Bluewaters Island to Transform into an Open-Air Gallery This Spring
The Bluewaters Art Festival will feature curated talks and over 20 large-scale works by artists from across the globe.
Dubai’s Bluewaters Island is set to launch its inaugural Bluewaters Art Festival from April 12th to the 20th, introducing a nine-day celebration of public art and cross-cultural dialogue. Centred around the theme ‘Reconnect’, the festival brings together 23 artists from the UAE, Türkiye, the UK, the US, and beyond to transform the waterfront destination into a dynamic open-air gallery.
From 4:00 PM to midnight daily, visitors will encounter a diverse array of creative expressions—from expansive murals and inflatable sculptures to light-based works, immersive sensory installations, and digital string art. Featured artists include Areen Hassan, whose work draws on Palestinian heritage through multisensory storytelling, and Kaveh Ahanger, known for weaving architecture and digital motifs into public spaces.
The festival will also introduce an indoor gallery trail spanning Kanvas Room, Studio 13, and Firetti Gallery. These venues will host interactive exhibitions and media-rich showcases, adding depth to the outdoor displays.
Alongside visual installations, the festival offers a robust public programme of free workshops, talks, and performances over the weekends. Programming includes art sessions in clay, canvas, and tote bag painting, as well as panel talks on immersive art, creative resilience, and the role of public art in the UAE. Visitors can also catch performances by regional acts including Leoneì Murphy, Tonatiut Zardon, and Medhat Mamdouh, spread across evening time slots at The Avenue.
To join a workshop, guests simply need to spend AED 150 or more at any Bluewaters outlet and present their receipt. Spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Dining spots across the island will join the celebration with themed experiences, such as ceramic mug painting and phone case art at Ribambelle, floral workshops at The Pods, and community dinners fusing food with storytelling at Pastamamma.
