Kutubna Cultural Center unveils “Women in Contemporary Arab Art” exhibition

April 15, 2025, Dubai, UAE – Kutubna Cultural Center, Dubai’s newest independent bookstore and cultural center, is launching “Women in Contemporary Arab Art,” an exhibition that offers a rare and powerful perspective on how Arab women have been depicted through decades of modern and contemporary art. The display features revealing stories of strength, beauty, resilience, and cultural transformation outlined by renowned regional artists. “Women in Contemporary Arab Art” opens on Saturday, April 26, 2025, and runs until May 18, 2025.

The exhibition presents 35 original works from across the Arab world, including paintings on canvas and paper, highlighting both classic and experimental styles from the 20th and early 21st centuries. Masterworks by celebrated artists Louay Kayali (Syria), Salah Taher (Egypt), Adham Wanly (Egypt), and Khaled Aljader (Iraq) offer striking, emotional portrayals of Arab women in both public and private spheres. The works on display are drawn from the private collection of International House Group, collected over a period of 25 years.

“Women in Contemporary Arab Art" invites its viewers to reflect on the evolving presence of women in Arab history. It also showcases how artists have shaped cultural memory and identity through their distinct artistic expression of the female form. Spanning more than a century, the exhibit takes visitors on a powerful visual journey that explores different experiences, challenges, and triumphs of women in the Middle East.

The official opening reception is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, at 6:00 p.m. and will take the form of a vibrant cultural happening. The evening will welcome key figures from the UAE’s art and cultural scene and feature live musical entertainment. During the exhibition period, various community engagement activities at Kutubna will also be announced. 

Shatha Almutawa, founder and director of Kutubna Cultural Center, said: "Although Arab artists have received recognition in their countries and in important museums around the world, their names remain less known than the names of European and American artists who appear in every book of art history. We take pride in having a role in introducing our community to Arab artists whose work is recognized and respected internationally—artists whose work is breathtaking and whose impact on the art and museum scenes in the Arab world are undeniable. We want to make sure that children and young adults grow up around Arab art, knowing about the Arab masters and their important roles in their societies and in the world of art.”

For more information about the exhibition, please visit www.kutubna.ae.

Ends

Editors notes

Photo credit: International House Group

Notes to editors:

Display: “Women in Contemporary Arab Art"

Dates: April 26, 2025 - May 18, 2025 

Venue: Kutubna Cultural Center, Nadd Al Hamar, Dubai

Opening hours: Every day from 10 am to 10 pm, including weekends

Admission: Free

Media preview: Thursday, April 24, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. 

Please RSVP by April 22 to nicola@budgiepr.com.

The exhibition is sponsored by:

International House Real Estate Project Management L.L.C.

Al Bait Al Duwaliy Real Estate 

Kutubna Cultural Center was established in 2023 as an independent bookstore and literary hub for Dubai and the Gulf region. Kutubna offers an inclusive community space to enjoy books, art, specialty coffee, and cultural events.

Kutubna celebrates the accomplishments of Khaleeji, Arab, Middle Eastern, North African, and Muslim writers, poets, thinkers, artists, and researchers. We amplify these essential voices through lectures, readings, guided conversations, workshops, and other activities for people of all ages. Kutubna strives to make creative and scholarly pursuits accessible to people who are traditionally at the margins. We work especially hard to make cultural events easier for mothers with young children to attend.

For more information, please visit the website: www.kutubna.ae.

About International House 

Established in 1998, International House Real Estate Project Management L.L.C (IHRPM) is a privately owned, medium-sized family business based in Dubai, UAE. It is recognized as a real estate innovator across Dubai and is one of the most trusted names in the real estate industry across the United Arab Emirates. IHRPM successfully builds local communities, attracts international investments, offers strategic management of property assets, raises capital and financing, and provides expertise and guidance to local and international investors in the UAE’s worldclass property market. IHRPM utilizes over two decades of market experience and provides bespoke, diversified investment opportunities to clients.

About Al Bait Al Duwaliy Real Estate 

 Al Bait Al Duwaliy is an award-winning property developer in Dubai, UAE. Al Bait Al Duwaliy is a part of International House for Real Estate Project Management, established in 1998. The developer is known for Al Noon Residence, Heritage Building, and Alef Noon as well as commercial projects in Nad Al Hamar and 93-94 Avenues. With its seamless incorporation of art and creative designs, the company delivers world-class projects that add value and enhance the quality of life in the freehold areas in the United Arab Emirates. Al Bait Al Duwaliy aims to establish itself as an industry leader by developing innovative and unique luxury real estate projects designed and delivered on time by top professionals. 

For more information, please visit the website: https://albaitalduwaliy.com