This feature was originally published in Shawati, Issue 70.

Found in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s Mina Zayed district, Madar_39 [M_39] has established itself as a key part of the MiZa neighbourhood and a growing hub for cultural and creative activity. The space, described as a “thriving ecosystem of creative and cultural entrepreneurs”, offers a supporting and structured environment for connection and enterprise with a dedication to elevating the growth of the creative sector.

The name Madar translates to “orbit” in Arabic symbolising the space’s role as a dynamic hub where ideas, collaborations, and innovations revolve. The “39” references its physical location in warehouses 39-41, tying it to the industrial heritage of Mina Zayed and grounding it in the physical history of its place.

M_39 is managed by a small team led by General Manager Dr Alamira Reem Al Hashimi, an urbanist and architect with a background in cultural development. Operating as an incubator hub it provides a supportive, practical environment where creative professionals can focus, collaborate, and build sustainable practices. Spread over two floors, the space accommodates a wide range of members from independent artists and small creative studios to more established businesses. Tenants include the UAE’s first independent risograph studio, emerging filmmakers and artists, design houses, a skateboard shop, and an Emirati-owned concept store that blends traditional and contemporary aesthetics. Even the food offerings reflect a local, independent ethos, with Barbassi serving sandwiches and Mina Creamery offering homemadestyle ice cream.

M_39 provides free access to workspaces anyone seeking a calm, productive place to come and get their creative juices flowing. Membership brings additional benefits such as shared workspaces for daily use, ‘Dedicated Desks’ available to rent by the month, and Focus Pods for anyone needing more privacy. For teams or individuals needing space to make, build, or rehearse, there are a range of studio spaces and above it all - literally and metaphorically - is The Rooftop: an open-air venue that hosts events, performances, and gatherings, offering views of Mina Zayed and the sea beyond. Complementing this are The Auditorium, seating up to 200 guests for talks and screenings, and multiple meeting rooms for more focused exchange. Most recently, the addition of a public-facing Podcast Studio, operated by Poddster, has opened new channels for storytelling and creative broadcast.

There’s a familiar, almost homely atmosphere - whether its students coming in for an afternoon of study, young entrepreneurs just starting out, or creative writers finding a quiet corner to work, the space feels like a welcoming haven. It’s even pet friendly.

Since it opened in July 2024, M_39 has become a refuge for Abu Dhabi’s ever-growing creatively minded population: a place where people gather, connect, and develop their ideas.

Community curation is central to the M_39 model. Each member is selected through an open call process, with a focus on assembling a mix of practices and personalities that complement one another. The team actively looks for potential synergies between members, ensuring a dynamic, diverse collective that fosters mutual support.

Dr Al Hashimi, General Manager of M_39: “M_39 is designed as a place where creative entrepreneurs across all disciplines – art, design, film, and more – can cultivate ideas, build businesses, and connect with a broader ecosystem of collaborators. While MiZa is shaping the neighbourhood as a dynamic hub for creativity and innovation, M_39’s role is to provide a structured yet fluid environment where emerging and established voices in culture and enterprise can thrive. Alongside spaces like 421 and other tenants in the district, we are collectively contributing to a cultural landscape that champions homegrown [or grown here] talent and grassroots initiatives, ensuring that creativity is not just housed but actively nurtured and supported.”

M_39’s location in Mina Zayed is significant. Once a bustling port, the district is being reimagined as a centre for contemporary culture. M_39 plays an active role in this shift, offering a place where heritage and creativity can coexist.

“At M_39 we draw inspiration from the concept of a constellation of stars,” continues Dr Al Hashimi. “As we emphasise our connection to the galaxy and the cosmos in our communications, we follow our “North Star,” aligning with the spirit of our community of dreamers and innovators. In a region rich in stargazers and storytellers, we celebrate this celestial heritage, creating a nurturing environment where each member can shine – some already brightly, while others are just beginning their journey. Our space is a vibrant orbit for these stars to thrive.”

MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS

Christopher Joshua Benton | Studio Benton

Christopher Joshua Benton is an artist, researcher, and filmmaker whose practice focuses on socially engaged art, placemaking, and diasporic narratives. Studio Benton, his art and design atelier, produces civic-scale public art and research that foregrounds empathy and collective memory in urban environments. A fellow of the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation and a graduate of MIT’s Program in Art, Culture & Technology, Benton brings a critical, research-based lens to all his projects.

Where Lies My Carpet. Image courtesy of the artist and M_ 39

The studio’s mission is to create new sites of knowledge production and foster empathy within communities. This aligns seamlessly with the ethos of Madar_39, where Benton has found a collaborative, experimental ecosystem. Benton says “M_39 is an incredible ecosystem to experiment and collaborate with other creative folks to make impactful work.” So, for him it is not only a physical workspace but a fertile ground for creative synergy, which is vital to both research and artistic production.

