Pastel portraits

Meet the Expert: Abdulrahman Al Nuaimi

Follow this series to meet the experts behind the Abu Dhabi Culture teams dedicated to documenting and promoting the emirate’s story.

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi: In the Studio with Simrin Mehra Agarwal

Meet Simrin Mehra Agarwal in her studio. An Abu Dhabi based artist, Agarwal examines transitions of bloom and decay.

Multi-coloured Landscapes with Jigsaw Printmaking

Create multi-coloured landscapes inspired by the work of British artist David Hockney using the jigsaw printmaking method.

Clay Flower Vase

Learn how to create your own vase and sculpt flowers using simple clay hand building techniques.

Chuck Close Portraits

Create portraits inspired by the work of American artist Chuck Close.

New Glass Paint technique

Apply glass paint and white glue on canvas to create unique creative designs.

Watercolour Postcards

Learn how you can use translucent layers of watercolour paint to create vibrant illustrations.

Clay Sculpture

Learn to create three-dimensional representations by moulding clay.

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi: In the Studio with Mays Albaik

Meet Mays Albaik, an Abu Dhabi based artist who draws us into her artwork with language, performance, and place from inside her studio.

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi: In the Studio with Afra Al Dhaheri

Meet Afra Al Dhaheri, an Abu Dhabi based artist who explores materiality, ritual and process through her artwork from inside her studio.

In Celebration of World Music Day

In celebration of World Music Day, we would like to invite you to enjoy meeting some of Abu Dhabi's key musical performances and activities.

Printing Qasr Al Hosn

Print an illustration of Qasr Al Hosn using your favourite colours.

Acrylic Pour Painting

Mix and pour acrylic paints to create dreamy, surreal, and celestial artworks.

Cardboard Stamps

Create up-cycled Cardboard Stamps and enjoy the process of printing.

Paper Quilling

Learn the technique of paper quilling for endless possibilities of creative designs.

Plate Glazing

In this activity, learn how to apply glaze to your ceramic objects and personalize your creations.

Fashion Illustration

Learn how to construct fashion illustrations and apply design, aesthetics and clothing construction.

Calligraphy Tools

Learn about the calligraphy tools used in all types of Arabic script.

Preparing Calligraphy Tools

Learn how to sharpen the pen and apply ink to prepare your calligraphy works on paper.

Mastering the Seas: Julfar, Ibn Majid, and Arab Navigation

This video introduces students to Julfar, Ibn Majid, and Arab Navigation.

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi: Spotlight Series – Luminous Darkness

Get an in-depth look at artist Shirazeh Houishary’s Luminous Darkness through Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Spotlight series.

A Craft, A Place, and A Tradition

This video will introduce students to the history of Al Sadu, Al Ain Palace Museum, as well as the Emirati Majlis.

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi: Spotlight Series – The Words I Love the Most

Get an in-depth look at artist Ghada Amer’s The Words I Love the Most through Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Spotlight series.

Tradition and Its Birthplace

This video will talk to students about the iconic Qasr Al Muwaiji, where many traditions were born.

Earthen Architecture in Al Ain: Conserving Earthen Heritage Buildings

This series concludes with a visit to some earthen heritage sites that DCT recently conserved, using a variety of techniques

Islam and religious tolerance

Learn how tolerance dates back to early Islam and how the UAE welcomed people from different religions.

History and Methods of Traditional Beekeeping in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi

Learn about the traditional beekeeping craft, and how beekeepers sustained it with their skills, expertise, and inherited knowledge.

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi: Spotlight Series – Ancient Symbols

Get an in-depth look at artist Dia Azzawi’s Ancient Symbols, through Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Spotlight series.

Guided Tour of Al Ain Oasis

Al Ain Oasis is the largest oasis in Al Ain, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011.

The Camel and the Falaj: Foundations of a New Society

Discover how people in the UAE lived 3000 years ago.

