Both artists and art enthusiasts can enjoy the return of the Quoz Arts Festival on January 25 and 26. Held since 2012, the festival takes place in the renowned Alserkal Avenue and across the surrounding Al Quoz area, celebrating the thinkers and makers from this creative neighbourhood. Quoz Arts Fest includes activities for all ages, such as live performances, exhibitions, art installations, talks, workshops, music, food, creative pop-ups and more.
For the 12th year of the region’s leading community-driven arts and culture festival, Alserkal Avenue will be headlined by Omar Offendum, Emel Mathlouthi, and Ÿuma with poetry, rhythm, and powerful performances. Syrian rapper, poet, and storyteller Omar Offendum gives voice to the experiences of immigration. Tunisian singer and songwriter Emel Mathlouthi also takes the main stage, renowned for her soaring voice and fusion of traditional Arabic music with contemporary influences. Tunisian alternative duo Ÿuma, composed of Sabrine Jenhani and Ramy Zoghlemi, whose minimalist folk sound offers an intimate, guitar-driven journey.
The main stage will be hosted by Dubai’s own MC, Big Hass, bringing his signature energy to the festival.
Gilda Gilantash, Director of Events, Programming and Partnerships at Alserkal Avenue, said: “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. 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.”
Another standout highlight is Forest Dancer and the Path to Pure Creation by ENESS at Concrete, an immersive light and sound installation celebrating creative freedom. The festival spotlights the best of homegrown and international talent in a thoughtfully curated mix of live music performances, art exhibitions, installations, food experiences, and conversations, alongside a special programme designed to inspire kids.
The Avenue’s galleries and institutions will open an exciting lineup of exhibitions. At Ishara Art Foundation, Shilpa Gupta’s Lines of Flight takes center stage, while Lawrie Shabibi presents a solo show by Farhad Ahrarnia. Over at The Third Line, Neither Here ~ Nor Elsewhere, a group show curated by Sanaz Askari, and Green Art Gallery showcases Citadelles of Today by Chaouki Choukini. Aisha Alabbar Gallery brings Superficial Transactions, a solo exhibition by Eman Al Hashemi, while Gulf Photo Plus presents The Life of an Itinerant through a Pinhole by Behzad Khosravi Noori. 1×1 Art Gallery presents a solo show of Sohan Qadri, Custot Gallery features Photosynthetic Forms by Marc Quinn, and Zawyeh Gallery highlights a solo exhibition by Amirhossein Bayani.
Throughout the weekend, Stage 2.0 will also showcase Quoz Encore performances, now in its third year, providing a platform for emerging UAE-based artists and talent making their debut, alongside afikra conversations with artists.
On the other hand, Cinema Akil will host Reel Palestine, a film festival celebrating Palestinian stories with screenings and a souk featuring crafts and flavours inspired by Palestinian traditions.
The entire family can enjoy the festival with a dedicated Kids’ Lane offering interactive art workshops, reading sessions, and community activations led by Artful Minds, Wisdom Warehouse, The Junction, thejamjar, and The Happy Studio, engaging young audiences in creative play.
Finally, the culinary experiences will be curated by What The Food by Alserkal, featuring the city’s most loved chefs, artisanal producers, and food entrepreneurs.
Strategic partners for Quoz Arts Fest 2025 include Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Al Quoz Creative Zone, and Dubai Economy and Tourism. Lead partners are Mini AGMC, with supporting partners Ounass and Fujifilm. For those interested, tickets are available on PlatinumList. One-day passes for AED 63 and weekend passes for AED 126. Free entry for seniors (60+) and children under 18.
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