Weekly UAE Museum and Gallery Guide: Harry Potter Celebration and Works by Four Emirati Artists
Embroidery, weaving, painting, photography, film and wizardry on offer
An eclectic mix of local artistry and international cultural experiences awaits visitors in the UAE this summer. This week’s highlights include a debut solo exhibition by an Iraqi-British artist exploring themes of love and identity, a much-anticipated immersive Harry Potter attraction in Abu Dhabi, and a fresh showcase of contemporary Emirati creativity through embroidery, film and more.
At the heart of Dubai’s arts district, Carbon 12 presents Garden of Murmurs, the debut solo exhibition by Iraqi-British artist Malik Thomas Jalil Kydd. The exhibition weaves together several years of work—featuring large-scale pieces that merge elements of painting, drawing, and textile art to explore introspection and the many forms of love.
Using raw silk dyed with natural materials such as sage, Kydd constructs layered canvases that become the backdrop for gestural abstractions created with oil, pastel, charcoal, and organic dyes. Central to the exhibition are semi-abstract representations of the male form, slightly larger than life—what the artist describes as “angel scale.” These figures appear suspended in moments that explore the tension between tranquillity and destruction, reflecting on themes of identity, materiality, and cultural memory.
- Until August 23; Monday to Saturday, 11.30am to 7pm; Carbon 12, Dubai
Meanwhile, fans of the Wizarding World can dive into a truly magical experience at Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi, where Harry Potter: The Exhibition opens its doors for the first time in the Middle East. This global touring experience, which started in Philadelphia in 2022, has already enchanted audiences across New York, Paris, and Melbourne, with over 3.7 million visitors globally.
The exhibition spans over 25 immersive rooms, each dedicated to a specific location, scene, or set of characters from the beloved book and film franchise. It offers an intimate look at costumes, props, and interactive displays—a reward for the franchise’s most dedicated fans.
- Until September 21; Open daily except Tuesday; various timings; Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi
In Dubai, the ME by Melia hotel has launched the first edition of Medad, a cultural series titled Emirati Art At Me. Curated by Emirati creative Abdulla Khalid Al Shamsi, this exhibition celebrates storytelling, tradition, and modern innovation through works by four multidisciplinary Emirati artists.
Maitha Abdullah Al Remeithi, Faris Al Hammadi, Elham Khairalla, and Dana Hisham Aljneibi present installations in embroidery, weaving, painting, film, and photography, each interpreting aspects of heritage through a contemporary lens. Named after the Arabic word for “ink,” Medad highlights cultural expression within the stylish framework of a design-focused hotel.
- Until August 31; Open daily; ME Dubai Hotel, Dubai
Whether you’re drawn to magical realms or grounded expressions of identity and culture, this week’s offerings across the UAE’s museums and galleries invite you to explore a range of perspectives and artistic approaches.
Team V.DIR-EM-UAE
