The Middle East, often recognized for its historical landmarks and bustling cities, is also a vibrant hub for art and culture. Throughout the region, art exhibitions serve as windows into the rich cultural heritage, providing a platform for both local and international artists to showcase their masterpieces. In this article, we will take you on a journey through the cultural extravagance of the Middle East, unveiling the top five must-visit art exhibitions that encapsulate the essence of this diverse and dynamic region.

1. Sharjah Biennial (Sharjah, UAE): Where Tradition Meets Contemporary Brilliance

The Sharjah Biennial, held in the emirate of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, stands as one of the most significant art exhibitions in the Middle East. Renowned for its commitment to bridging the gap between tradition and contemporary art, the biennial brings together artists from across the globe. Sharjah’s rich cultural heritage serves as a backdrop, providing a unique setting for artistic dialogue. The exhibition explores themes deeply rooted in the Middle Eastern experience, offering a diverse range of visual expressions, from traditional Islamic art to avant-garde installations.

2. Art Dubai (Dubai, UAE): The Global Art Hub of the Middle East

Dubai, a global metropolis, hosts one of the most anticipated art events in the Middle East – Art Dubai. This international art fair has earned its reputation as a dynamic platform that fosters cross-cultural exchange. Art Dubai attracts galleries, artists, and collectors from around the world, transforming the city into a melting pot of artistic diversity. The exhibition not only showcases contemporary Middle Eastern art but also acts as a gateway for global art trends, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts seeking a truly cosmopolitan experience.

3. Cairo Biennale (Cairo, Egypt): A Tapestry of Egyptian Artistry

Egypt, with its millennia-old artistic legacy, hosts the Cairo Biennale, a celebration of contemporary art deeply rooted in the country’s cultural tapestry. Held in the heart of Cairo, this exhibition brings together Egyptian artists alongside international participants, creating a vibrant dialogue between tradition and modernity. The Cairo Biennale stands out for its emphasis on the intersection of visual arts, literature, and performance, offering visitors a holistic experience of Egypt’s artistic evolution.

4. Contemporary Istanbul (Istanbul, Turkey): Bridging East and West

As the bridge between East and West, Istanbul has become a thriving center for contemporary art, with the Contemporary Istanbul exhibition at its forefront. This annual art fair showcases the best of Turkish and international contemporary art, reflecting Istanbul’s unique position as a city straddling multiple cultural spheres. From cutting-edge installations to thought-provoking performances, Contemporary Istanbul provides a platform for artists to explore the complexities of cultural identity, making it an essential destination for those eager to witness the fusion of Eastern and Western artistic influences.

5. Beirut Art Fair (Beirut, Lebanon): Resilience Through Art

Beirut, a city with a storied past, hosts the Beirut Art Fair, an exhibition that encapsulates the resilience and creativity of the Lebanese people. Against the backdrop of the city’s tumultuous history, this fair brings together Lebanese and international artists, creating a space for reflection, healing, and the celebration of art as a unifying force. The Beirut Art Fair is not only an exploration of aesthetics but also a testament to the transformative power of art in the face of adversity.

Unveiling Hidden Gems and Inspirational Narratives

Beyond the marquee events, the Middle East is adorned with smaller, yet equally impactful, art exhibitions that unveil hidden gems and untold narratives. Galleries tucked away in the narrow lanes of Old Dubai or the vibrant art scenes emerging in the backstreets of Amman contribute to the region’s artistic vibrancy. Exploring these less-publicized exhibitions allows visitors to connect with local artists, artisans, and grassroots movements, offering a more intimate perspective on the pulse of Middle Eastern art.

Embracing Diversity in Artistic Expression

Each of the highlighted exhibitions contributes to the kaleidoscope of artistic expressions found in the Middle East. From the traditional charm of Sharjah to the cosmopolitan energy of Dubai, the dynamic spirit of Cairo, the intersectionality of Istanbul, and the resilience of Beirut, these events celebrate the diversity of voices shaping the region’s contemporary art scene. Visitors will find an eclectic mix of mediums, from calligraphy to digital installations, capturing the essence of the Middle East’s multifaceted cultural identity.

