Dubai is set to welcome one of the most anticipated art events of the year as World Art Dubai (WAD) returns to the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 17 to 20 April. WAD is coming back for its eleventh edition this April, bringing together art enthusiasts, art collectors and buyers for a vibrant four-day celebration of artistic and creative excellence.
DWTC will host over 300 international galleries and solo artists, presenting over 4,000 works of art spanning multiple genres and styles. With a spectacular lineup of live performances, interactive workshops and cultural showcases, this year’s edition promises to be a hub of inspiration for budding artists and everyone with a creative flair.
The event will take place across DWTC venues (Hall 1 and Za’abeel Halls 1, 2 and 3). Entry is priced at just Dhs 20.
Here is a look at some of the must-see attractions at this dynamic four-day event.
Live Performances And Immersive Art Experiences
- Performance Fuelled By Passion
On 17 April at Main Stage near Za'abeel Hall 2, witness this high-energy performance bursting with vibrant movements and boundless positivity, designed to awaken your spirit and immerse you in the electrifying world of live art. From 1.20pm to 2pm.
- Baton And Calligraphy Performance
Taking place on 17 April at Main Stage, Za'abeel Hall 2, this performance is expected to be a breathtaking fusion of baton twirling and calligraphy, where an artist paints intricate characters using a specially designed baton brush, blending movement and visual art into a single mesmerising spectacle. From 2.10pm to 2.40pm
- Parallel Universes: Dual Creation
Happening on 17 April at Performance Zone 2 near Za'abeel Hall 1 entrance, artists Tetiana Kramarenko and Natalia Revoniuk will work simultaneously on opposite walls, one white and one black, demonstrating the interplay between contrast and unity in an awe-inspiring live art performance. From 4pm to 4.30pm.
- The Visual Poetry
On 17 April at Performance Zone 2 near Za'abeel Hall 1 entrance, witness this abstract performance inspired by Arabic calligraphy, where movement and brushstrokes come together in a powerful expression of self-reflection and personal discovery. From 6pm to 6.30pm.
- Phantom
Head over to the Main Stage in Za'abeel Hall 2 on 20 April, to witness this unique sound and movement experience, where electronic beats, contemporary dance and vocals create an immersive performance transmitted exclusively through headphones, forming a silent yet deeply moving connection with the audience. From 6.10pm to 6.40pm.
Workshops For Art Lovers And Creators
- Fashion Illustration
On 17 April at WAD Studio in Za'abeel Hall 3, participants will explore the art of fashion illustration using newspapers and magazines, creating unique paper-based designs that bring their creativity to life. From 1.15pm to 2.15pm.
- Palette Knife Painting
This workshop, taking place on 17 April at WAD Studio in Za'abeel Hall 3, introduces participants to the expressive technique of palette knife painting, allowing them to experiment with textures and layers to bring reference images to life on canvas. From 2.30pm to 3.30pm.
- Mandala Pop Art
Happening on 19 April at WAD Studio in Za'abeel Hall 3, this interactive session blends traditional mandala designs with bold, modern pop-art colours, encouraging participants to explore their creativity while producing vibrant, geometric masterpieces. From 6.15pm to 7.15pm.
- Organic Soy Wax Candle Making
Led by the founder of Studio Kinza, this hands-on workshop, taking place on 19 April at WAD Studio in Za'abeel Hall 3, teaches participants how to craft their own scented candles using organic soy wax, making for a perfect blend of creativity and sustainability. From 7.30pm to 9pm.
- Pottery Workshop
On 20 April at WAD Studio in Za'abeel Hall 3, expect a fun and engaging session where children can learn about ceramic-making, shaping their own objects on the pottery wheel while exploring different hand-building techniques. From 7.30pm to 9pm.
Cultural And Musical Showcases
- Chinese Traditional Yue Opera
On 17 April at the Main Stage near Za'abeel Hall 2, A stunning performance of Yue Opera will take place, a traditional Chinese art form that blends acting, dance, and music. Audiences can expect to be captivated by the elegant melodies, elaborate costumes, and expressive movements. From 3.50pm to 4.05pm.
- Acoustic Bandura
Happening on 18 April at the Main Stage near Za'abeel Hall 2, experience a mesmerising musical journey with a Ukrainian bandura player, whose harp-like melodies evoke the rich traditions and storytelling heritage of Ukraine. From 1.20pm to 2pm.
- Journey Of Oud
On 20 April, see this enchanting live performance at the Main Stage near Za'abeel Hall 2, featuring the soulful sound of the oud paired with the delicate harmonies of a keyboard, creating a unique blend of tradition and modernity. From 3.50pm to 4.05pm.
Interactive Art And Live Creations
- Human Portrait Painting
On 17 April at Performance Zone 1 near Za'abeel Hall 3 entrance, artist Ayongi Orock brings a human portrait to life in real time, showcasing intricate detailing and expressive brushwork that highlight his signature artistic style. From 3.30pm to 4pm.
- Live Cityscape Painting (19 April, Performance Zone 3)
On 19 April at Performance Zone 3 between Za'abeel Zones 1 and 2, renowned artist Deepali Deshpande transforms an empty canvas into a stunning cityscape, using impressionist techniques to create a dynamic urban masterpiece. From 4.30pm to 5pm.
- Live Face Sculpting
On 20 April at Performance Zone 1 near Za'abeel Hall 3 entrance, artist Jude Obozuwa sculpts a human face live, demonstrating the precision and skill involved in shaping raw materials into lifelike three-dimensional artworks. From 3.30pm to 4pm.
- Sustainable Artwork
- On 20 April at Performance Zone 2 near Za'abeel Hall 1 entrance, Artists Diyali Bhalla and Beena Samuel repurpose found materials and waste objects, turning them into stunning abstract artworks that celebrate sustainability and eco-conscious creativity. From 4pm to 4.30pm.
With its diverse range of performances, workshops, and exhibits, WAD 2025 offers an unmissable opportunity to explore global artistic creativity.Beyond these, there are several informative talks and sessions happening throughout the event. For more details about the complete list of programmes, visit www.worldartdubai.com