Dubai mainly expects about the modern architecture, luxury shopping centers and shopping malls, but there is much more to the captivating city. Street art scene has proven to be quite active and expanding; strong, incredible murals have been placed all over different areas. From large-scale portraits to embrace the Emirati culture to simple graffiti with universal messages, Dubai’s walls are gradually transforming into creative canvases.
For the visitors who might have a limited time in Dubai and who use Dubai transit visa, these artistic features are a great way to explore the other side of Dubai. It is worth mentioning that even if you are interested in street art, or you are a simple tourist, you will be able to get a taste of the diverse culture of Dubai. In this blog post, we will provide you with some recommendations where you can find this daring and stunning art form.
1. City Walk: A Contemporary Work of Urban Art
City Walk is a lifestyle mall which offers shopping, dining and art in one complex. One can easily explain this because Dubai Walls is an initiative in which large scale murals were painted by famous artists from different parts of the world all over the area. You could easily look forward to spotting some pieces of art belonging to pop art, surrealism, abstract and global and local cultural themes. Located on the main highway and perfect for an Instagram snap, City Walk is ideal for the Dubai transit visa holder who wishes to get their fix of creativity in a considerably short amount of time.
2. La Mer – A Beachfront Splash of Color
La Mer is not just a beach, but it is a perfect place for art admirers. It has large walls covered with graffiti art in urban style, drawings of characters and passionate writing. Some of these creations draw from the existence of sea life and waterfront themes which also sits well in the laid-back environment. For those who are transiting through Dubai and need to use the transit visa, La Mer is the perfect mix of both relaxation on the beach and a variety of artworks – this will be a perfect stopover.
3. Al Karama – A Traditional District with a Modern Twist:
Al Karama is yet another area famous for its busy markets and South Asian restaurants, which may not be expected for street art. The older buildings have also been given new life in a fresh coat of paintings, signs of culture and traditions, and the 3D art pieces depict the spirit of the people. Al Karama is located at the central area of Dubai and therefore you can easily visit the place if you are on a Dubai transit visa. Being a public art it presents a real feel of old Dubai merged with the modern era in a very artistic manner.
4. Artistic Surprises Along the Way on Jumeirah Beach Road:
This part is not only dedicated to tourists who want to swim or sunbath but also has several wonderful murals between cafes, villas, and galleries. It is not as compacted as City Walk but the artwork here has a lot of Middle Eastern influence, sometimes including calligraphy and some Arabic poems transforming each wall art into a contemplative wall.
5. Alserkal Avenue – The Artistic Heart of the City:
Alserkal Avenue is situated in the industrial area of Al Quoz and has become the nucleus of the contemporary art in Dubai. Although primarily consisting of galleries and studios, the street also features an impressive collection of murals both at the inside and the exterior walls. These all changeable art pieces usually depict social, personal, and aesthetic concerns of the contemporary artistic practice.
Conclusion:
Street art in Dubai is much greater than the aesthetic value; it is the development of the cultural dynamics and increasing appreciation to art in urban areas. I have included such works as modern art and abstract installations as well as references to historic motifs that represent the richness of the city in the harshest form – concrete walls. They also demonstrate how Dubai is not only a city of glitz and steel but art and people as well as discovery.
Visit these neighborhoods when you are in the UAE on a Dubai transit visa. Not only will you see some of the most fascinating murals in the region but you will also understand the history that is hidden beneath the streets of this urban city. The Dubai street art is a great addition to a quick photo shoot or a leisurely walking adventure trip.