Looking Beyond Boundaries: The Regional Impact

These exhibitions serve as catalysts for cross-regional collaborations and cultural exchange. The impact of Middle Eastern art extends beyond national borders, fostering connections between artists, curators, and collectors from neighboring countries. Collaborative projects and joint initiatives often emerge from these events, creating a network that propels Middle Eastern art onto the global stage.

In conclusion, the art exhibitions of the Middle East offer a kaleidoscopic view of the region’s cultural richness. From the traditional charm of Sharjah to the cosmopolitan energy of Dubai, the dynamic spirit of Cairo, the intersectionality of Istanbul, and the resilience of Beirut, each exhibition contributes to the vibrant tapestry that defines the Middle Eastern art scene. As you embark on your cultural journey through the Middle East, make sure to include these top five must-visit art exhibitions for an immersive and inspiring experience, discovering the hidden gems that lie beyond the mainstream, and embracing the diversity that defines the region’s artistic narrative.

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On May 11-14, one of the world’s most significant exhibitions of jewelry and precious stones took place in Geneva. We have collected the opinions of experts in the jewelry industry: consultant Donatella Zappieri, influencer Katerina Perez, expert, lector and literary editor Elena Veselova and and founder of the designer jewelry marketplace Delagem.com  Inesa Bachurina.

GemGeneve was created by Thomas Faerber and Ronny Totah, two recognized professionals, long-time friends who worked together to create a show like no other, bringing together exhibitors from all over the world.

GemGeneve represents a unique meeting hub between jewelry designers, gemstone dealers, retailers, collectors and enthusiasts. Created by exhibitors for exhibitors, Gem Geneva offers a platform for expression bringing together passion, expertise and education. 

Katerina Perez: 

“Why do I love visiting GemGeneve? First of all because of the curation of exhibitors – everyone participating in the annual event is TOP. Best gem dealers and art jewellers meet under the same roof to showcase their exquisite jewels and gemstones to the audience.

Second reason is the educational talks – there is a number of them taking place every day… at 4pm I will be doing mine talking about the changes in the industry within the 10 years that I have been actively present.

Thirdly, this is the place to discover! You have to explore different areas of the exhibition for the full experience and see the section with gouache artists, books, gemmology exploration etc.. they are dotted around the fair.”

Elena Veselaya:

“What can you say about the GemGeneve exhibition in general? From the very beginning (five years ago), everyone wondered where the new undertaking would lead, bringing together the best stones, antique galleries and young designers. 

Today it is obvious: the exhibition defines itself as BtoB – there are more and more stone sellers, all the rarest and best are brought to Geneva, and you can meet the world’s most famous jewelers who come for stones. For some special samples there is a real struggle.

At the same time, the design side noticeably sags – new people do not come, those who exhibited a couple of times in the past left dissatisfied – there are practically no people at the exhibition who would be interested in young design (not to see, but to buy). So obviously something needs to be done about it. For example, change the curator.

Antiquarians feel great – their showcases contain treasures from previous eras, and you can buy a biography quite inexpensively.”

In her blog, Elena presented a video of the ring from the Ukrainian project Strong & Precious Drutis Jewelery.

The work of Ukrainian jewelers was also noted by Donatella Zappieri:

“First stop of the day is Strong & Precious, the corner devoted to Ukrainian jewelry designers!

This diamond pendant by Drutis Jewelery contains a caleidoscope and you can actually admire stones composition inside. Too bad I cannot show you what I could admire when rotating the pave rondelles.”

Inesa Bachurina:

“I am happy that the world notices and appreciates the work of Ukrainian masters. Our Delagem.com platform also features Ukrainian brands. The same Rokah  that was exhibited at GemGeneve in November 2022.”

All experts unanimously noted the work of the Chinese designer Wallis Hong.

