Look: How Dubai street art kicks up nostalgia, happiness hormones

Photos

Login / Sign Up

Friday, November 22, 2024

Gold / Forex

Photos Lifestyle

Look: How Dubai street art kicks up nostalgia, happiness hormones

Emirate has featured influential artists, while inspiring creativity, spreading happiness

Published: October 13, 2023 15:01 Clint Egbert, Senior Visual Journalist , Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor and Devadasan K P, Chief Visual Editor

1 of 24

Street Art in Dubai — If you’re looking to admire beautiful art on the walls in Dubai, you’ve hit the right starting point, with this gallery curated by Gulf News staff. Image Credit: Clint Egbert | Gulf News

2 of 24

Street Art in Dubai — Looking for a colourful spot to get a photo for your Instagram feed in Dubai? You may use this list as your guide. Image Credit: Clint Egbert | Gulf News

3 of 24

Street Art in Dubai — In the midst of towering skyscrapers and futuristic marvels, the streets of the Emirates tell a compelling story through artistic expression, connecting its people to their cultural heritage. Image Credit: Clint Egbert | Gulf News

4 of 24

Street Art in Dubai — Wall art is a thriving way of artistic expression in the Emirate, evoking nostalgia, kicking up happy hormones or just sheer surprise, especially to first-time visitors. Image Credit: Clint Egbert | Gulf News

5 of 24

Street Art in Dubai — Dubai has produced influential wall and street artists over the years. Image Credit: Clint Egbert | Gulf News

6 of 24

Street Art in Dubai — Street art is legal in Dubai as it is permitted by UAE law (unlike graffiti, which is illegal). Image Credit: Clint Egbert | Gulf News

7 of 24

Street Art in Dubai — The UAE, a land once flourishing with a vibrant pearl diving economy, boasts a maritime heritage of immense richness. Image Credit: Clint Egbert | Gulf News

8 of 24

Street Art in Dubai — Featured on these walls a traditional game known as "Al-Qahif," a game that has retained its popularity among girls. In this age-old pastime, girls create squares on the ground, often marked with numbers, and then take turns tossing a stone onto them. The challenge lies in skillfully navigating the squares while maintaining balance on one leg and guiding the stone through each one. Image Credit: Clint Egbert | Gulf News

9 of 24

Street Art in Dubai — These artworks offer a captivating glimpse into the past, showcasing Emirati children dressed in traditional attire. They serve as a visual representation of the nation's heritage and cultural roots. Image Credit: Clint Egbert | Gulf News

10 of 24

Street Art in Dubai — The streets of Jumeirah are graced with striking art pieces that depict Emirati children joyfully engaged in a game of see-saw. Image Credit: Clint Egbert | Gulf News

11 of 24

Street Art in Dubai — Image Credit: Clint Egbert | Gulf News

12 of 24

Street Art in Dubai — The murals pay tribute to historical landmarks, celebrating the architectural marvels of old Emirati heritage buildings. Image Credit: Clint Egbert | Gulf News

13 of 24

Street Art in Dubai — Wall art in Dubai shines a spotlight on the city's rich traditions and cultural heritage, inspiring creativity and spread happiness while also reflecting Dubai’s character, vision and future aspirations. Image Credit: Clint Egbert | Gulf News

14 of 24

Street Art in Dubai — In the midst of modern Dubai's towering skyscrapers, these murals act as a bridge connecting the past and the present, ensuring that the younger generation remains tethered to its cultural origins. Image Credit: Clint Egbert | Gulf News

15 of 24

AlWasl_DubaiStreetMuseum_Final-10-1645101357355 — The new mural on a sub-station of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) on Al Wasl Road, which forms part of 8th edition of Dubai Street Museum. Image Credit: Supplied

16 of 24

Street Art in Dubai — These murals are not ordinary drawings; they are vibrant reflections of Emirati heritage and culture. Image Credit: Clint Egbert | Gulf News

17 of 24

Street Art in Dubai — "Brand Dubai," the creative arm of the Dubai Media Office, has played a pivotal role in championing this creative movement, giving birth to magnificent murals that grace various areas of Dubai. Image Credit: Clint Egbert | Gulf News

18 of 24

Street Art in Dubai — Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO), and the Dubai Electricity is spearheading the Dubai wall art initiative. Image Credit: Clint Egbert | Gulf News

19 of 24

Street Art in Dubai — Within the vibrant world of traditional Emirati games, one cherished pastime is "Al-Dassis" or "Al-Ghameeda." In this delightful activity, a child closes their eyes and starts counting to a specific number, while their cheerful companions scatter in search of the ideal hiding places. Image Credit: Clint Egbert | Gulf News

20 of 24

Street Art in Dubai — A wall art in Dubai depicting a child taking a peek at a window. As these scenes are immortalised on the walls of contemporary Dubai, these murals serve as a profound bridge spanning the chasm between the past and the present, anchoring the younger generation to its ancestral heritage. Image Credit: Clint Egbert | Gulf News

21 of 24

Street Art in Dubai — A series of murals on the Dubai Metro bridge along Shaikh Zayed Road will let you give your imagination bit of a flight. Image Credit: Clint Egbert | Gulf News

22 of 24

art work — Are you interested in joining an astronaut to climb up a ladder into the sky? Image Credit: Gulf News

23 of 24

Street Art in Dubai — Image Credit: Clint Egbert | Gulf News

24 of 24

Street Art in Dubai — The murals depict the spirit of innovation and freedom of thought, part of an initiative that aims to transform Dubai into an open-air museum, celebrate art and creativity. Image Credit: Clint Egbert | Gulf News

Latest In

Kuwait eases curbs on transfer of SME workers

37 minutes ago
Saudi woman sets up makeshift plant to manufacture soap

45 minutes ago
Moellhausen unveils DU•IT Creative Center in Dubai

1 hour ago
Trending: Long weekend; Dubai Run routes and more

1 hour ago
Philippines: 50% discount set on OFW remittance fees

1 hour ago

This website stores cookies on your computer. These cookies are used to improve your experience and provide more personalized service to you. Both on your website and other media. To find out more about the cookies and data we use, please check out our Privacy Policy.