Quoz Arts Fest 2026 is back: who’s playing + what to see

Dubai's cultural calendar is packed with world-class events, but few capture the city's grassroots creative spirit quite like Quoz Arts Fest. As anticipation builds for Quoz Arts Fest 2026, the industrial-chic alleyways of Al Quoz are set to transform once again into a vibrant playground of creativity, culture, and community. Mark your calendars for January 24 and 25, as Alserkal Avenue prepares to host its 14th edition—a two-day celebration that promises an immersive journey through contemporary art, music, film, and food.

This isn't just another event; it's a testament to the thriving local and regional arts and culture scene. With the events industry experiencing a significant growth phase—over half (53.1%) of organizers reported increased attendance in 2025—Quoz Arts Fest is perfectly positioned to welcome record crowds eager to engage with authentic and innovative experiences. From groundbreaking art installations to soul-stirring live music, this festival is a curated invitation to wander, discover, and connect.

What is Quoz Arts Fest 2026 and when is it?

Quoz Arts Fest 2026 is the 14th edition of Alserkal's flagship annual festival, taking place on Saturday, January 24 and Sunday, 25 January 2026. Held across Alserkal Avenue and the wider Al Quoz Creative Zone, it is a neighbourhood-wide celebration that brings together over 35 galleries, creative spaces, and studios. More than just an exhibition, it is a dynamic platform for installations, performances, music, workshops, and community activities.

At its core, the festival is an accessible entry point into the art world. It strips away the formalities of a traditional gallery visit, inviting attendees to wander through warehouses, stumble upon spontaneous performances, and discover something new without needing a "serious art person" badge. It’s a lively, family-friendly way to sample the best of the region's creative talent in a single, immersive weekend. This community-driven approach is a vital part of Dubai's cultural economy, reflecting a global trend where the nonprofit arts and culture sector generates immense value, such as the $151.7 billion in economic activity in the U.S. alone.

Tickets, pricing, and how to book

Securing your spot at Dubai’s most vibrant community arts festival is straightforward. Tickets are available for purchase online through Platinumlist, ensuring a smooth and easy booking process.

The pricing structure is designed to be inclusive:

• Free Entry (with registration): Visitors under 18 and over 60 years of age can enjoy the festival for free, though online registration is required.
• Day Pass: A day pass for all other guests is priced at a reasonable AED 100.

This approach ensures that the celebration of arts and culture remains accessible to families, students, and community members from all walks of life.

The big installation: Numen/For Use brings TAPE to Dubai

The centrepiece artistic moment of Quoz Arts Fest 2026 is the Dubai debut of the TAPE project by the acclaimed design collective Numen/For Use. Housed within the iconic Concrete building at Alserkal Avenue, this is far more than a static sculpture; it is a living piece of architectural art.

Constructed from layers of layered elastic tape, the installation forms a mesmerising, cocoon-like structure suspended in mid-air. The true magic of the TAPE project, however, lies in its interactivity. Visitors are not meant to simply observe it from a distance; they are encouraged to enter, crawl, and move through its translucent tunnels.

This transforms the viewer from a passive observer into an active participant, making their physical presence an integral part of the artwork. The experience blurs the lines between sculpture and architecture, creating a unique sensory journey that changes with every movement. To further elevate the experience, the installation will also serve as an unconventional stage for intimate live performances within its elastic walls.

Music and performance: DAM, Yasmine Hamdan, and more

The soundscape of Quoz Arts Fest is as diverse and compelling as its visual art. The 2026 edition features a thoughtfully curated music programme that champions varied and influential voices from the region.

The live music lineup is headlined by two iconic acts: the pioneering Palestinian hip-hop collective DAM, known for their powerful lyrics and politically charged performances, and the celebrated Lebanese singer-songwriter Yasmine Hamdan, whose atmospheric blend of indie, electronic, and Arabic folk has garnered international acclaim.

The festival's commitment to showcasing a wide spectrum of talent continues with performances from TootArd and Gayathri Krishnan. Adding to the eclectic mix is a new collaborative work, From the Lips to the Moon, hosted by Pouya Ehsaei and Tara Fatehi.

The schedule of live performances also includes the captivating physical theatre piece Floe by Jean-Baptiste André. Furthermore, Stage 2.0 returns as a dedicated platform to spotlight emerging UAE-based and regional artists, ensuring the festival remains a launchpad for the next generation of musical talent.

Films, families, and the community side of the festival

Quoz Arts Fest is designed as an all-ages, all-day weekend experience, with a strong focus on community engagement and Family-Friendly Activities.

A major highlight is the return of Reel Palestine, presented in partnership with Dubai's independent cinema, Cinema Akil. This year, the collaboration expands beyond film screenings to include a Palestinian heritage souk, featuring over 50 vendors inside Warehouse 67 and the surrounding outdoor space.

For younger visitors, a dedicated kids' zone at Jossa Warehouse 45 will offer a sensory-led environment designed to inspire creativity and play. The festival’s inclusive spirit is further showcased through a multimedia presentation by Mawaheb, featuring powerful work by adults of determination.

This community-centric model sets the festival apart from other major events in Dubai's art scene. While Art Dubai at Madinat Jumeirah offers a gateway to the global art market and Dubai Design Week transforms the Dubai Design District (d3) into a hub for global design, Quoz Arts Fest provides a more intimate, neighbourhood-focused experience.

It complements events like the Sikka Art and Design Festival in the historic Al Shindagha district by celebrating the unique industrial character of Al Quoz.

The culinary scene mirrors this community feel, with curated food pop-ups and neighbourhood concepts serving artisanal bites across the lanes. The global event tourism market is substantial, projected to reach $2.13 trillion by 2033, and it is these unique, community-rooted festivals that contribute significantly to that growth.

When is Quoz Arts Fest 2026 in Dubai?

The festival runs for one weekend only, on Saturday, January 24, and Sunday, January 25, 2026.

Where is Quoz Arts Fest held?

The festival takes place across Alserkal Avenue and the wider creative zone in the Al Quoz industrial area of Dubai.

How much are tickets for Quoz Arts Fest 2026?

Tickets are sold via Platinumlist. Entry is free for visitors under 18 and over 60 (with registration), while a day pass for everyone else costs AED 100.

Who's performing at Quoz Arts Fest 2026?

The headline music lineup includes Lebanese artist Yasmine Hamdan and the Palestinian hip-hop collective DAM, alongside performances by TootArd, Gayathri Krishnan, and more.

What's the main installation for 2026?

The headline installation is the TAPE project by Numen/For Use, a large-scale, interactive structure made of tape that visitors can enter and explore, located inside Concrete at Alserkal Avenue.

Conclusion

Quoz Arts Fest 2026 is poised to be more than just an event; it is a vibrant expression of Dubai's dynamic and evolving cultural landscape. By bringing together world-class art installations, a diverse lineup of live music, and a rich tapestry of community-led initiatives, the festival reaffirms its role as a cornerstone of the city's creative ecosystem.

Over two days on January 24 and 25, Alserkal Avenue will once again prove that the most compelling cultural experiences are born from the powerful intersection of Creativity, Culture, and Community. Whether you are an art aficionado, a music lover, or a family looking for an inspiring weekend, this is an invitation to immerse yourself in the creative heart of Al Quoz. Don't forget to share your experience on social media and be part of the conversation.

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