Arabic Calligraphy and Al-Taghrooda

Visit Louvre Abu Dhabi's 'Abstraction and Calligraphy' exhibition, meet Mohammed Mandi and learn about Al-Taghrooda

Learn about Al Ayala and discover Al Ain Oasis

Learn about Al Ayala, a traditional performance art of the UAE and explore aspects of Al Ain Oasis through the eyes of experts and artists.

Earthen Architecture in Al Ain: What is earth as building material

In this video, we introduce the properties of earth as building material and some of the major threats that these constructions face

Earthen Heritage Sites in Al Ain: Preserving Abu Dhabi’s Unique Heritage

First in a series that talks about the capabilities and benefits of earthen architecture for our planet and its inhabitants.

Pen Illustration

Explore pen drawing and shading techniques

Cubist Portraits

Create your own abstract portraits inspired by Cubism.

Charcoal Animation

Bring your charcoal drawings to life through film and animation.

History at Home: Explore Marawah Island

Discover what life was like on Marawah Island 8,000 years ago.

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra: Film Music in Al Ain

Birmingham’s world-class orchestra played as part of Abu Dhbai Classics in the enchanting and iconic Al Jahili fort in Al Ain.

Visits from Bait Al Oud VI: Universal Mozart

Oud legend Naseer Shamma and Bait Al Oud musicians perform music composed by Mozart and inspired by him on Arabic instruments.

Visits from Bait Al Oud VII: From Spain to Abu Dhabi

Oud legend Naseer Shamma with the musicians from Bait Al Oud take their audience on a musical journey to Spain and Latin America.

Visits from Bait Al Oud IV: The story of the Oud

An instrumental concert programme with Naseer Shamma and Bait Al Oud teachers celebrating the history of Classical Arabic Music.

Visits from Bait Al Oud V: Tribute to Classical Arabic Singing

For its 5th instalment, the Visits from Bait Al Oud concert series celebrates the rich tradition of Classical Arabic Singing

Sounds of UAE: Ahmed Al Hosani & Bait Al Oud, and Faisal Al Saari and band

Emirati Singer Ahmed Al Hosani performs with Bait Al Oud Musicians and Faisal Al Saari offers a performance of “To Zayed Salam”

Sounds of UAE: Nejma El Koor, Tariq Al Menhali and Faisal Al Jasim

The second National Day Concert from Sounds of UAE with Najma Al Koor, Tariq Al Menhali and Faisal Al Jasim

Art to Heart: A Conversation with Eleonora Sevenard

Eleonora Sevenard talks to Alia Al Neyadi about her journey as a soloist at the Bolshoi Theater.

Art to Heart: A Conversation with Salman Al Najem

Sara bin Safwan speaks with artist Salman Al Najem about the creative force of man, mental health and finding light within darkness.

Mawhibaty Programme End of Year Students Showcase 2019/2020

A Visual and Performing Arts showcase celebrating the accomplishments of students enrolled in the Mawhibaty programme 2019/2020

Art to Heart: A Conversation with Dr. Ahmed Al Shoaibi

Dr. Ahmed Al Shoaibi speaks about how he incorporates both his love for the UAE and his love of literature in his work.

Art to Heart: A Conversation with Pascale Marthine Tayou

Pascale Marthine Tayou’s creations offer us beautiful ways to look at one’s surroundings in a humorous yet critical way.

Art to Heart: A Conversation with Ahmed Al Attar

Here, Ahmed Al Attar sits with Khadija El Bennaoui and discusses his work, his ambitions, and his creative process.

Art to Heart: A Conversation with Vikki Tobak

US based cultural journalist, Vikki Tobak, chats with Farah Bushnaq on her life and career.

Art to Heart: A Conversation with Mary Lynn Miller

Mary Lynn Miller loves literature; she’s worked with children all her life, as an educator and a librarian.

Art to Heart: A Conversation with Gerald & Daphne Mercer

The couple tells us about their experiences and their intense love for their work in an interesting conversation with Khadija Kudsi.

Art to Heart: A Conversation with Fernando Reimers

As an educator and an artist, Fernando is inspired by a variety of people who have influenced his life.

