The second Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial is bringing installations to unexpected corners of both cities, turning everyday spaces into open-air art experiences. Having opened in Al Ain on October 23, the Biennial returns to Abu Dhabi on November 15 and will run across both cities until February 15, 2027.
Organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the exhibition brings together 21 artists and collectives from the UAE and around the world, with large-scale, interactive, and multi-sensory works exploring home, collective memory, and community.
The Theme: What Does Home Mean to You?
This year’s edition revolves around the theme “Home: A Glossary for a Communal Sense of Place,” looking at home as more than just an address. Instead, it explores how our sense of belonging evolves through shared experiences, memories, and the places we connect with.
Participating artists offer different perspectives on what makes a place feel like home, inviting visitors to see familiar surroundings in a whole new way.
Who’s Behind the Biennial?
The 2026 edition is led by artistic director Elvira Dyangani Ose, the former director of MACBA, Barcelona’s Museum of Contemporary Art. Her international curatorial experience brings a fresh perspective to an exhibition designed to take art beyond traditional gallery spaces and into the everyday lives of the community.
Meet the Artists
The Biennial brings together an exciting mix of local and international talent. UAE artists Khalid Al Banna, Roudhah Al Mazrouei, and Shama Al Hamed join internationally recognized artists including Ibrahim Mahama, Laure Prouvost, Yinka Shonibare, and Akram Zaatari.
The wider lineup also features Asuncion Molinos Gordo, blaxTARLINES, Celeste Boursier-Mougenot, Elena del Rivero, Ivan Argote, Jean-Marie Appriou, Kapwani Kiwanga, Marinella Senatore, M’barek Bouhchichi, Mercedes Azpilicueta, Nari Ward, Reena Saini Kallat, Serge Attukwei Clottey, and Vica Pacheco.
Where Can You Find the Installations?
In Al Ain, visitors can explore the Biennial at Al Qattara Oasis and Al Towayya Roundabout, bringing art into the city’s landscapes and everyday public spaces.
In Abu Dhabi, installations will pop up around Mina Zayed, including MiZa and Souq Al Mina, as well as the Saadiyat Cultural District near Louvre Abu Dhabi, Hidd Al Saadiyat, and the Cultural Foundation.
What Else Can You Expect?
Forget the traditional museum visit. Here, you might stumble upon an artwork at a working oasis, discover an installation in a port boatyard, or spot something unexpected at a roundabout.
Beyond the outdoor installations, the Biennial’s program includes performances, workshops, and guided tours, giving visitors different ways to engage with the artworks. Whether you want to join an activity or simply wander around and discover the pieces at your own pace, there’s plenty to explore.
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Running until February 15, 2027, the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial is an invitation to look at familiar places differently and discover how art can bring communities together.
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