News

In the middle of Al Quoz’s industrial zone, where it used to be just warehouses and storage units, there’s now one of the most active cultural areas in the city. Alserkal Avenue isn’t just a street. It’s a real example of how a space can change and become something new for art and creativity.

How It Started

Abdelmonem Bin Eisa Alserkal launched the project in 2007. His idea was simple: take old warehouses and turn them into a space for artists.
Ayyam Gallery was the first to open in 2008. Then others followed Carbon 12, The Third Line, and things started to grow from there.

Slow but Steady Growth

By 2015, there were over 60 creative spaces in Alserkal galleries, design studios, cafés, music spaces, and more.
They added 62 new units in an expansion that brought the total area to over 500,000 square feet.
Today, there are about 25 galleries all within a short walking distance, one of the densest gallery districts in the region.

A Unique Building

In 2017, a building called Concrete opened. It was designed by the famous architecture firm OMA (led by Rem Koolhaas). It’s a multi-use art space with a flexible design. Now it’s one of the most recognizable places on the Avenue.

Supporting Artists

In 2019, they established the Alserkal Arts Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports artists through residency programs, research grants, educational initiatives, and other resources. It’s part of what makes Alserkal more than just a place to show art; it’s a place that supports it from the ground up.

Why It Matters

Alserkal Avenue isn’t about luxury or big names. It’s about building something that lasts.
They didn’t wait for the world to notice; they built their scene. It showed that you can make serious, independent space for art in Dubai space for ideas, collaboration, and real expression.

Sources

All facts and figures are taken from trusted, official sources:

• Alserkal Avenue – Official Site
• Wikipedia – Alserkal Avenue
• Galerie Magazine
• Google Arts & Culture