The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has launched the inaugural Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial, transforming Abu Dhabi and Al Ain into dynamic open-air galleries. Running until 30 April 2025, this landmark event, part of the Public Art Abu Dhabi initiative, explores the concept of “public” by showcasing art’s power to foster community connections. Featuring works by over 70 global artists, the Biennial presents site-specific installations and performances addressing themes of community, environment, and identity. Strategically located in downtown Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, the exhibition is designed to be accessible, encouraging both residents and visitors to engage with art within urban spaces.
Among the highlights are Farah Al Qasimi’s Homesickness, an auditory sculpture evoking the sea’s cultural and environmental significance; Seema Nusrat’s Floating Fragments, which depicts a terracotta-roofed house submerged in an imagined flood to address climate change and urbanization; Christopher Benton’s Where Lies My Carpet Is Thy Home, a transformation of the traditional Carpet Souk into a vibrant community space; Afra Al Dhaheri’s D-constructing Collective Exhaustion, an immersive installation using wood, ropes, light, and sound to explore themes of time and presence; and Wael Al Awar’s Barzakh, a thought-provoking piece reimagining boundaries and materials to inspire future architecture.
Curated routes allow visitors to explore these installations by foot or car, offering an artistic lens through which to discover Abu Dhabi’s landmarks and hidden gems. As the Biennial celebrates the emirate’s spirit of hospitality and creativity, a second phase launching in January 2025 will introduce new installations and activities to further enhance the experience.
