The UAE is well-known for its iconic skyscrapers, luxurious shopping, and thrilling adventures. But beyond this sparkle, there’s a rich culture worth exploring. If you enjoy diving into a country’s traditions and history, the UAE offers a diverse collection of museums, buildings, and more. It’s not just about its past; it’s a powerful combination of new and old, where tradition meets modern art.
We at Remitly have compiled a list of the UAE’s most popular culture centres and regions. Whether you’re a curious traveller, a seasoned expat, or a student looking to understand the UAE’s soul, these spots are a perfect place to start.
Why culture centres are important in the UAE
Culture centres are an interesting and insightful way to educate yourself about the region’s past, current undertakings, and future aspirations. They are important for several reasons:
- Preservation of heritage: The cultural spots are like time capsules that preserve the country’s rich heritage. They invite you to discover Emirati traditions via history exhibitions, art, performances, and more. These centres help connect people to their roots in a fast-evolving country.
- Culture exchange: People from all over the world call the UAE home, and culture centres are where various cultures meet and learn from each other. They are places to experience different international and local traditions and treasures.
- Tourism powerhouse: Millions of people visit these centres yearly, pumping money into the country’s economy and creating jobs. They’ve enhanced the UAE’s image as a must-visit tourism destination.
- Fostering social cohesion: These welcoming spaces promote unity among people. They let you connect with others through workshops, events, or artwork. Regardless of where you come from, you can always find people with similar values.
Discovering cultural highlights in Abu Dhabi
If you’ve been wondering about the fascinating cultural highlights in Abu Dhabi, here are a few suggestions to get you started.
The Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi
The Cultural Foundation is a dynamic hub celebrating Emirati heritage while fostering contemporary artistic expression.
The centre includes exhibition spaces showcasing local and regional art, a library with rare manuscripts, and a theatre hosting music and poetry performances. The permanent “People and Place” exhibit dives into Abu Dhabi’s cultural evolution, highlighting its people, traditions, and urban growth.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is ideal for those who appreciate human creativity. It’s a world-renowned cultural landmark on Saadiyat Island that opened in 2017.
Architect Jean Nouvel designed the museum in collaboration with the Louvre in Paris, showcasing a universal narrative of human creativity through art and artefacts spanning ancient times to the present.
You’ll find permanent galleries, temporary exhibitions, and a children’s museum, creating a hub for cultural exploration. It’s perfect for a family visit.
Qasr Al Hosn
Qasr Al Hosn is the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi and a living testament to Emirati identity and resilience. It’s a historic fort turned cultural centre, built in the 18th century as a watchtower before becoming a royal residence.
When you visit Qasr Al Hosn, be ready to explore exhibitions on Abu Dhabi’s history, including its tribal roots, oil-era boom, the restored fort, and the adjacent Cultural Foundation.
Exploring Dubai’s cultural gems
Beyond the iconic towers and magnificent shopping, Dubai hosts cultural and heritage sites with valuable knowledge.
Dubai Culture & Arts Authority
The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority has been silently shaping Dubai’s culture and literature since 2008.
Under Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s guidance, it pursues an ambitious goal: to elevate Dubai into a global cultural centre, a place where creativity finds footing and heritage holds firm.
Its scope spans five heritage sites, including the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, six museums, the traditional neighbourhood of Al Shindagha, the Etihad Museum, nine public libraries, and 17 archaeological zones.
Programs like the Sikka Art and Design Festival and Dubai Design Week reveal the Authority’s reach, as does the Cultural Visa, a rare offering for artists worldwide.
Alserkal Avenue
Alserkal Avenue sits in Dubai’s Al Quoz, an old industrial area that’s now home to a thriving art scene. It was opened by Abdelmonem Bin Eisa Alserkal in 2008, flipping warehouses into this 500,000-square-foot cultural hub with more than 70 art galleries. Ayyam Gallery was the first to open, followed by others like the Leila Heller Gallery and Carbon 12 Dubai.
The varied programme of events keeps Alserkal Avenue alive. For example, Quoz Arts Fest 2022 drew 40,000 visitors, with live music performances and food stalls. During Ramadan, the Avenue transforms, offering traditional iftars and extended gallery hours that reflect local heritage.
Jameel Arts Centre
Jameel Arts Centre, located along Dubai’s Jaddaf Waterfront, emerged in 2018 as a significant addition to the UAE’s cultural framework. It was initiated by Art Jameel, an independent entity backed by the Saudi-based Jameel family. It occupies a 10,000-square-metre space designed by UK-based Serie Architects.
The structure hosts over 1,000 square metres of gallery rooms that display contemporary art pulled from the Art Jameel Collection or borrowed through partnerships spanning the Middle East and beyond.