Katerina Perez:

“The most extravagant jewel of this edition of  GemGeneve exhibition is surely displayed at Wallis Hong  salon… He used titanium to create this crocodile brooch with textured skin that is both voluminous and light. The creature is holding a purple sapphire in it’s jaw and is embellished with more sapphires and diamonds…”

Donatella Zappieri:

“For the second time  Wallis Hong  is showing his wonderful collections GemGeneve in the Emerging talents area selected by Nadege Totah. Stunning pieces in titanium and aluminum with gems and diamonds. 

The delicacy of his artwork is really amazing, balanced by the color shades which are always in line with the stone color selection.”

And of course, the experts highly appreciated the gems presented at the exhibition.

Katerina Perez:

“I am dreaming of turning these layouts of aquamarines and morganites that I spotted at HC Arnoldi into an unconventional jewellery set… I like it how the pastel colours add a bit of subtlety to the stones while the cut gives them an edge – this mix made this layout stood out for me at GemGeneve.”

Elena Veselova:

“There are many stones on GemGeneve – the most selective ones. Vendors are eager to brag about rarities – my old Nomad’s friends show off a 200-carat tsavorite, a huge aquamarine and a stunning tangerine garnet.”

Inesa Bachurina:

“We see an actively growing demand for jewelry with colored stones. And the growth in the number of participants in the show only confirms this. After pearl jewelry and drop earrings, colored gemstone jewelry is the third most popular category on our platform.”

In addition to the beautiful Ukrainian project Strong & Precious, the category of young talents did not show anything previously unknown. The selection of participants was, as always, perfectly curated. 

Katerina Perez:

“It was a pleasure to explore Asian culture through Austy Lee ring and earrings inspired by the fan. Can you guess what the centre stone here is?

Donatella Zappieri:

“In the very contemporary mood of “quiet luxury”, Faerber I discovered this truly elegant collection of diamond rings.

Each stone is one of a kind, special for its cut, color, dimension and the setting is designed to enhance such peculiarity.

As an example, the oval ring carries a 3,48 color IF stone and most of the rings plating are in soft gold tones , sometimes brushed and the gold proportion is never overwhelming the stone beauty.”

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Katerina Perez:

“At Lia Lam, courageous creativity meets fine jewellery artistry. In a dance of design and concept, Lia’s architectural pieces express meaning in a minimal and poetic form.

Handcrafted to order in London, Lia’s pieces are made with recycled gold and set with traceable gemstones and diamonds of exquisite quality.

I love the concept as each single piece has a specific meaning sublimated by excellent manufacturing and savoir faire.

Donatella Zappieri:

Serendipity Jewelry showed a wonderful collection of precious gems. Look at this ring and tell me how amazing it is!

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At the Office of Administrative Control pavilion at the 53rd Cairo International Book Fair, “Maat,” the goddess of justice and truth of ancient Egypt, appears through a screen using hologram technology to introduce herself to the public.

“I have established the values and principles by which life is straightened. I have not forged, I have not stolen, I have not broken the law, I have not sought corruption, I have not shown my interests above the public interest, so that good and peace may prevail,” Maat says using hologram technology in English and Arabic.

The 53rd Cairo International Book Fair kicked off Jan. 26 and will run through Feb. 7. Some 1,067 Arab and foreign publishers and agencies from 51 countries will participate in the book fair.

Writer Yehia Haqi will be the central figure of the book fair. Writer Abdel Tawab Youssef will be the protagonist of the Children’s Book Fair.

This publication will use the latest techniques of technology and artificial intelligence. During the events, writer Yehia Haqi will appear with a hologram in an interactive presentation for the audience.

Children and visitors to the children’s hall will also see one of the stories by the late writer Abdel Tawab Youssef through virtual reality glasses.

The best Arab publisher award will be presented for the first time at the 53rd Cairo International Book Fair, and the value of fair prizes will be increased to 40,000 L.E. instead of 10,000 L.E. in each cultural area.

