Abu Dhabi, UAE: Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial Unveils New Installations Across Iconic Locations, Boosting Cultural Tourism Until April 2025

Monday, February 17, 2025

Art lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and international tourists have been turning their attention to Abu Dhabi, where the inaugural Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial has entered its much-anticipated second phase. Running until April 30, 2025, the biennial has transformed Abu Dhabi into an open-air museum, offering site-specific installations by 70 artists from the UAE and around the world.

This large-scale cultural initiative has made the emirate a compelling destination for global travelers by blending heritage, contemporary art, and urban exploration. With 40 new commissions and key locations across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain hosting spectacular works, the exhibition has deepened the emirate’s role as a center for public art tourism.

A New Era for Cultural Tourism in Abu Dhabi

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has been working toward positioning the emirate as a global cultural tourism powerhouse. With iconic locations transformed into artistic landmarks, visitors can experience a fusion of tradition and modernity through immersive artworks and participatory installations.

The second phase of the biennial introduced nine new installations across major sites, showcasing works by internationally renowned artists including Tarik Kiswanson, Ayesha Hadhir, Arquitectura Expandida, and Rand Abdul Jabbar. Additionally, an evolving project by Atelier Aziz Al Qatami at the Abu Dhabi Bus Terminal continues to develop, adding an interactive dimension to the exhibition.

With eight key art routes, the event encourages tourists to explore Abu Dhabi beyond traditional landmarks. From the Corniche to the Carpet Souq, National Theatre, Cultural Foundation, and Al Ain Oasis, the biennial has turned the emirate’s public spaces into a canvas for cultural storytelling.

Impact on Tourism and International Visitors

This initiative is not just about art—it is about tourism, economic impact, and Abu Dhabi’s growing role in the global travel industry. The emirate has witnessed an increase in cultural tourism arrivals, as art-driven travelers seek immersive experiences beyond gallery walls.

The biennial aligns with Abu Dhabi’s larger 2030 tourism strategy, aiming to enhance visitor engagement, lengthen stays, and create unique cultural attractions.

• Increased foot traffic to lesser-explored areas: With installations spread across various routes, visitors are encouraged to discover new districts beyond traditional tourist sites.
• A boost in hospitality and F&B sectors: Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses have benefited from the influx of cultural travelers attending the biennial.
• Enhanced engagement with local culture: Tourists experience authentic Emirati heritage through installations reflecting community, identity, and environmental themes.

Public Art as a Global Tourism Magnet

Beyond the UAE, the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial is part of a growing global trend—cities worldwide are integrating public art into tourism strategies. Events like London’s Frieze Sculpture, Art Basel Miami Beach, and Japan’s Setouchi Triennale demonstrate how cultural initiatives drive significant visitor interest and international media attention.

Abu Dhabi’s approach, however, is distinctive. The emirate has dedicated over $35 million annually to its Public Art Abu Dhabi initiative, ensuring long-term investment in cultural infrastructure. This commitment places Abu Dhabi alongside leading cultural destinations, reinforcing its position as a hub for artistic and creative tourism.

Cultural Legacy and Future Prospects

Reem Fadda, Director of Culture Programming at DCT Abu Dhabi, highlighted that the Biennial reflects the complex relationships between community, urbanity, and environment, offering an exploration of how these elements define public spaces in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

Meanwhile, Clémence Bergal, Director of Public Art Abu Dhabi, emphasized that the initiative serves a dual purpose—preserving architectural heritage while advancing Abu Dhabi’s creative legacy.

As the event continues, upcoming highlights include:

• New installations by Hussein Sharif, Emily Jacir, Rami Kashou x Emirati Artisans, Alia Farid, and Latifa Saeed, set to be unveiled in the coming months.
• Curator-led tours, artist talks, screenings, and performances, including Wael Shawky’s acclaimed Drama 1882, previously showcased at the Venice Biennale.
• A grand participatory performance by Mobile Akademie Berlin, concluding the Biennial in April.

A Global Attraction for Cultural Travelers

Abu Dhabi’s public art initiative is not just shaping the city’s artistic identity—it is transforming it into a leading cultural tourism destination. For international visitors, the Biennial offers a rare opportunity to engage with contemporary art in a city known for its historical and architectural grandeur.

By bridging the gap between urban space and artistic expression, Abu Dhabi is setting a new standard for how public art can redefine the travel experience.

As travelers from around the world explore the city’s artistic landscapes, the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial proves that culture and creativity can be powerful drivers of global tourism growth.

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