Abdul Qader Al Rais: 50 Years of Art is a celebration  of the Abdul Qader Al Rais, who is regarded as one of the most influential artists in the Emirati art world. Known for his symbolic paintings and his most recent series of calligraphic concepts, Abdul Qader Al Rais’s work spans from the late 1960s to this date. His retrospective in Abu Dhabi is set to bring together the full range of masterpieces some of which have never been seen before. The retrospective is a must-see for those looking to experience the artist’s personal journey and artistic growth over the decades. 

Over the decades, Al Rais has observed the growth of the UAE that has served as the backdrop of his work and seeks to preserve the cultural memory of the UAE. The retrospective is divided into different thematic sections, exploring Al Rais’s self-taught artistic journey. From segments dedicated to the conceptual nature of Arabic calligraphy in an ongoing series called, Hurufiyyat, to political and social issues throughout the Arab region such as the Palestinian cause, the Gulf War and more recently the Syrian crisis – Al Rais has never refrained from expressing himself through his art. 

Abdul Qader Al Rais is an internationally successful artist, holding many prestigious awards and has exhibited his work in many countries such as Prague, the United States, Germany, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and France.