This December, Abu Dhabi transforms into an artistic oasis, with the inaugural Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial bringing creativity to life across the capital and Al Ain. Picture over 70 artists turning everyday spaces into extraordinary installations, inviting audiences to explore art beyond the confines of traditional galleries. It’s a month-long invitation to see, hear, taste, and feel creativity in its most dynamic forms.
From interactive tours guided by artificial intelligence to poetry performances and even culinary adventures blending food and art, the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial is setting a new standard for cultural engagement. Whether you’re into soulful music, cinematic gems under the stars, or a chance to recalibrate with yoga and sound healing, there’s no better time to dive into Abu Dhabi’s thriving creative scene.
Scroll down for a breakdown of the activities.
INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCES
The Biennial’s interactive programs are a journey into the heart of imagination and technology. Every Sunday, Rimini Protokoll’s Remote X takes participants on an audio-guided performance walk. In Remote Al Ain, you’ll traverse the city as a computer-generated voice leads you through its familiar corners and hidden gems, reimagining these spaces as scenes from a futuristic film. Similarly, Remote Abu Dhabi offers an immersive tour through the capital, blending AI-driven narration with the urban landscape for a unique theatrical experience.
Meanwhile, the artist duo Bik Van der Pol invites you to reflect on impermanence with The Poem That Jumps the Fence. Held at Abu Dhabi Beach, this live performance brings poetry to life only for the words, written in the sand, to fade away with the tides. The accompanying workshops, created in collaboration with local poets, transform simple grains of sand into a metaphor for the fragility and beauty of shared creativity.
For a more hands-on experience, FLEX by Load na Dito combines art and play at the Flex Story Souvenirs space every Saturday. This Manila-born initiative encourages participants to mold clay while exploring the meanings of words through shared stories. The colorful creations act as a tactile record of the game, turning personal reflections into tangible art.
HERE FOR THE FOOD
Blurring the lines between art and everyday life, Frying Pan Adventures presents guided food tours in downtown Abu Dhabi twice a week. This unique culinary route combines authentic local eats with visits to three Biennial installations, creating a feast for the senses. Led by passionate guides, this tour highlights the intersection of food, culture, and creativity, leaving participants with both full hearts and fuller stomachs.
TUNES UNDER THE STARS
Tania Candiani’s Nomadic Stage becomes the epicenter of live music throughout the month. On December 1, an eclectic lineup kicks off with the Bait Al Oud performing classical Arabic pieces featuring violin, qanun, and percussion. This is followed by an Indian instrumental ensemble blending sarod, Indian violin, and tablas, and the evening culminates in an electronic live set by Karim Atari. It’s a vibrant mix of traditional and contemporary sounds, offering something for every music lover.
CINEMA AT THE CORNICHE
December 16 to 18 brings Black Box Cinema to the Corniche Hub, offering an outdoor screening series of Arab short films curated by Abu Dhabi filmmaker Nawaf Al Janahi. From poignant dramas to thought-provoking documentaries, this forum introduces audiences to the depth of regional filmmaking.
WELLNESS SESSIONS
For those seeking a moment of tranquility amid the creativity, the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial offers wellness session on December 15. The Cold Full Moon Sound Healing and Breathwork session at Heritage Park promises a soothing escape. Under the luminous full moon, participants can recalibrate their senses with sound vibrations and meditative breathing.
