The annual Quoz Arts Fest is coming back to Dubai’s Alserkal Avenue

Alserkal Avenue, at the heart of Dubai’s industrial zone, has developed a burgeoning reputation in recent years – and that’s putting it lightly. Echoing the independent, counter-culture spirit of our time, the area has transformed from what was once a cluster of warehouses into a dynamic space teeming with creativity. Galleries, record stores, cafés, pop-ups, and an indie film theatre line the avenue’s cascading streets, for which Alserkal has become the go-to place for Dubai’s young creatives – and why it is naturally home to one of Dubai’s premier annual arts and culture festivals: the Quoz Arts Fest.

“Since its inception in 2012, Quoz Arts Fest has been a creative meeting ground for Dubai’s diverse communities—a place to come together and celebrate culture. Over the years, it’s grown into a major regional attraction while staying deeply connected to the grassroots, homegrown scene.” Explains Gilda Gilantash, Director of events, programming and partnerships at Alserkal Avenue. “It’s also become a platform for international artists redefining what’s next, offering a glimpse into the next wave of creative talent. This year, we’re proud to offer our most expansive programme yet, with cultural expression at its widest and the community at its heart”

This year’s edition of the Quoz Arts Fest will take place on January 25 and 26, spanning Alserkal Avenue and the wider Al Quoz Creative Zone. The festival’s curated program will feature public art installations, exhibitions, live performances, workshops, conversations, and a dedicated kids’ programme. Syrian-American storyteller, rapper, and poet Omar Offendum will headline the main stage, offer his voice to reflect on the experiences of immigration. Tunisian singer-songwriter Emel Mathlouthi, renowned for fusing elements of contemporary sounds with traditional Arabic music and whose protest song, Kelmti Horra (My Word is Free), went viral during the Tunisian revolution, will perform tracks from her most recent album MRA. Alt-duo Ÿuma, also from Tunisia, will bring their intimate, minimalist folk sound to the fore, while BOUMPH, better known as Bittermouth Feel, will deliver a bold Arab hip-hop performance behind his masked persona. Adding to this impressive lineup will be a host of other talented artists from across the SWANA region.

Beyond the stage, the festival will feature some monumental public art installations that amplify its creative spirit. From Forest Dancer and the Path to Pure Creation, an immersive experience of light, sound, and movement by Australian art-tect studio ENESS, to artist Abdulla Alneyadi’s Bright Memories, which reimagines the UAE’s iconic public water and a site-specific intervention by Brazilian artist Zé Tepedino, made from scrap fabrics (literally) collected across the Al Quoz neighbourhood during his residency at Alserkal Avenue, in collaboration with Temporary Art Platform. And, a photograph by Emirati artist Lamya Gargash––blown-up to scale––hangs on the corner façade of the Avenue, celebrating the stories embedded in the spaces we inhabit.

Alserkal Avenue’s galleries will also open an exciting lineup of exhibitions. At Ishara Art Foundation, Shilpa Gupta’s Lines of Flight will take centre stage. Lawrie Shabibi will present a show by Farhad Ahrarnia. Neither Here ~ Nor Elsewhere, a group show curated by Sanaz Askari, will be on display at The Third Line. Green Art Gallery will showcase Citadelles of Today by Chaouki Choukini… You get the picture – the numerous galleries at the avenue will all feature displays that will ensure there’s no shortage of art to explore throughout the two days of the 12th Quoz Art Fest.

The Quoz Arts Fest’s creative energy will extend to its culinary offerings, too. Curated by What The Food, the festival will feature over 30 food concepts provided by food trucks, pop-up stands, and restaurants helmed by local chefs and artisanal producers.

After visiting the art galleries and getting a snack or two (or ten), you can wind down by heading on over to Cinema Akil, which will host Reel Palestine, celebrating Palestinian auteurs, stories, and resistance – and don’t worry if you’re bringing your children or little siblings along because a dedicated Kids’ Lane will provide interactive art workshops and community-driven activities.

There’s plenty more set to take place at Alserkal Avenue, during a weekend in which culture lovers and creatives from across the region and beyond will descend on Dubai’s creative hub to revel in the spirit of community.

Tickets for the 12th Quoz Art Fest are available on PlatinumList. A single-day pass costs AED 63, and a weekend pass AED 126. Entry will be free for everyone aged under 18 and over 60.