Exhibitions and events :
- Sharjah Biennale 15 15, from February 7 to June 11, in Sharjah. More than 140 artists from 70 countries will participate in this 15th edition, which has been postponed twice due to the coronavirus pandemic. Entitled "Sharjah Biennial 15: Thinking Historically in the Present", the exhibition was conceived by Nigerian curator, art critic and writer Okwui Enwezor, who passed away in 2019, and Sharjah Art Foundation Director and Biennial Curator Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi. The Biennale will take place at 16 venues, including original sites that will help develop the economy, such as a vegetable market, a power plant and an old nursery. Website: sharjahart.org
- The Xposure International Photography Festival, in Sharjah from 9 to 15 February. Conferences, competitions, exhibitions, workshops, seminars, ... The festival invites world photography experts, including Dan Winters and Steve McCurry, and will present 67 exhibitions. Website: xposure.ae
- World Art Dubai, from March 9 to 12, in Dubai. Since its inception in 2015, this fair has become one of the largest affordable art fairs in the region, with prices starting at $100. Website: worldartdubai.com
- Sharjah Architecture Triennial, starting on November 11. The theme is "The Beauty of Impermanence: An Architecture of Adaptability". Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, Chair of the Sharjah Architecture Triennial, explained that the triennial will focus on the theme of scarcity in the global South, creating a culture of reuse, reappropriation, innovation and collaboration. Website: sharjaharchitecture.org
Interdisciplinary festivals:
- Al Hosn Festival, in Abu Dhabi, from January 13 to 22. It takes place at Qasr Al Hosn, including the Artisans' House and the Cultural Foundation, with live performances, art and cultural exhibitions, traditional markets, family workshops and more. More information at: https://abudhabiculture.ae/
- Sheikh Zayed Festival in Abu Dhabi on March 18. Exhibitions, performances, film screenings, workshops with established and emerging artists, etc. The festival will showcase Arab and Emirati heritage. Website: https://zayedfestival.ae/en/sub-festival-activit/art-district/
- Sikka Art and Design Festival, in Dubai, from February 24 to March 5. This is the eleventh edition and it will bring together visual artists, performers, designers, musicians and other creatives to present artworks, concerts, murals, poetry readings and film screenings. The event is dedicated to the growth of Dubai's art scene. Website: sikkartandesign.com
Literary events:
- Emirates Airline Literature FestivalThe Emirates Airline Literature Festival, Dubai, 1-6 February. This is the 15th anniversary of the festival, which announced its line-up last November, with Anglo-Pakistani novelist Mohsin Hamid, known for his critically acclaimed novels 'The Reluctant Fundamentalist' and 'Exit West', and Irish author Cecelia Ahern, known for her books 'PS, I Love You' and 'Where Rainbows End'. The festival's theme, 'Old Friends', reflects the event's journey to shape the literary scene in the UAE, exposing audiences to world-renowned authors and providing a platform for writers in the region to showcase their literary talents. Website: www.emirateslitfest.com
- Abu Dhabi International Book Fair22-28 May. The annual event features a programme of daily panel discussions and seminars featuring award-winning authors, government officials, filmmakers and musicians. Details to follow, website: adbookfair.com
Film events:
- Middle East and Comic Con 2023, Abu Dhabi, 3-5 March. This is the largest pop culture festival in the region. Workshops, conferences, meetings, concerts, competitions, ... The festival is particularly known for its costume competitions. Website: https://www.mefcc.com/home/
Photo: Sheikh Zayed Festival, 2022, copyrights Chris Whiteoak / The National.