Abu Dhabi’s Inaugural Public Art Biennial Launches on November 15th

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is set to debut the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial on November 15th, showcasing over 70 artists from the UAE and around the globe. This inaugural event, themed “Public Matter,” will feature site-specific installations and performances across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, designed to explore the evolving role of public spaces in a culturally diverse city.

Among the artists contributing are Allora & Calzadilla, Farah Al Qasimi, Hashel Al Lamki, Oscar Murillo, and Zeinab Alhashemi, with their work engaging themes of environmental resilience, urban life, and cultural identity. Highlights include Arquitectura Expandida’s “Urban Negotiation,” which reimagines urban landscapes through mobile installations, and Oscar Murillo’s 80-metre-long canvas stretching across Abu Dhabi’s Corniche to reflect the city’s rapid growth. Farah Al Qasimi’s auditory sculptures will evoke reflections on the region's deep connection to the ocean, while Zeinab Alhashemi’s tribute to Abu Dhabi’s Central Bus Terminal will emphasise the balance between urban development and nature.

With a focus on accessibility, the event aims to foster cultural engagement, allowing both residents and visitors to explore Abu Dhabi’s dynamic history and contemporary artistic identity through these innovative public art installations.