Moments of Transition

In her opening address at Sharjah Biennial 16, wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh and speaking with indisputable sincerity, Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi spoke of the ever-greater need for solidarity. It is more than two decades since she took the helm of what is now the oldest biennial in the region, and which attracts a growing throng of international visitors. Throughout, Sheikha Hoor has remained consistent in her support of marginalised voices, a champion of diverse cultures and artistic integrity.

FeaturesAnna SeamanOctober 17, 2025Sharjah Biennial, Cassi Namoda, Monira Al Qadiri, Risham Syed, Michael Parekōwhai, Joe Namy, Kaili Chun, Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi

Game Changer

Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi is a true game changer. Thanks to her work at the Sharjah Art Foundation, she has led the way to great regional impact that has created ripples around the world. She is passionate, hard working and visionary - a real asset to the art and cultural landscape in the UAE and beyond.

Features, Editor's PicksAnna SeamanSeptember 11, 2020Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, Sharjah Art Foundation, Sharjah Biennial, Africa Institute, Sharjah, Al Mureijah Spaces, Al Mureijah Square, Hadara Magazine, Global south, David Adjaye, Khalid Al Qasimi, Okwui Enwezor, Lahore Biennale

Leaving the Echo Chamber

The event came to a close in June 2019, here is a look back over the Sharjah Biennial’s 14th edition, which had three curators for the first time and achieved a wonderful symbiosis of place and content.

Editor's Picks, ReviewsAnna SeamanSeptember 20, 2019Sharjah Art Foundation, Sharjah Biennial, Sharjah, Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, Claire Tancons, Omar Kholeif, Zoe Butt, Hadara Magazine, Kalba Ice Factory

An Autumn of Art: SAF's Fall programming

Sharjah Art Foundation today announces their autumn programming. Here is a round up of the highlights.

Features, Most PopularAnna SeamanJuly 18, 2019Marwan Rechmaoui, Bani Abidi, Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian, Adam Henein, Akram Zaatari, Sharjah Art Foundation, Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi

Two UAE art venues nominated for Aga Khan Prize

Two art venues and three UAE venues in total are on this year’s list for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture.

NewsAnna SeamanMay 2, 2019Sharjah Art Foundation, Aga Khan Award for Architecture, Concrete, Al Mureijah Spaces, Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi

Sheikha Hoor to curate Lahore Biennale

Hoor Al Qasimi has been appointed curator of the second Lahore Biennale opening in early 2020 and on view across the city of Lahore, Pakistan.

News, Most PopularAnna SeamanDecember 1, 2018Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, Hoor Al Qasimi, Lahore Biennale, Sharjah, Sharjah Art Foundation, Lahore, Osman Khalid Waheed

Youssou N'Dour to play in Sharjah

The newly rebuilt Africa Hall in Sharjah will play host to a number of conferences, symposia and other cultural events including opening night performances by Senegalese singer songwriter Youssou N’Dour

News, Most PopularAnna SeamanSeptember 1, 2018Sharjah Art Foundation, Sharjah, Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, Youssou N'Dour, Frank Bowling: Mappa Mundi

Sharjah Art Foundation delivers production grants

Sharjah Art Foundation announces seven winners of production grant to fund new work.

NewsAnna SeamanMarch 25, 2018Sharjah Art Foundation, Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi

Sheikha Hoor is the new IBA president

Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi is the new director of the International Biennial Association, meaning its HQ will move to Sharjah

NewsAnna SeamanSeptember 28, 2017Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, Sharjah Biennial, Sharjah Art Foundation, International Biennial Association