Art to Heart with Faisal Kiwewa

Faisal Kiwewa goes from his childhood to his arts festival, the Bayimba International Festival of the Arts, and his current plans.

Art to heart: A conversation with photographer Mous Lamrabat

Belgian photographer Mous Lamrabat sits down with Sara Khalfan Al Mheiri for an #ArtToHeart chat about his thoughts and his work.

Art to Heart with Abdallah Khalfan Al Yamahi

Conversation between the heritage Expert Abdulla Khalfan AlYamahi and Yaser AlNeyadi on the protocol of Emirati Majlis

Art to Heart with Fatima Al Maghani

A conversation with the Emirati heritage expert, Fatima Al Maghanni, interviewed by Amena Al Farsi from Qasr Al Muwaiji team.

Visits from Bait Al Oud III: Ramadan Nights

A Celebration of the Holy Month of Ramadan under the artistic supervision of Bait Al Oud Vocal Teacher Dr. Fathulla Ahmed.

Visits from Bait Al Oud II: The new Qanun

Bait Al Oud Abu Dhabi’s Qanun teacher, Bassam Abdel Satar, gathers his graduates & friends to perform a virtual concert.

Visits from Bait Al Oud I: Naseer Shamma & Friends

Oud legend Naseer Shamma performed an online concert from Bait Al Oud Abu Dhabi, instilling hope in times of uncertainty.

Qasr Al Muwaiji Virtual Tour

The Rulers’ Palace and Birthplace of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan which was and still a meeting place for the community.

World Day for Audiovisual Heritage: Four Experts, Four Pillars

Al Qattara Arts Centre celebrates World Day for Audiovisual Heritage through a series of interviews with heritage and audiovisual experts.

Art To Heart: A Conversation with Oud Player Alya Cycon

The first female graduate in Oud from Berklee Boston and Valencia, Alya Cycon sits across the camera with Mona Eldahshoury in this next #ArtToHeart interview.

Art to Heart: A Conversation with Violinist Layth Sidiq

Yarub Smairat interviews his colleague and friend, Berklee graduate and accomplished violinist Layth Sidiq.

Art to Heart: A Conversation with Pianist David Fray

A passionate one on one about the intricacies and theories behind classical music with David Fray.

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi: In the Studio – A Panel Discussion

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi’s series of studio visits culminates with a panel discussion bringing together all four visited artists.

Guided tour in Qasr Al Muwaiji

The Rulers’ Palace and Birthplace of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan which was and still a meeting place for the community members and the visitors of the city since the fortieths of 20th century.

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi: In the Studio with Nasser Alzayani

Get to know the artists living and working in Abu Dhabi. Here, Bahraini-American artist Nasser Alzayani introduces his work.

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi: In the Studio with Hashel Al Lamki

Get to know the artists living and working in Abu Dhabi. Here, artist Hashel Al Lamki presents his multi-disciplinary work.

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi: In the Studio with Rand Abdul Jabbar

Get to know the artists living and working in Abu Dhabi. Here, artist Rand Abdul Jabbar presents her multi-disciplinary work.

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi: In the Studio with Maitha Abdalla

Meet Emirati artist Maitha Abdalla as she introduces her practice, and get to know the artists living and working in Abu Dhabi.

World Music Exploratory Guides

Explore the rich tapestry created by musicians, from the music of the Arab World to internationally renowned composers.

Drive-In concert – Live from Berklee Abu Dhabi

Enjoy a unique display of talent in our first drive-in concert at Berklee Abu Dhabi - the first of many live performances as part of our “When Is Now?” series. With an incredible line up of artists!

CulturAll Conversations: The Art Community; The Way Forward

A discussion among artists who have shaped the regional artistic scene and who have contributed to artistic institutions in the United Arab Emirates and beyond.

Al Qattara Arts Centre virtual tour

A space in which to discover and create, bringing together the curious and the experienced. Take a 360° tour.

Manarat Al Saadiyat virtual tour

Explore Manarat Al Saadiyat on the 360° tour.

