Art spaces across the UAE have closed in response to Iran's ongoing missile strikes in the region.
On 28 February, the US and Israel launched deadly strikes against Iran, which has retaliated by firing missiles targeting energy infrastructure, military bases, airports and tourism sites throughout the Arabian Gulf, with the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar and Kuwait having all intercepted Iranian missiles, according to Reuters.
Iran's strikes have killed three people in the UAE, the nation's Ministry of Defence said via X on 1 March. At least 153 people have been killed in Iran by the US-Israel strikes, reports the BBC.
The UAE has issued advice for its residents to remain at home. Accordingly, many museums and galleries in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah have shut, with their staff working remotely. Among the art spaces that have closed are the Sharjah Art Foundation and the Dubai commercial galleries Lawrie Shabibi and The Third Line.
The Dubai private museum Jameel Arts Centre also remains shut. Its director, Antonia Carver, says: "The Jameel Arts Centre has an internal crisis-response group and set of tiered protocols. This guided the decision to close Jameel early Saturday morning—thinking primarily of the wellbeing of the team, artists and collaborators, as well as the safety of the public. The gatherings scheduled for the Youth Assembly and other learning initiatives moved online while IRL [in real life] events, such as the weekly Farmers' Market, were cancelled. The situation is fluid and we're following the—clear and regular—advice of the UAE government as to next steps.”
Gallerists reached by The Art Newspaper stress that it is impossible to tell how long the current situation might last. They express belief—and hope—that the need for the restrictions will be short-lived.
“We understand that the closure of the galleries is a significant and challenging decision influenced by current circumstances,” says Aisha Alabbar, whose eponymous gallery is located in the Alserkal Avenue arts district. "Although it's difficult to predict the future, we hope this situation will be temporary like what we experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic. We look forward to reopening soon, ensuring that our galleries continue to thrive.”
A number of dealers have voiced concern that a drop in international tourism to the UAE could impact art sales, especially during the forthcoming Art Week, which is anchored by Art Dubai and scheduled for 17 to 19 April.
A spokesperson for Art Dubai, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year, said the fair is still planned to go ahead. “While recent developments are not what anyone hoped for, we fully expect this period of uncertainty to pass soon and in the meantime, we are continuing preparations for the fair as planned whilst monitoring the situation closely with our stakeholders.”
In Saudi Arabia, which was targeted by Iranian strikes less intensely than the UAE, most art organisations have remained open, with programming continuing at Hayy Jameel in Jeddah and at Athr’s galleries in Riyadh and Jeddah.
The Art Newspaper understands that museums and galleries have shut in Bahrain and Qatar.
It is unclear what the UAE’s reaction will be. A senior minister, Anwar Gargash, issued a statement yesterday calling on Iran to “return to reason” and stop its strikes on its neighbours before “escalation widens”. The GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) nations are meeting today (2 March), and are expected to make further announcements.
