The Arts Edit replay: Unpacking the growth of the UAE’s cultural scene

From Abu Dhabi’s ambitious new museums to Dubai's latest announcements and Sharjah’s continued creative expansion, the UAE is reshaping the regional arts scene and contributing to the global creative conversation through institutions that blend bold vision with respect for heritage.

The discussion and Q&A, guided by moderator William Mullally, arts and culture editor at The National, explored how these developments, alongside long-standing foundations and initiatives, are attracting global audiences.

Through a collective wishlist, they laid out what more can be done to continue nurturing young local talent while preserving and documenting the work of older artists, described by Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, founder of the Barjeel Art Foundation, as a "goldmine" for today and the future.

Panellists Laila Binbrek, director of the National Pavilion UAE, and Farah Andrews, head of arts and lifestyle at The National, explored the particular importance of the arts on the country's youth and how education programmes can complement major new establishments.

Together, the panel examined the UAE’s growing international impact, the strategies driving its cultural expansion and the role of institutions in shaping national identity.

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