The art of the matter at Al Quoz

But on September 15, when over 4,000 people lined up on Street 8, Al Quoz 1, there were neither workers nor buses in sight. As well-heeled residents got off their swanky cars at a cluster of warehouses, it was a defining moment for one of Dubai’s most dramatic transformations in recent times.

Far from the once infamous industrial quarter housing workshops and labour accommodations, Al Quoz is now the most happening destination for art, culture and entertainment in town with entry being free for visitors.

Alserkal Avenue, the art district where last month’s Galleries Night was held, was once an uninspiring marble factory. But today, like many other warehouses in the neighbourhood, its industrial sheds have given way to bustling creative spaces. According to a map of the area developed by Alserkal, the four industrial districts of Al Quoz are now home to over 100 art galleries, studios, concept avenues, speciality gyms and urban cafes. Of these, 37 are on Alserkal Avenue itself, its Dh50 million expansion making room for 40 more over the next few months.

Abdelmonem Bin Eisa Alserkal, developer of the avenue, said: “With time, we will be one of the main art capitals in the world, like New York, London and Berlin.”

Original article by Sharmila Dhal