Al Ain:Abu Dhabi The second edition of the Abu Dhabi Public Art Biennale has commenced in the city of Al Ain, organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. The event, themed “Home A Dictionary of Common Place Concepts,” features four new artistic works showcased at Al Qattara Oasis and Al Towaya Square, with contributions from artists hailing from the UAE, Morocco, India, and Spain. These artworks will be on display in Al Ain until February 15, 2027, coinciding with the start of the biennale activities in Abu Dhabi, all accessible to the public free of charge.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the second edition of the biennale, which began yesterday, emphasizes the concept of “home” as a space that encapsulates memory, identity, and belonging. Through contemporary artworks that interact with heritage sites, natural landscapes, and public spaces, the event reflects the relationship between people and place.

The biennale is artistically directed by Elvira Dyangani Ose, the artistic director of the Zeitz MOCAA Museum of Contemporary Art in Africa. The event focuses on enhancing the interaction between art and the audience through various artistic works, research projects, and cultural experiences. The Al Ain station features four new artworks by artists from the UAE, Morocco, India, and Spain, inspired by local heritage, nature, and collective memory.

Elvira Dyangani Ose stated that the concept of “home” transcends geographical boundaries to express an emotional and human state linked to memory and belonging. She highlighted that launching the second edition from the city of Al Ain reflects the uniqueness of the city’s oases, which have developed over thousands of years through cooperation and shared water and collective care. She added that the biennale presents the concept of home as an open dictionary for contemplation and interpretation, allowing the public to contribute to its meanings through interaction with the artworks. Some of these works will be retained within the emirate’s public art collection, enriching the cultural and artistic scene in Abu Dhabi.