Hala Badri and Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi commend ‘Observers of Change’ exhibition charting UAE art evolution

Art and Culture

Hala Badri and Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi commend ‘Observers of Change’ exhibition charting UAE art evolution

Her Excellency Hala Badri, Director General of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), and Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi, Founder of the Barjeel Art Foundation, visited the major retrospective exhibition Observers of Change at Etihad Museum, highlighting the importance of preserving and promoting the UAE’s artistic heritage.

Organised by Dubai Culture in collaboration with the Barjeel Art Foundation, the exhibition features nearly 60 artworks that trace five decades of artistic practice in the UAE. The collection documents the evolution of creative expression since 1971, reflecting the country’s social, economic and urban transformation over time.

During their tour, Badri and Al-Qassemi explored a diverse range of works curated by Rémi Homs, spanning early landscape paintings, abstract art, Arabic calligraphy, and visual interpretations of the UAE’s rapidly changing urban environment. The exhibition also provides historical context for key pieces by pioneering and contemporary artists who have lived and worked in the UAE, offering insight into how their perspectives have shaped the nation’s cultural identity.

Her Excellency Hala Badri praised the exhibition’s concept, noting its role in capturing shifting notions of national identity and collective memory. She highlighted that many of the works are being displayed publicly for the first time, giving audiences a rare opportunity to engage with previously unseen pieces. She also emphasised the exhibition’s support for emerging talent and its contribution to the growth of Dubai’s cultural and creative industries.

Badri added that Observers of Change aligns with Dubai Culture’s strategic priorities, reinforcing its commitment to building a sustainable creative ecosystem that attracts talent from around the world. She underlined that such initiatives strengthen Dubai’s position as a global hub for the creative economy and expressed pride in the partnership with the Barjeel Art Foundation, highlighting the value of collaboration between public and private cultural institutions.

Running until 30 June 2026, Observers of Change marks a significant milestone in documenting the development of the UAE’s art scene. The exhibition brings together painting, photography, sculpture and mixed media works, creating a dialogue across generations. Alongside Emirati artists, it features creatives from across the Arab world, including Syria, Iraq, Palestine, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria and Bahrain, underscoring the region’s shared cultural narratives.