XVA Gallery is a contemporary art space inside XVA Hotel & Café in Dubai’s Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. Its changing exhibitions focus on artists from the Middle East and nearby regions, shown in small rooms within a traditional building. Take time to explore the rooms and courtyards, where old trees and historic architecture set a quiet pace. There is also a boutique with distinctive art and cultural items, plus a café serving vegetarian food. It suits a slower cultural stop more than a large museum visit.
Contemporary art in a historic quarter
XVA Gallery sits within XVA Hotel & Café in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, an old quarter of Dubai. The gallery presents contemporary art, with exhibitions centred on artists from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia. Both established and emerging artists have shown work here.
The exhibitions change, so the art on view depends on when you visit. Past shows have included paintings, sculpture and photography, with subjects spanning social, political and cultural questions. The gallery’s compact rooms let you encounter the works in a more intimate setting than a large museum hall.
Rooms, courtyards and a boutique
The gallery occupies a traditional building, where modern artworks sit against old walls and architectural details. Move from room to room, then take a pause in the courtyards. Old trees provide shade and a calm place to sit between looking at the exhibitions.
A boutique in the space sells distinctive items, including books and cards. If a work or object catches your interest, the gallery team can offer information about artworks and boutique pieces. XVA also provides art consultancy and project management services for people and organisations developing art spaces.
Making a visit of it
XVA combines the gallery with a hotel and café, so you can pair an exhibition visit with a meal or a drink in the courtyard. The café serves vegetarian food, and mint lemonade is one named drink. The shaded outdoor setting makes it a useful place to pause while exploring Al Fahidi.
Weekdays are a practical choice if you prefer a quieter visit. Allow time to explore rather than limiting yourself to the exhibition rooms: the courtyards and boutique are part of the experience. The gallery is in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, on Al Fahidi Street.
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Where is XVA Gallery?
It is inside XVA Hotel & Café in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Dubai, on Al Fahidi Street.
What kind of art is shown at XVA Gallery?
The gallery presents changing contemporary exhibitions, with work by artists from the Middle East and nearby regions.
Does XVA Gallery have a café?
Yes. The café serves vegetarian food, and mint lemonade is one of its named drinks.
When is a quieter time to visit?
Weekdays are a good choice for a quieter visit.
