From heritage-led celebrations and major international art fairs to design biennales and immersive desert exhibitions, the coming months promise a rich cultural calendar across the UAE and wider GCC. Here’s a guide to the standout arts and culture events shaping the region, what to expect from each, and when to plan your visit.

What: Sikka Art Fair

Where: Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood, Dubai, UAE
When: January 23 - February 1, 2026

Held in Dubai’s historic Al Fahidi neighbourhood, Sikka Art Fair is a cornerstone of the city’s cultural calendar. The event focuses on Emirati and UAE-based artists, transforming heritage houses, courtyards and alleyways into exhibition spaces. Expect site-specific installations, live performances, workshops and talks that reflect local narratives while encouraging experimentation and dialogue.

What: Art Dubai

Where: Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE
Dates: April 17–19, 2026

One of the most important international art fairs in the region, Art Dubai brings together galleries from across the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and beyond. The fair spans contemporary and modern art, with curated sections, large-scale commissions and a strong programme of talks. It’s a key platform for discovering global and regional voices and engaging with broader cultural conversations.

What: Quoz Arts Fest

Where: AlSerkal Avenue, Dubai, UAE
Dates: January 24-25, 2026 

Set in Dubai’s creative district AlSerkal Avenue, Quoz Arts Fest is a multi-disciplinary celebration of contemporary culture. The festival brings together galleries, studios and cultural organisations for open studios, exhibitions, performances and food pop-ups. It’s an accessible and energetic way to experience Dubai’s grassroots art scene and creative community.

What: Sharjah Heritage Days

Where: Sharjah, UAE
Dates: February 4 - February 15, 2026

A celebration of living heritage, Sharjah Heritage Days highlights Emirati traditions through performances, crafts, storytelling and culinary experiences. Taking place across heritage districts, the event offers an immersive look at the UAE’s cultural roots and is designed to engage all generations, with a strong educational focus.

What: Diriyah Art Biennale 2026

Where: JAX District, Diriyah, Saudi Arabia
Dates: January 30 - April 23, 2026

The Diriyah Art Biennale has quickly established itself as a major platform for contemporary art in Saudi Arabia. Featuring large-scale installations, new commissions and public programmes, the Biennale creates a dialogue between historic architecture, landscape and contemporary artistic practice.

What: Art Basel Doha

Where: M7 and the Doha Design District (DDD) in Msheireb Downtown Doha. Dates: When: February 5–7, 2026 

Art Basel’s Doha edition marks a significant addition to the global art fair circuit. Bringing together leading international galleries and regional voices, the fair reinforces Doha’s growing role as a cultural hub. Expect museum-quality presentations, curated sections and programming that encourages cross-cultural exchange.

What: Doha Design Biennale

Where: Doha, Qatar
Dates: April 12 - June 30, 2026

Focused on the role of design in shaping society, the Doha Design Biennale explores architecture, urbanism, product design and sustainability. Through exhibitions, talks and installations across the city, the Biennale brings together designers, architects and thinkers to address global challenges through a regional lens.

What: Desert X AlUla 2026

Where: AlUla, Saudi Arabia
Dates: January 16 - February 28, 2026 

Desert X AlUla transforms the desert into an open-air gallery, presenting large-scale installations by international artists. The works respond directly to the surrounding environment, creating powerful encounters between art, nature and history. It has become one of the most distinctive contemporary art experiences in the region.