Abu Dhabi Art Unveils 2025 Cultural Sites Commissions Featuring Global Artists

Abu Dhabi Art has announced the participating artists for its 2025 Artist Commissions in Cultural Sites programme, showcasing new works that bridge contemporary creativity with the UAE’s rich cultural heritage.

The commissioned works by Ramin Haerizadeh, Rokni Haerizadeh, and Hesam Rahmanian, Nike Davies-Okundaye, and Issam Kourbaj will be on public display across Al Ain City from 19 November 2025 to 26 April 2026.

Supported by HSBC, the Global Partner of Abu Dhabi Art, the initiative reinforces the fair’s mission to promote cultural dialogue and connect communities through art.

The Abu Dhabi-based trio Ramin, Rokni, and Hesam will present Luminous Shadow at Hili Archaeological Park, an installation exploring the expressive rhythm of Arabic and Pahlavi scripts as visual soundscapes. “We are honoured to bring our work into dialogue with such an ancient and significant site,” the artists shared.

At Al Ain Oasis, Nigerian artist Nike Davies-Okundaye will unveil a large-scale tapestry inspired by the palm tree’s symbolism and cultural connections between Nigeria and the UAE. “Art connects people, and I’m grateful for this opportunity to build that connection through creativity and tradition,” she said.

Syrian-born artist Issam Kourbaj will install a series of camera obscuras across Al Ain’s key cultural landmarks, including Al Qattara Oasis, offering visitors a new way to experience the landscape. “Through the lens of the camera obscura, I explore Al Ain as both eye and spring — a place ever alive,” Kourbaj explained.

Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Abu Dhabi Art 2025 will run from 19–23 November at Manarat Al Saadiyat, complemented by a year-round programme of exhibitions, commissions, and educational outreach.

For more details, visit www.abudhabiart.ae.