New year, new season
Dubai’s most-loved neighbourhood arts festival returns to Alserkal Avenue this January, promising two days of boundary-pushing music, interactive art and community vibes.
Quoz Arts Fest by Alserkal is back for its 14th edition on Saturday, January 24 and Sunday, January 25, 2026, transforming Alserkal Avenue and the wider Al Quoz Creative Zone into a playground of contemporary culture. Expect experimental installations, live performances, exhibitions, workshops, family-friendly activities and plenty of food pop-ups spread across warehouses and open-air spaces.
This year’s programme puts the spotlight on movement, sound and shared experiences, inviting visitors to engage with art in new, unexpected ways.
The Headliners
Leading the music lineup are Lebanese icon Yasmine Hamdan and Palestinian hip-hop pioneers DAM, delivering powerful sets rooted in storytelling, cultural memory and modern expression. They’re joined by TootArd and Gayathri Krishnan, bringing genre-blending sounds that move between desert blues, Levantine rhythms and soulful South Asian influences.
There’s also a specially commissioned performance, From the Lips to the Moon, a collaborative spoken-word and sonic journey hosted by Pouya Ehsaei and Tara Fatehi. Meanwhile, Stage 2.0 returns as a platform for emerging UAE-based and regional artists, keeping discovery at the heart of the festival.
The TAPE Installation and More
One of the major highlights is TAPE Dubai by Numen/For Use, landing in Dubai for the first time at Concrete. Known worldwide for their large-scale, cocoon-like structures, the collective transforms elastic tape into immersive environments that blur the lines between architecture and sculpture. Even better? Performances will take place inside the installation itself.
Cinema lovers can catch Reel Palestine, returning in partnership with Cinema Akil, alongside a vibrant Palestinian souk filled with crafts, design and food. Families are well catered for too, with a sensory-led children’s space designed for play, exploration and creative storytelling.
Additionally, a multimedia presentation by Mawaheb features works by adults of determination, underscoring the festival’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, inclusive practice, and creative expression for all
Tickets are available via Platinumlist
@alserkalavenue, @quozartsfest
Image credit: Supplied
Curious, expressive, and always chasing new ideas, Zainab sees creativity as a way of life. She thrives on discovering new perspectives, connecting with people, and turning inspiration into something tangible. Her work and her world reflect a balance of intuition, imagination, and authenticity.
Contact me: zainab@nommemag.com