Shaikha Al Azeezi | Madr Design Studio

Madr Design Studio, founded by architect and designer Shaikha Al Azeezi in 2020, is a multidisciplinary practice that blends architecture, furniture, and spatial experiences. The studio is committed to developing context-driven design that bridges tradition and modernity while pushing the boundaries of both form and function.

Madr’s mission is to create spaces and objects that are both useful and expressive, fostering a dialogue between cultural heritage and contemporary aesthetics. For Al Azeezi, joining Madar_39 was a natural step in furthering this vision. “I moved to M_39 to be part of a dynamic creative community that fosters collaboration and innovation,” she says. “Being surrounded by like-minded designers has greatly influenced my work, providing opportunities for creative exchange, inspiration, and professional growth. It has also helped build valuable connections and opened new opportunities within the Abu Dhabi design scene.”

“M_39 is designed as a place where creative
entrepreneurs across all disciplines – art, design, film,
and more – can cultivate ideas, build businesses, and
connect with a broader ecosystem of collaborators.”

Safiya Al Maskari | Lest We Forget

Lest We Forget is a pioneering archival and research initiative dedicated to documenting and interpreting the UAE’s vernacular cultural memory. As Project Manager, Safiya Al Maskari leads a team that collaborates with communities, families, and individuals to preserve oral histories and cultural narratives through books, exhibitions, films, animations, and even opera. Supported by the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, the initiative also provides consultancy services and educational opportunities.

Lest We Forget exhibiton. Image courtesy of Lest We Forget and M_ 39

The mission of Lest We Forget is to safeguard the stories of the Emirates for future generations and present them in accessible, engaging formats. Al Maskari says that they relocated offices to Madar_39 to be more immersed in the community. “As Lest We Forget is deeply rooted in collecting and sharing stories from the people. Being surrounded by a diverse group of creatives also serves as a source of inspiration for our work. Most importantly, Mina Zayed itself holds a rich history and is a place filled with cherished memories from the community, making it the perfect setting for our initiative to thrive.”

Samia Alawi & Ali Jaffal | Elbotik

Elbotik is a concept store and design studio co-founded by Samia Alawi and Ali Jaffal. Specialising in both B2B and B2C merchandise, the studio creates branded collections for institutions such as the Department of Culture and Tourism and NYU Abu Dhabi, while also producing its own line of curated goods in collaboration with regional artists. Their store serves as a space to experience and purchase design, art, and culture in one curated setting.

With a mission to develop meaningful, culturally inspired merchandise, Elbotik aims to foster collaboration and innovation in design. Moving into Madar_39 has allowed them to immerse their studio in a vibrant creative ecosystem, enhancing their workflow and expanding their network. The space has enabled deeper interaction with the local design community, bringing fresh perspectives and energy that have positively influenced their approach to both their product lines and creative strategy. “It’s been an essential catalyst in allowing us to elevate our work while maintaining the unique, personal touch that defines Elbotik,” they explain.

Maryam Al Falasi | Iris Projects

Founded by Maryam Al Falasi, Iris Projects is a contemporary art gallery. Originally an online platform, Iris Projects has evolved into a physical gallery space representing artists from the UAE and GCC. Prior to opening its gallery, Iris Projects was known for commissioning public art and organising exhibitions that brought art into shared spaces.

Now located in Madar_39, Iris Projects benefits from being in a central creative hub within the MiZa district. As the first commercial gallery in the area, it plays a pioneering role in shaping the art landscape. The gallery hosts curated exhibitions and solo shows, offering both regional and visiting audiences a chance to engage with contemporary art. The decision to base the gallery at M_39 reflects a commitment to growing the commercial art scene in Abu Dhabi while creating new platforms for artistic expression.

“Our hope is that being the first gallery based here will encourage others to follow suit, and that we will collectively grow the commercial arts scene together in MiZa and across Abu Dhabi,” says Al Falasi.

Mohammed Al Suwaidi | Asateer

Mohammed Al Suwaidi is the founder of Asateer, an artisanal design and production studio that crafts objects using mother-of-pearl and locally sourced materials. As the grandson of a pearl diver and the son of an entrepreneur, Al Suwaidi channels his heritage into a contemporary design practice that bridges tradition with innovation. Each piece produced by Asateer reflects a deep commitment to storytelling, sustainability, and craftsmanship.

Ruha. Image courtesy of Asateer and M_ 39

Asateer seeks to reinterpret Emirati identity through design, combining traditional techniques with modern aesthetics. Since launching its design studio at Madar_39 in September 2024, Asateer has experienced a transformative shift. Moving from isolation in a workshop to a collaborative community has revitalised the team’s energy and enabled valuable professional exchanges. Al Suwaidi says: “M_39 has provided not just a workspace, but a context in which the studio’s vision can grow in conversation with others who are similarly engaged in cultural production.”

In Orbit: Madar 39 and the Rise of Abu Dhabi’s Creative Constellation