Life

Cultural platform, Quoz Arts Fest by Alserkal, is an artistic manifestation firmly anchored in culture and community.

The line-up of the 2026 Quoz Arts Fest by Alserkal is a chock-a-block two-day happening (January 24-25) that features a cross-disciplinary programme which places visual arts on the same plane as live music and curated pop-up concepts to create a medley of immersive experiences.

With Alserkal’s continued focus on discovery and the curatorial thread that’s long been central to its ethos, this edition brings unique and diverse perspectives. Basma El Bittar, Director of Alserkal Avenue, says, “Over the years, Quoz Arts Fest has grown alongside Dubai’s creative community, creating a space where artists, neighbours, and visitors can move, gather, and explore new forms of connection. The 2026 edition highlights the depth of regional talent. Artists whose work reflects the pulse, perspective and creative energy of the region and bring together the local artisans.”

THE ARTISTS

A powerhouse roster of regional names are participating this year. The multi-genre musical acts include Palestinian hip-hop collective DAM and Lebanese singer-songwriter Yasmine Hamdan, who will present a powerful set shaped by heritage and deep-rooted artistic legacies. While the visionary brothers of TootArd and Gayatri Krishnan add new textures with a performance that draws from Levantine grooves, desert blues, and soulful South Asian influences blended with global pop rhythms. In addition, From the Lips to the Moon – a creative force in London’s experimental performance scene – will present a spoken-word and music act created especially for the festival, hosted by composer and sound designer Pouya Ehsaei and writer Tara Fatehi, inviting festival goers for an immersive sonic experience. Merging movement and design, Jean-Baptiste André will perform his show Floe, a choreographic and performative work that brings visual artist Vincent Lamoroux’s scenographic work to life. Throughout the festival, Stage 2.0 will spotlight UAE-based emerging musicians, offering space for exchange, experimentation and new collaborations to form.

THE INSTALLATIONS

Visual and spatial spectacles will set the scene for the festival. Expect multi-media presentations, both in large-scale and intimate formats, that will create a unique sense of place and discovery within the grounds. Presented for the first time in Dubai and inside Concrete, Alserkal’s remarkable architectural wonder designed by Rem Koolhaas’ OMA, TAPE by acclaimed art collective Numen/For Use’s project will be taking over the venue with a sweeping structure composed entirely of cocoon-like tape forms stretched across the space. Previously presented across major cities worldwide, including Paris, Tokyo, and Milan, this installation brings a bold style to the festival grounds.

THE POP-UPS

Curated pop-ups, takeovers, and unique concepts will extend across Alserkal’s lanes, offering visitors a selection of tasteful indulgences, from global flavours and artisanal products to neighbourhood-driven culinary experiences. Reel Palestine Screenings of independent Palestinian cinema will take place in partnership with Cinema Akil. It will be accompanied by a vibrant souk of more than fifty vendors showcasing crafts, design objects, and culinary expressions rooted in Palestinian heritage. The souk will reside inside Warehouse 67 and throughout the surrounding outdoor spaces. There is also a presentation by Mawaheb featuring works by adults of determination, reflecting the festival’s commitment to accessibility and inclusive creative expression.

Entry is to the festival is free upon registration for visitors under 18 and above 60, and a 100 AED day pass applies to all other guests.

Tickets for Quoz Arts Fest 2026 are available via platinumlist.net

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Images: Supplied