In addition, online book sales are available on the fair’s digital platform, and delivery services are available in cooperation with the Ministry of Communications represented by the Egyptian Post anywhere in Egypt.

The Ministry of Culture will present a large number of its publications as part of the “Your Culture, Your Book” initiative to provide books at affordable prices.

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Venue: International Convention and Exhibition Center.

The Big 5 Saudi is the ideal platform for building industry professionals to network, attract qualified leads and close business deals. It presents the latest innovations in specialized product sectors.

The event also offers CPD (Continuing Professional Development) certified seminars, which are free to attend and conducted by renowned industry experts.

The Big 5 Saudi, launched in 2010 with the aim of fully equipping Saudi Arabia’s construction sector as part of its huge development plans, is the leading construction event in the Kingdom.

Currently held in Riyadh, The Big 5 Saudi event continues to serve as a true testament to the country’s growing appeal on the global construction scene, bringing the industry together in support of the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 goals.

In conjunction with HVAC R Expo Saudi, Stone & Surface Saudi, FM Expo Saudi and Saudi Clean Expo, the exhibition showcases complete construction products in one place and at one time.

Designed for the industry by listening to the industry, The Big 5 Saudi brings 40 years of experience and the success of The Big 5 brand to the Kingdom’s vibrant market for construction and infrastructure projects.

Founded in 1979 in Dubai, a trading hub between East and West, The Big 5 has over the past four decades provided partnerships, cutting-edge knowledge and industry best practices, and become a gateway for international companies to access emerging markets.

Year after year, the event has facilitated trade and brought thousands of innovative products to the Middle East region and beyond, helping construction professionals thrive through personal connections.

Continuing to grow and expand into new territories from its origins in the UAE to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria and South Africa, the portfolio has also developed specialized events for the landscape, concrete, PMV, stone, HVAC R, solar, glass, windows, doors and facades, and facilities management sectors.

Today, The Big Five’s portfolio of events attracts more than 100,000 attendees, supporting builders, architects, contractors, engineers, consultants, manufacturers and distributors to excel in their projects and be ready for this new and very different era.

The 10th edition of The Big 5 Saudi is expected to bring more than 14,000 visitors under one roof to more than 300 building product manufacturers from around the world.

Vision 2030’s bold plan to stimulate and diversify the country’s economic activity requires unprecedented infrastructure development. Last October, the government established a $53.4 billion infrastructure investment fund to encourage private sector participation in major infrastructure projects. Before that was the announcement in January 2019 of a $425 billion National Industrial Development and Logistics Program aimed at making the Kingdom a leading industrial power and global logistics hub.

With offices in Riyadh and Jeddah, as well as other centers in the Middle East and Africa, dmg events has successfully held The Big 5 Saudi, the country’s largest construction event, for a decade.

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Planning to attend Expo 2020? We’ll tell you what to see, what to do, and how to get a free ticket to the world’s biggest show.

The whole world is frozen in anticipation of Expo 2020 Dubai. The massive exhibition that will showcase mankind’s best scientific and technological achievements will take place in Dubai between October 1, 2021 and March 31, 2022.

Read more about Expo 2020

Expo 2020 Dubai is an exhibition with a long history. The first World’s Fair was held in 1851 in London, and since then, every such event has been dedicated to finding solutions to humanity’s current problems. In addition, the events serve as a platform for the exchange of knowledge and for the organization of international cooperation in various fields.

Expo 2020 Dubai is, for many reasons, one of the most important in the history of world expositions. Not only because this event will be held for the first time in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region, but also because it is the first event of such grand scale and significance for the whole world to be held since the beginning of the pandemic. In July 2020. Dubai was one of the first to open its borders to tourists. To ensure the well-being of residents and visitors from other countries, the emirate authorities have implemented stringent security protocols. For more information, read the Coronavirus Pandemic Guidelines for Tourists (COVID-19).

Expo 2020 Dubai’s main slogan is “Connecting Ideas, Creating the Future.” The event will provide a platform to discuss new ideas while the thematic zones of Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability are designed to inspire visitors to be more environmentally friendly in order to build a better future.

