“Arts hotels” trend emerges in Dubai

Usually recognized for its white sand beaches, futuristic architecture, enormous malls and adrenalin filled theme parks, Dubai is currently seeing a rise in the number of ‘arts hotels’ developing.

The UAE city is becoming a hub for international artists with hotels being designed with art in mind and developed to house special collections.

As well as hotel collections, the general art scene is fast evolving in Dubai. The opening of the Dubai Opera in late 2016 offers visitors a wider variety of cultural shows and the many galleries on Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz is one of the most significant hubs of contemporary art in the UAE.

Beyond such leading galleries as Carbon 12 Dubai, Isabelle Van den Eynde Gallery and Green Art Gallery, visitors will also find Salsali Private Museum, Dubai’s first private museum. The neighbourhood is also home to Satellite, an alternative arts space that supports artists in residence by providing them with the space to produce new and original works of art. The Fridge, a popular performing arts organisation in the district, also works to present and showcase regional musicians and performance artists.

Below is a roundup of hotels in Dubai with an arts focus:

New collection at the Address Boulevard

Most recently, the Address Boulevard, which opened in April 2017 has 251 distinctive pieces from 48 emerging and internationally acclaimed artists scattered throughout the hotel. The hotel has its own curator who has also overseen a 7.5 metre high installation that represents a pair of bird ‘wings’ by British sculptor Ben Barrell. Wings will be the first installation guests see as they arrive at the hotel. The hotel is located in Dubai’s second tallest tower – 72-storey curvilinear tower.

Hotel within a gallery at the XVA Hotel

At the other end of the spectrum, the XVA hotel, is actually housed within an art gallery. Located in the heart of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, the oldest community in Dubai, the XVA Hotel has 13 unique and individual guest rooms which showcase architectural and cultural motifs of the region set within an internationally acclaimed art gallery. More reminiscent of somewhere in an Italian city, the hotel is set around a central cobbled courtyard with uneven winding passageways.

482 art works at the Jumeirah Creekside Hotel

Other hotels developing their arts offering are the Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, which has 482 works by 51 contemporary artists spanning different media including painting, sculptures, videos, limited edition series and mixed media works.

Art & Dine concept at Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach

The Plantation Restaurant & Terrace at the hotel offers an ‘art and dine’ concept fusing fine food with art. The restaurant provides a stunning backdrop to many prestigious art exhibitions from prominent local and international artists, as well as emerging talents all year round. Upcoming exhibitions include a sculpture shadows display for Ramadan; START NPO representing talented underprivileged children who express their view of the world through art; from September an American artist and at the end of 2017, “La Parisienne” by Sofitel, iconic photos of Parisians since the 1950’s.

Artinhouse programme at Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Bur Dubai

Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Bur Dubai has an Artinhouse program featuring original paintings and prints by both local and international artists. Every couple of years this five star hotel hosts two to three artists from different countries in the “Gallery” on the mezzanine level of the hotel. The program offers artists a space to exhibit as well as buying opportunities from guests.

Arabic art at the Four Seasons Hotel and Resort – Jumeirah Beach

The hotel’s art collection has been thoughtfully curated to showcase contemporary Arabic artists. Dubai’s cultural identity can be felt in this elegant and contemporary art collection with references to the cities traditional and historical past cleverly juxtaposed with gestures to its current glory and inspiring future. There are several themes that can be found throughout the works including the notion of Arabic line, written word and patterns; pearls and dhows with their illustrious past in Dubai’s earliest trade and bold sculptural works acknowledging the growth and opulence of Dubai.

Sculpture at Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates

Framing the lobby of the Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates Hotel is a large golden calligraphy art piece, created from a poem written by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates. The sculpture, which is the center piece of a heritage corner in the centrally located hotel, represents the unity of the Gulf

Underwater art class at Atlantis The Palm

The Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis The Palm is returning its popular , ‘Art and Grape Under the Sea’, inviting guests to learn how to paint with watercolors under the tutorage of an expert, whilst enjoying unlimited wine and canapés . Open to all levels, from beginner to advanced, ‘Art and Grape Under the Sea’ is a two-hour workshop led by Dubai artist, Lillian Mackey, who will guide guests on their creative journey, each leaving with a masterpiece ready to take pride of place on their wall. Inspired by a study published by researchers from the National Marine Aquarium at Plymouth and Exeter University, ‘Art and Grape Under the Sea’ embodies that findings that contemplation of fish in an aquarium affects the reduction of stress and anxiety and provides health benefits, including lowered blood pressure. Events take place on 3rd July, 4th September and 11th December from 8.30pm to 10.30pm and costs from £83 per person.