Dubai’s art scene is buzzing this April, and there’s a fresh event in town you might want to check out — Bluewaters Art Festival. It’s a new addition to the city’s cultural calendar and is set to bring a creative spark to the island from April 12 to 20, 2025.
Over the course of nine evenings, the waterfront destination will turn into an open-air art space. The event starts each day at 4 PM and runs until midnight, making it ideal for evening strolls without the heat.
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The theme for this year is “Re:Connect”, and the festival brings together a wide range of local and international artists — 23 in total — from the UAE, Türkiye, the UK, New York, and beyond. Their work will be spread across the island, offering everything from massive murals and fabric installations to inflatable sculptures you can walk around and explore.
Before you start exploring, grab a festival map booklet at the entrance — it’ll help you find your way around and make sure you don’t miss any of the major installations. Alongside the outdoor pieces, there are indoor exhibits tucked into various spots around Bluewaters. One highlight is the Kanvas Room, where light art and digital effects create an immersive environment you can walk through.
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Another must-see is the curated gallery section featuring seven selected artists. Among them: Areen Hassan, who draws on her Palestinian roots in her sensory works, and Kaveh Ahanger, who blends string art and digital visuals in a way that connects art to the island’s architecture.
On top of the art, expect live performances and talks by artists, giving you more chances to engage with the creative process. And of course, with so many dining options on the island, there’s plenty of room to grab food and make a full evening of it.
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If you’re in the mood to make something yourself, the festival also includes hands-on workshops — tote bag painting, fluid art, or shadow cutting. They’re open to all visitors, but spots are limited and offered on a first-come basis. To join, just show a receipt for AED 150 or more spent at any Bluewaters shop or restaurant.
If you’re looking for something a little different this April, the Bluewaters Art Festival might be just what you need: fresh ideas, striking visuals, and a good reason to get outside.