Best of the Best

Expo 2020 Dubai will last for 182 days. The event features a rich cultural and entertainment program.

Each of the 190 participating countries will present its own pavilion. The internal expositions will focus on the history and achievements of these countries in recent years. For example, the pavilion of the UAE, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, resembles the wings of a falcon – the national symbol of the country.

The design of the Swedish pavilion harmoniously combines the aesthetics of a Scandinavian forest and Arabic geometric shapes. The Australian pavilion tells and shows fascinating stories of life in the “country in reverse. In the Poland pavilion flocks of interactive migratory birds fly over the heads of visitors. These are just a small part of the attractions waiting for visitors to Expo2020!

Find out more about each exhibiting country’s pavilion on the official Expo 2020 website.

Where to eat at Expo 2020 Dubai

Expo 2020 Dubai will be an unprecedented national food festival. There will be more than 200 restaurants on the exhibition grounds. Visitors will be offered a wide variety of dishes for every taste from street food to gastronomic delights of famous chefs.

African cuisine at the exhibition is supervised by restaurateur Alexander Smalls. At his food hall “Alkebulan” you can taste dishes from all over Africa, including street food of West Africa, spicy meat from Zanzibar and Kenya, and Tunisian chicken marinated in spice mixture “baharat”.

At the pavilion of each participating country national dishes and drinks will be presented – from Swiss chocolate to freshly made Belgian waffles.

Visitors to the show will be able to visit some of the world’s best restaurants, including Baron Restaurant in Beirut and Bread Ahead Bakery in London. Chef Matthew Kenney will surprise visitors with masterpieces of vegetarian cuisine at the Veg’d Café in the Sustainability Pavilion, and at the Talabat restaurant robots will manage the kitchen and serve guests.

The most interesting entertainment and events

Expo 2020 Dubai has a full cultural and entertainment program. About 60 events will be held daily on the territory of the complex. The main place for the ceremonies will be Al Wasl Plaza with a huge panoramic screen, which will show light and music projections every evening.

The monthly Expo Beats festival celebrating the music of the peoples of the world will be held. On weekends, Late Nights will feature a variety of genres of musicians, and Jalsat will provide a unique opportunity to hear traditional Arabic tunes.

Also on the program are street performances, theater for the whole family, gala concerts, and more. We recommend reading the calendar of events in advance so you won’t miss the most interesting ones.

Expo for Kids

Expo 2020 Dubai will be of interest to visitors of all ages. The main theme of the events is the protection of our planet and the introduction of new technologies.

In the “Sustainable Development” pavilion (Terra) there is a playground with a waterfall and rides. Young guests will be able to walk under the trees and learn a lot about the root system of the forest, to play a game of pinball, where the future of our planet is at stake, and to meet the Gnacher – a giant sharp-toothed “fish”, which represents endless consumption.

Al Wasl Plaza will host the “Secrets of Salama” show, featuring the exhibition’s mascots, Rashid and Latifah. Al Forsan Park will host an interactive show, “Latifa’s Adventure in Space City,” during which children can jump on a trampoline in “zero gravity” and see a mock-up of the Arab space probe “Hope.”

Ticket prices and Expo 2020 opening hours

The exhibition is open to all comers, with a minimum ticket price of AED 45 for a one-day visit, and a AED 495 ticket gives the opportunity to visit the exhibition an unlimited number of times throughout the season. Entrance is free for children up to 17 years old, senior citizens (over 60), students and disabled people.

Tickets can be booked online today. Please note that during Expo 2020 many airlines and hotels are offering special rates. For example, passengers travelling on Emirates flights will receive a free one-day pass from the airline for every booking made.

Expo 2020 exhibition complex is open daily from 9 a.m. to 00 a.m. on weekdays (Sunday to Friday) and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends (Friday to Saturday).

