With two venues, one in Doha and the other in Dubai, the Third Line Gallery works towards creating awareness about contemporary art forms. In this regard, the gallery regularly presents established and amateur artists who are eager to tap into new avenues and project new themes. And for those who love collecting modern art, this is the perfect place.
Located at the Al Quoz Industrial Area, the Green Art Gallery focuses on contemporary art. The gallery displays prominent works of various artists hailing not only from the Middle East but also from Africa, Southern Asia and even parts of Turkey. The gallery promotes every artists' research-based approach and encourages participation without age and nationality barriers. Feel free to keep a track of up-coming exhibitions on their official website. If you are an art connoisseur a visit to the Green Art Gallery is a must when in Dubai.
One of the most recognizable buildings in the world, the Burj Khalifa rises to a staggering height of 829.8 meters (2,722 feet). The towering edifice appears to pierce the sky itself, soaring high above the city with its contemporary design. Completed in 2010, the skyscraper broke records at the time to become the world's tallest freestanding structure. Some of its most iconic highlights include the outdoor Observation Deck which is set on the 124th floor and offers breathtaking views of the city, surpassed only by the Sky Deck on the 148th floor. The extravagant interiors only add to the building's appeal, and the structure is also home to a luxury hotel and a high-end restaurant. The Burj Khalifa is a landmark that is synonymous with the city, as is evidenced by the myriad replicas of its iconic form fitted into souvenir stands and depicted on postcards.
Spread across a sprawling area on the Burj Khalifa Lake, the Dubai Fountain was designed by the same firm that orchestrated the iconic Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas. Considered to be one of the greatest choreographed fountains in the world, this marvelous ensemble of faucets features projectors equipped to present over 20 colors and thousands of lights. Shooting jets of water about 152.4 meters (500 feet) up in the sky, the musical fountain boasts of exciting shows throughout the day. As the sun sets, the fountain's vibrant lights are turned on, thus bathing the entire area in a surreal glow. The lovely Dubai Fountain can definitely transport enthralled visitors to another world, owing to its magical illuminations, choreography, and music!
A dazzling one-stop destination, Global Village is a hub of entertainment, dining and shopping. This sprawling entertainment complex features individual pavilions representing countries from all around the world, each a unique architectural and cultural unit that retails specialty wares, food, and experiences from that region. You can enjoy a number of special events like concerts and kids' theater shows, as well as carnivals and festivals. If you're traveling with family, you can rediscover the charm of old-school entertainment with adventure rides and roller-coasters galore. With its larger-than-life personality, the myriad experiences it offers, and the array of cultures it represents under one roof, Global Village is nothing short of a global fair and an unmissable attraction in the city.
Shaped like a dhow (a traditional Arab sailing vessel), Dubai Opera is an architectural marvel and a marvelous landmark in The Opera District. This glass-encased state-of-the-art facility is an ode to the metropolis' maritime past and divided into the bow and hull areas. A multifaceted venue, it is among the top performing arts venue with a myriad of world class acts in its roster. There is also a rooftop restaurant offering fantastic vistas of the downtown skyline.
A fine example of Dubai's rapid development, the majlis, meaning the meeting room, was built in the early 1950s as a resort for the late Ruler of Dubai to enjoy his summers. Located in the coastal area of Umm Suqeim, the plain yet cozy two-story stone building includes a terrace and storeroom on the ground floor. The second floor has traditional decor including Arabic-style carpets and coffee pots. The majlis gardens feature a historical point of interest in its reproduction of the traditional falaj irrigation system.
Located within the famous Alserkal Avenue, Etemad Gallery is a treat for all the art lovers. This gallery offers you the artworks of local and international talents. The exhibitions may vary from photography, sculpture, abstract, contemporary and lots more. The budding artists get a great platform to showcase their talents too. For more information, check out the website or call ahead.
Located within the Dubai International Financial Center, The Farjam Collection houses one of the most significant collections of Islamic and contemporary art in the Middle East. The expansive collection is classified into numerous sections, of which the Islamic and Middle Eastern are worth a special mention. The center regularly hosts numerous art-related events to spread awareness about Islamic art. For more information and event details, check out the website or call ahead.
Take a desert safari with Platinum Heritage to know the true nature of Dubai. Hop on a Land Rover for your chosen safari and embark on a fascinating tour of the Dubai sands and its wildlife as you zip past the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Or try the Heritage one which gives a glimpse of the Bedouins and their rich culture. For the adventurous, the hot air balloon and wildlife safari during sunrise is an excellent option. They also offer overnight safaris as well. Gaze at an Arabian Oryx or get mesmerized by the bewitching hues of the sand cast by the sun rays. During the night, the enchanting scenery will make you feel a part of the Arabian Nights. You can be sure of an amazing trip with the Platinum Heritage.
Probably the only place in the city that is totally dedicated to photography, Gulf Photo Plus or GPP is a must for every photography enthusiast. Their captivating exhibitions showcase renowned and upcoming photographers from across the globe while their educational programs are a great way to learn the intricacies of this art form. From photo tours to workshops and the much awaited annual GPP Photo Week, this center has carved a niche for itself in this vibrant city's artistic map.
One of the most eminent and pioneering improv theaters in Dubai, Courtyard Playhouse has nurtured local artists since its inception in 2013. Be it their workshops, improv shows and live acts, this theater sure knows how to bring a smile to your face. Influenced by the style of Keith Johnstone, they also provide classes and workshops for adults and kids alike.