city that is constantly evolving.
Events like Sikka Art Fair, held in Dubai’s historic Al Fahidi district, showcase this fusion by bringing together local and international artists who experiment with different mediums, from installation art to film. Sikka offers a glimpse into the underground scene’s diversity and inclusivity, where artists from varying backgrounds collaborate to push creative boundaries.
Avant-garde performance art
Beyond traditional art forms like painting and sculpture, Dubai’s underground scene is also home to experimental performance art. In venues far removed from the city’s tourist hubs, avant-garde performers explore everything from immersive installations to interpretive dance and spoken word. These performances often touch on social, environmental, and political issues, creating a platform for discourse that might not otherwise be possible in the public sphere.
Independent theatres and alternative spaces, such as The Junction in Alserkal Avenue, regularly host performance artists who use their medium to provoke thought and question societal norms. These performances challenge the idea that Dubai is solely a city of luxury, offering audiences a raw and often unfiltered experience of human expression.
Art and resistance
While Dubai is generally seen as a highly regulated city, the underground art scene has carved out a space where subtle forms of resistance can flourish. Many artists working in these subcultures use their work to explore themes that question social norms or highlight issues such as environmental sustainability, cultural preservation, and identity.
This is not to say that the underground art scene is overtly political. However, in a city known for its polished exterior, any form of alternative expression can feel like a quiet rebellion. These artworks often encourage viewers to reflect on the world around them and reconsider preconceived ideas about Dubai’s culture and society.
The hidden heart of Dubai’s art world
Dubai’s underground art scene is a hidden gem—a vibrant world of creativity that contrasts sharply with the city’s well-known luxury and grandeur. From bold street art in Karama to avant-garde performances in Alserkal Avenue, this subculture offers a refreshing perspective on a city often defined by its wealth and excess. It’s a world where local and international artists come together to challenge norms, push boundaries, and express their unique voices.
Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, exploring Dubai’s underground art scene offers an opportunity to see the city from a different angle. It’s a reminder that beneath Dubai’s shiny surface lies a thriving ecosystem of creativity, one that deserves to be explored and celebrated.
