The Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial is back for its second edition, with works by international and Emirati artists set to transform public landscapes across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. This edition opens in Al Ain on 23 October 2026 and in Abu Dhabi on 15 November, running in both cities until 15 February 2027.
The 2026 theme, “Home: A Glossary for a Communal Sense of Place”, views home as an ever-changing experience rather than a fixed address. Artistic Director Elvira Dyangani Ose ha
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From 23 October 2026, find the first works in Al Qattara Oasis, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One installation uses earth walls to map the ancient aflaj irrigation channels still used by farmers; another turns old aircraft-detecting listening horns into speakers for the calls of lost and endangered birds.
In the city, a giant sculpture on Al Towayya Roundabout, developed with children, reimagines the tassa, a traditional Emirati headpiece.
In Abu Dhabi, the Biennial runs from 15 November 2026 to 15 February 2027. Works will appear at Mina Zayed, the city’s historic port, and at Souq Al Mina next door.
On Saadiyat Island, look for them at Hidd Al Saadiyat and in Saadiyat Cultural District, in the park between Zayed National Museum and Louvre Abu Dhabi. Expect monumental, interactive and multi-sensory pieces that explore collective memory and civic life.
Join performances, workshops, tours and family activities taking place during the Biennial.
The Biennial is running two parallel programmes. Until 13 November 2026, Agatha Gothe-Snape’s The Network of Answers turns a phone booth in Al Ain and at Mina Zayed into a storytelling space.
At Umm Al Emarat Park, How the World Feels is the region's first dedicated outdoor children’s art biennale, with interactive art and family activities from 6 November to 6 December 2026.
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Browse through helpful tips and guides to plan your trip to Abu Dhabi.
What is an art biennial?
An art biennial is a large exhibition of contemporary art that takes place every two years. The Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial alternates with MANAR Abu Dhabi, a light art exhibition, so one of the two runs each winter. The Biennial places its artworks in public spaces rather than galleries.
Where can I find a map of the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial installations?
The Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial website's “Explore the artworks” section lets you browse the installations by city and location.
Who is Elvira Dyangani Ose, and what is her role in the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial 2026?
Elvira Dyangani Ose is the Artistic Director of the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial 2026–2027. She developed this edition’s theme, “Home: A Glossary for a Communal Sense of Place”. She is also Artistic Director of Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town. Previously she was Director of MACBA in Barcelona, Director and Chief Curator of The Showroom in London and Curator of International Art at Tate Modern.
Do I need to book tickets to visit the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial?
No, you don’t need to book to see the installations, which are in public spaces in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Some events in the public programme need registration. Guided walking tours of Al Qattara Oasis in Al Ain cost AED 50 per person and can be booked on the Public Art Abu Dhabi website.
How can I visit the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial exhibitions in Al Ain?
The Al Ain works are at Al Qattara Oasis and Al Towayya Roundabout, from 23 October 2026 to 15 February 2027. You can explore on your own or join a guided walking tour of Al Qattara Oasis, which covers three of the artworks.
Tours run from 30 October 2026 to 15 February 2027, from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. They cost AED 50 per person and take a maximum of 10 guests.