Exhibitions vary; some, like “Crude” from 2018, probe oil’s tangled history, while others spotlight solo creators, such as Maha Malluh or Chiharu Shiota with her web of red yarn. The Centre also hosts events, including film screenings, writing workshops, and art workshops.
Cultural treasures in Sharjah
North of Dubai lies Sharjah, the third-most populated city in the UAE. Although not as well-known as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, it’s sometimes referred to as the UAE’s cultural heart, and holds a wealth of heritage.
Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, set on Majarrah Waterfront, opened in 2008. Its original site opened in 1996, but that was later transformed and reopened on a new site.
The museum features Islamic artefacts dating back as far as the 1st century, including 7th-century Qurans, a Kiswa fragment from the Kaaba, and astrolabes that were used for mapping stars. Six galleries trace Islamic faith, science, and art, while a tiled dome overhead mirrors the cosmos.
Sharjah Art Foundation
The Sharjah Art Foundation anchors itself in Sharjah’s historic quarters. It was founded in 2009 by Hoor Al Qasimi, daughter of Sharjah’s current ruler, Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi. It’s not just a museum but a force pushing contemporary art through the Gulf and beyond.
The Foundation actually came as a result of The Sharjah Biennial, which has been running since 1993. The Biennial is one of the largest contemporary art events in the region, with artists descending from all over the world to showcase their works. The Foundation also hosts the March Meeting, an annual gathering of art minds that includes a variety of workshops, talks, and more.
Heart of Sharjah
The Heart of Sharjah, which stretches across Sharjah’s old centre, is a conservation and restoration project launched in 2012 by Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi.
The site is vast—spanning 35,000 square metres—and still under development, with aims for completion in 2025. The project includes the restoration of ancient homes and souqs (markets), the installation of museums and art spaces, and a varied programme of events. These include:
- Bait Al Naboodah Museum, a restored merchant’s home built in 1845.
- Souq Al Arsah, with narrow lanes, wooden stalls, and traditional products for sale.
- The Sharjah Heritage Museum houses Bedouin tools, bridal silver, traditional household items, and more.
Finding lesser-known historic neighborhoods
The UAE, widely acknowledged for its towering modern skyscrapers and opulent developments, harbours a lesser-known historical legacy within its understated neighbourhoods. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Al Jazirah Al Hamra (Ras Al Khaimah)
In the far north of the UAE, in Ras Al Khaimah, lies Al Jazirah Al Hamra, a now deserted historical pearling village. The village is the only remaining traditional town in the UAE. Although some of the old houses are now in a state of collapse, many still stand. You can visit the village to gain a picture of what life used to be like in the UAE before the mass development.
Al Satwa (Dubai)
Al Satwa is a neighbourhood in Dubai that mixes old with new. It’s characterised by tight streets and modest homes from the 1970s, built for Emirati families before Dubai went sky-high. The UAE’s Bedouin roots meet city life, with a mix of tea shops, and prayer calls still humming under the cranes.
There are no grand parties, but you can look forward to Ramadan nights lively with street food, lanterns, and children running through the streets. Sometimes, pop-up markets or art walks can be found.
Old Town of Umm Al Quwain
Al Quwain is a historic area that’s home to traditional houses, watchtowers, mosques, and old forts. They offer a stark contrast to the more modern and high-rise skyline that’s now more characteristic of the UAE.
Al Shindagha (Dubai)
Al Shindagha is a historic district in Dubai with traditional buildings where prominent families of pearl bosses once lived. Now, there are two museums—Al Shindagha Museum and the Dubai Pearl Museum—and other attractions that are well worth a visit.
Old Souq Area of Ajman
Ajman’s old souq, with its nearby historic fort, still contains the old charm of its original winding streets, wooden stalls, and distinctive smells. Now, the souq hosts events like camel races, heritage celebrations, and fairs.
The ongoing cultural journey in the UAE
Despite the UAE’s rapid development, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the country’s heritage remains an important and treasured part of the culture. As modern buildings continue to fill the skylines, there is still space for the buildings, traditions and festivities that have defined the country for so long.
If you’re drawn to the modern UAE and everything it has to offer, consider making these cultural centres a part of your exploration of the country. By learning about the country’s roots, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the elements that have shaped this vibrant nation.
FAQs
Are culture centres in the UAE open to tourists?
Yes, most cultural centres in the United Arab Emirates are open to tourists. Check centres’ official websites for details on opening hours and any applicable entrance fees. Centres that you may wish to visit include the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sharjah Art Foundation, and Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.
What types of exhibitions are available in the UAE cultural centres?
Different centres offer different types of exhibitions, with some examples including historical artefacts, Islamic art, modern arts, and traditional towns and souqs.
What is the best time to visit culture centres in the UAE?
Many cultural centres are open year-round, but between October and April, the weather is much cooler, which may be more comfortable for visiting outdoor attractions.