Jebel Hafit Tombs virtual tour

At Jebel Hafit in Al Ain are tombs that reveal trade links with the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Persia and the Indus Valley.

Meet the Curator Paolo Colombo

Art curator Paolo Colombo talks about the potential effects of social distancing on himself and other artists.

Arabic Naskh Script Foundation Course

A calligraphy course where students can learn the Naskh script basics using classical tools, to create calligraphy artworks.

Modern Heritage

Abu Dhabi’s Modern Architectural & Urban Heritage

CulturAll Conversations: Reimagining Museums

Museums: Places of Civic Engagement, Inspiration and Rebuilding in a Pandemic Age

Abu Dhabi Children’s Library Online

Discover fun books to read at the e-Library.

Obaid Suroor

Meet Obaid Suroor, the ‘Guardian of Emirati Heritage’.

Eid Night with Kadim Al Sahir

An exclusive live session with singer Kadim Al Sahir from the Eid Al Fitr premiere.

Meet Astrophotographer Samy Olabi

Meet photographer Samy Olabi, a regional pioneer in astrophotography.

The Five Elements of Light

Portrait photography can be defined as ‘drawing light’. Photographer Julian John breaks down the five elements of light and how to control them.

Meet Photographer Julian John

Meet Julian John, professional photographer, MAS Photography Studio.

Okwui Enwezor and David Adjaye in Conversation

Okwui Enwezor and David Adjaye in conversation at Abu Dhabi Art

Visits from Bait Al Oud II: The New Qanun

Bait Al Oud teacher Bassam Abdel Satar gathered his qanun graduates together for an online concert, showcasing Arabic musical traditions, as well as innovation and creativity.

Visits from Bait Al Oud IV: The Story of the Oud

Naseer Shamma and teachers from Bait Al Oud perform a programme of classical Arabic music.

An Evening with Dalal Abu Amneh

An evening of music with singer Dalal Abu Amneh, whose impressive repertoire ranges from Arabic classical ‘tarab’ to Andalusian ‘muwashahat’.

An Evening with Jahida Wehbe

An evening with singer Jahida Wehbe as she performs classical and patriotic music, among other genres.

Emirati Traditional Games

Traditional games represent a shared heritage that entices core values needed to build qualities and inspire collectiveness.

Qasr Al Hosn virtual tour

Qasr Al Hosn has more than one story to tell, it is a place of many layers and secrets awaiting to be discovered.

Al-Sadu weaving

By weaving sheep wool, goat hair or camel fur, Emirati artisans create distinctive designs rich in geometrical patterns that often reflect social identity and the surrounding environment.

Furusiyya Exhibition Virtual Tour

The walk-through virtual tour of the Furusiyya exhibition allows you to get even closer to the artworks than you can in real life.

The Red Palace exhibition virtual tour

Explore the Cultural Foundation exhibition ‘The Red Palace’ by artist Sultan bin Fahad, in 360° view.

Talli embroidery

Talli is a traditional form of decorative embroidery practised by Emirati women using cotton or silk threads on a loom called a ‘Kajooja’.

The oldest known mosque in the UAE

Artefacts discovered in the early Islamic town reveal evidence of trade to lands as far away as China.

Culture Summit Panel 2020

A special Culture Summit Abu Dhabi recorded session: ‘Alone Together: Culture and Resilience’.

Common Ground exhibition virtual tour

Explore the Cultural Foundation group exhibition ‘Common Ground’, in 360° view.

The Founding Father and the Archaeological Story of the UAE

Peter Magee, Zayed National Museum Director, Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, in conversation with Eisa Yousif, Director of Excavations & Sites, Sharjah Archaeology Authority.

Universal Expressions: Inspired by Louvre Abu Dhabi

The Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra performs with Christoph Eschenbach, Faisal Al Saari and Gautier Capuçon. This historic concert in Abu Dhabi in 2016 featured two world premieres: the oud concerto 'Zayed’s Dream' and the cello and orchestral fantasy composition 'Once Upon a Time'.