Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial

15 November 2024–30 April 2025

About the Biennial

The inaugural Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial 2024–2025: Public Matter explores the evolving concept of public space in Abu Dhabi through the lens of four main factors: environment, community, urbanity, and indigeneity. The Biennial investigates how environmental conditions influence gathering places and interactions, and how they define what is considered public space. It examines the interplay between the city’s modern development and its indigenous practices, addressing the challenge of preserving traditional values amid urban growth and economic diversification. Located in downtown Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, the Biennial aims to bridge the city’s past and present, featuring public art that engages the community and enhances walkability. Key highlights include the Abu Dhabi Bus Terminal, noted for its unique architecture and role as a community hub, and Al Ain’s pre-petroleum architectural heritage, including traditional mud-brick housing and lush oases. The event promotes inclusivity and invites artists to contribute to a deeper understanding of public spaces and their cultural significance.

Locations

Opening Times

Most artworks are freely accessible unless otherwise noted, with opening times* for the following sites:

Site	Opening Times
Al Ain Oasis	9:00 AM–5:30 PM Ramadan: Daily, 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Hili Archaeological Park	9:00 AM–11:00 PM
National Theatre	Daily: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM Ramadan: Daily, 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM Eid: closed
Umm Al Emarat Park	Daily, 9:00 AM–5:30 PM Ramadan: Daily, 8:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Biennial Hubs and Ushers	Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 4:00 PM–10:00 PM Friday–Saturday: 4:00 PM–12:00 AM Sunday: 4:00 PM–10:00 PM Ramadan: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 6:00 PM–12:00 AM Friday, Saturday: 6:00 PM–2:00 AM Sunday: 6:00 PM–12:00 AM

*Times are subject to change.

Artworks

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Al Mahatta

By - Atelier Aziz Alqatami

Location: Abu Dhabi

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chalk

By - Allora & Calzadilla

Location: Abu Dhabi

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Clearing

By - Athar Jaber

Location: Abu Dhabi

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D-constructing Collective Exhaustion

By - Afra Al Dhaheri

Location: Abu dhabi

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Interspecies Assembly

By - SUPERFLEX

Location: Abu Dhabi

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Migration Granary

By - Anga Art Collective

Location: Abu Dhabi

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Playful Traditions

By - Ayesha Hadhir

Location: Abu Dhabi

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Urban Negotiation

By - Arquitectura Expandida

Location: Abu Dhabi

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Where Lies My Carpet Is Thy Home

By - Christopher Joshua Benton

Location: Abu Dhabi

Participating Artists

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Abdullah Al Saadi

Abdullah Al Saadi

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Afra Al Dhaheri

Afra Al Dhaheri

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Alex Ayed

Alex Ayed

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Alia Farid

Alia Farid

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Allora & Calzadilla

Allora & Calzadilla

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Anga Art Collective

Anga Art Collective

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Nicholas Galanin

Nicholas Galanin

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Nnenna Okore

Nnenna Okore

Public Programmes

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Bik Van der Pol's 'The poem that jumps the fence'

Friday 15 November 2024-27 April 2025 | Sundays, 2:30-4:30 PM

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Frying Pan Adventures–Culinary Tours

Saturday 30 November 2024 | 4:00–8:00 PM