How to get to Expo 2020

The 4.38-square-kilometer exposition is located in the Dubai South district, in close proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport. It is easily accessible by car and bus. Especially for the beginning of the exhibition a separate metro station was also built with a capacity of up to 44,000 passengers per hour.

Cabs and public transportation are available to reach the Expo 2020 venue. Parking is available at the entrance to the complex for private cars. In addition, special free buses 350 Expo Rider will go here from Dubai and other emirates of the UAE. In Dubai their stops will be Dubai International Airport, Dubai Mall and the Palm Jumeirah. Check with the hotel reception for the nearest stop in advance.

For your convenience there will be a shuttle bus running freely between all the major venues. Download the official Expo 2020 Dubai mobile app to view the event poster, plan your visit and manage your reservations.

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Immerse yourself in the book world of the Middle East, the most anticipated literary event with the city and the Middle East’s premier book fair. The fair features hundreds of national and international publishers, distributors and book retailers to facilitate exchanges between professionals and showcase both the latest new products and vintage copies.

Riyadh International Book Fair is the most eagerly awaited literary event in the capital, with the aim of facilitating and encouraging exchanges between authors, publishers, book professionals and those who love to read. An important cultural event that attracts thousands of visitors every day, will witness the participation of 550 local, Arab and international publishers.

The International Book Fair is held annually in Riyadh, the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It provides a platform for companies, institutions and individuals interested in books and the publishing industry to showcase their products and services. The main role of the fair is to support reading and community skills, to raise cultural, literary and artistic awareness. It also encourages people to visit, buy books, attend conferences, seminars and workshops related to culture, literature and the arts. Since its inception – some 40 years ago – the Riyadh International Book Fair has earned a reputation as a major event on the Arab intellectual scene. It is one of the leading Arab book fairs in terms of the number of visitors, the volume of sales, and the variety of cultural programs. Each year it attracts publications from prominent Saudi, Arab and international publishers and writers. In 2019, the organization and management of the fair has been entrusted to the Ministry of Culture. The ministry is working to build the fair’s infrastructure to complement the goals outlined in Vision 2030 and the cultural vision launched by the Ministry of Culture in 2019. It also seeks to support the fair on the global stage.

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It’s finally that time of year when more than 100 of Egypt’s finest artists will have the opportunity to display more than 1,000 works of art. This is the largest exhibition of contemporary art in the country of all time!

Admit to yourself that you always wish you were a more intellectual, interesting person with a passion for art, but you never attend art shows, and instead bypass them as exclusive inaccessible places where you won’t fit in and will be superfluous.
But did you know that the art world in Egypt creates a wave and a mood that not only affects true art lovers, but also us ordinary people. The third Cairo Art Exhibition, taking place at Arts-Mart Gallery, is something that might surprise you. Lina Mowafi, Art’s Mart Gallery director, assures that “a visit to the gallery is meant for everyone – even those who are not at all familiar with art.”

The 3rd Cairo Art Exhibition will be the largest exhibition of contemporary art in Egypt to date, with more than 100 of Egypt’s top artists exhibiting an extensive collection of 1000 paintings, sculptures and photographs. The gallery’s big evening opening will take place Dec. 8, and the exhibition will run through Feb. 15, 2018. “This is the most unconventional art exhibition in the region because we have brought together well-established professionals and emerging Egyptian artists who have created a large art gallery under one roof – it’s a very powerful show because you can see a variety of artists and their unique work in Cairo at the ArtsMart Gallery,” says Lina Mowafi.

Be prepared to see new work by Egypt’s most popular artists, some of whom are debutants and exhibiting their creations at ArtsMart for the first time. Expect to enjoy the deeply personal creations of Mohamed El Sharqawi, the surprising fusion of ancient and modern in the works of Ibrahim El-Tanbuli and the nostalgic figures and unexpected combination of colors of Ayed El-Nimr, among many other talents. “Walking through the art exhibition,” says Mowafi, “is the equivalent of walking through Egypt’s contemporary art scene. There are works covering every inch of space that pretends to look like the hall of an annual exhibition of contemporary fine art in Paris.

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