Al Qattara Arts Centre, Al Ain
Al Qattara Arts Centre is one of Al Ain’s key cultural and creative spaces, providing a place where visitors and artists can experience, study and practise different forms of art. Established in 2011, the centre hosts exhibitions, cultural programmes and creative workshops throughout the year, with a particular focus on Emirati and UAE-based artistic practices.
The centre was developed around the historic Bin Ati Al Darmaki House, a traditional mud-brick tower and residence overlooking the date-palm gardens of Qattara Oasis. Its architecture preserves the character of Al Ain’s traditional built environment while providing modern facilities for artistic and cultural activities.
Visitors can explore the centre’s exhibition spaces and participate in a range of creative disciplines. Facilities include a Dry Studio for music and handicrafts, a Wet Studio for drawing and painting, pottery and calligraphy studios, as well as a digital room, gallery and library. The centre also hosts workshops covering disciplines such as painting, calligraphy, pottery, drawing, music and other creative practices.
One of the centre’s most distinctive features is the Qattara Archaeological Basement. Archaeological excavations carried out during the centre’s development uncovered a five-metre sequence of archaeological layers dating from the Iron Age to the Late Islamic Period. Preserved Iron Age remains and archaeological objects are displayed in a permanent exhibition, connecting the centre’s contemporary artistic role with the ancient history of Al Ain’s oasis landscape.
Amenities
Art Gallery · Exhibition Spaces · Art Workshops · Dry Studio · Wet Studio · Pottery Studio · Calligraphy Studio · Digital Room · Library · Café · Archaeological Basement · Family Friendly · Virtual Tour
Contact Information
