Middle East’s Largest Public Art Initiative Unfolds in Abu Dhabi as Biennial Brings Contemporary Installations to Cultural Landmarks: Know about the latest updates

Published on February 18, 2025

Art and tourism have long gone hand in hand, with cities across the world using cultural attractions to draw visitors and enrich their local identity. Abu Dhabi, already a leading destination for heritage and creativity, is now cementing itself as a global public art hub through the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial, a landmark initiative that aims to integrate contemporary art into the urban and cultural fabric of the emirate.

Launched in November 2024 and currently in its second phase, this ambitious project has introduced nine new public art installations across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, further expanding an exhibition that already features site-specific works from over 70 artists, including 40 newly commissioned pieces. The initiative, led by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), is set to reshape the city’s tourism landscape, attracting visitors interested in immersive artistic experiences.

As the biennial runs until April 30, 2025, it is expected to boost cultural tourism, encourage urban exploration, and redefine Abu Dhabi’s role as a center for contemporary public art.

A New Cultural Tourism Experience: Art Across the City

Unlike traditional museum exhibitions, the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial is not confined to a single gallery or institution. Instead, it offers visitors a journey through multiple locations, transforming the emirate’s urban and natural landscapes into open-air art galleries.

• Artworks have been strategically placed across eight routes, including:
  • Abu Dhabi Corniche Route
  • Abu Dhabi Public Parks Route
  • Abu Dhabi Bus Terminal Route
  • Downtown Abu Dhabi Route
  • Carpet Souq Route
  • National Theatre Route
  • Cultural Foundation Route
  • Al Ain Oasis Route
• Each location showcases unique installations by local and international artists, ensuring a mix of regional heritage and global perspectives.
• The biennial is designed to be accessible on foot or by car, encouraging exploration of lesser-known cultural spaces within the city.

This approach enhances Abu Dhabi’s tourism offering, positioning it alongside cities like Paris, New York, and Berlin, where art is seamlessly integrated into the urban experience.

Global Artists, Local Stories: The Power of Public Art

Art tourism has seen rapid growth in recent years, with cities using creative installations to enhance public spaces, drive visitor engagement, and build cultural identity. The Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial is a prime example of this trend, featuring prominent artists whose works address themes of environment, urbanity, community, and identity.

Notable Artists & Installations in the Second Phase:

• Tarik Kiswanson – Known for his poetic sculptural works that reflect themes of migration and belonging.
• Ayesha Hadhir – Explores connections between heritage and modernity in UAE culture.
• Rand Abdul Jabbar – Highlights memory and historical narratives in contemporary artistic forms.
• Arquitectura Expandida – A collective that engages in interactive, community-driven urban art projects.
• Lúcia Koch, Nnenna Okore, Sophia Balagamwala – Their installations create a dialogue between natural and built environments.

By bringing together artists from diverse cultural backgrounds, the biennial not only celebrates global artistic talent but also showcases Abu Dhabi’s commitment to fostering creative exchange.

How the Biennial is Redefining Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Landscape

Abu Dhabi has already positioned itself as a leading cultural tourism destination, home to institutions like the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Manarat Al Saadiyat, and the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial complements these efforts by:

• Attracting international cultural tourists interested in contemporary art.
• Encouraging longer stays as visitors explore multiple sites over several days.
• Enhancing Abu Dhabi’s urban appeal, making public spaces more engaging for both tourists and residents.
• Providing a platform for interactive cultural experiences, including performances, guided tours, and film screenings.

Public Engagement & Cultural Programming

To ensure that visitors fully engage with the artworks, the biennial includes a dynamic public program featuring:

• Curator-led tours that offer deeper insights into the installations.
• Film screenings, including Wael Shawky’s Drama 1882, which premiered at the Venice Biennale.
• Collaborative performances, such as Christopher Joshua Benton’s project at the Carpet Souq.

This focus on interactive experiences aligns with global tourism trends, where travelers seek meaningful connections with local culture rather than passive sightseeing.

The Future of Public Art in Abu Dhabi

The Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial is part of a larger effort by DCT Abu Dhabi to integrate public art into the city’s long-term development.

According to Clémence Bergal, Public Art Abu Dhabi Director, the initiative is one of three major pillars in Abu Dhabi’s broader public art strategy. It aims to:

• Preserve and repurpose urban spaces to create culturally significant public environments.
• Enhance liveability and quality of life by making art accessible to all.
• Encourage artistic dialogue between the local and global creative communities.

With an annual investment of over $35 million, Abu Dhabi is establishing itself as a leader in public art initiatives, ensuring that creative expression remains at the heart of its cultural and tourism industries.

Global Influence: How Public Art is Shaping Travel Trends

Abu Dhabi’s model of integrating public art with tourism reflects a broader trend in global travel:

• Cities worldwide are using large-scale art events to attract visitors. Events like Art Basel (Miami, Hong Kong, Basel) and the Venice Biennale have become major tourist draws.
• Travelers increasingly seek immersive, cultural experiences. The rise of street art tours, sculpture parks, and digital art installations indicates a shift toward experiential tourism.
• Public art enhances urban branding. Just as Chicago’s Cloud Gate (“The Bean”) and Barcelona’s Park Güell have become tourism icons, Abu Dhabi’s biennial is poised to create memorable, must-visit landmarks.

Why Abu Dhabi is the Next Big Art Destination

As cultural tourism continues to grow, Abu Dhabi’s commitment to public art, museum development, and heritage preservation positions it as a global creative hub. The Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial not only celebrates artistic innovation but also sets a precedent for how cities can use art to engage visitors, enrich public spaces, and drive tourism growth.

For travelers, this means new ways to experience Abu Dhabi—not just through its museums and skyscrapers but through the lens of contemporary art, urban storytelling, and cultural exploration.

As the biennial continues until April 30, 2025, it is expected to leave a lasting impact on Abu Dhabi’s cultural landscape, ensuring that art remains a central pillar of the city’s tourism experience.