From Abu Dhabi to Toronto: Illuminating Islamic Art For a New Generation

The rising sun has, for millennia, signalled hope, renewal, and the promise of new beginnings. In the exhibition As the Sun Appears from Beyond, these ideas are reignited through the lens of Islamic art and tradition. Light, both metaphorically and conceptually, serves as the exhibition’s guiding force, offering spiritual insight as well as a curatorial framework that connects past and present. It offers a platform not only for aesthetic reflection, but for deeper understanding: a space where viewers can encounter the spiritual, historical, and contemporary expressions of Islamic culture, and find common ground in its beauty.

FeaturesAnna SeamanDecember 26, 2025Toronto, Aga Khan Museum, exhibition, Islamic Art, Abu Dhabi

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

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.

Editor's Picks, FeaturesAnna SeamanSeptember 9, 2025Abu Dhabi, Culture, Art

For The Love of Dance: Dance Reflections Supports Creativity All Around the World

When an all-male cast of 13 virtuoso dancers from Algeria and Morocco took to the stage atThe Arts Center in New York University Abu Dhabi, audiences were thrilled by the stunning display of contemporary dance that combined capoeira, martial arts and urban-style street dance with powerful imagery evocative of orientalist paintings and the stone filigree of Islamic architecture.

Features, ReviewsAnna SeamanMay 1, 2023dance, Yaa Samar, Theatre, Culture, Abu Dhabi

Warehouse 421 reopens after six months

After almost six months of closure, Warehouse 421 in Abu Dhabi has finally opened its doors to the public.

Culture Summit to livestream special panel session and performances

The Culture Summit Abu Dhabi 2020 was one of the many casualties of the current global health crisis. However, they will live stream a session related to isolation and culture in the age of Covid-19 on April 9. Don’t forget to tune in.

Abu Dhabi's Cultural Foundation inaugurated

The artwork of Najat Makki is a central part of the newly inaugurated Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi. Her exhibition shows her work across her career and the space also features a tribute exhibition to her talent

Features, Most PopularAnna SeamanSeptember 17, 2019Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation

The Photography Studio opens in Abu Dhabi

A new photography studio, exhibition space and platform for photographers of all levels is now open in Abu Dhabi.

NewsAnna SeamanOctober 11, 2018The Photography Studio, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi

Lest We Forget exhibition extended

An exhibition in Abu Dhabi celebrating Emirati heritage has been extended.

NewsAnna SeamanAugust 29, 2017Lest We Forget, Emirati, Warehouse 421, Abu Dhabi