- Address: Al Qattara, Al Ain - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
- Opening hours: 08: 00-20: 00, Friday is the day off.
In Abu Dhabi is the ancient fortress of Al Qatar (Al Qattara Arts Center), which after reconstruction was turned into the eponymous center of arts and art gallery. Anyone who wants to get acquainted with the culture of the UAE can come here.
general information
The institution is a mixture of traditional architecture and modern comfort. Here you have preserved the old facade and modernized the interior. The famous company ADACH was engaged in designing the Al-Qatar art center.
Even the facade of the building is of interest to visitors. The fortress was built from clay and concrete on a hill that rises above the oasis of Kattar, where date groves grow. During the restoration of the fort, scientists conducted archaeological excavations and discovered ancient artifacts.
The age of the finds covers the period from the Iron Age (3000 BC) to the heyday of the Islamic empire. The most interesting exhibits today are in a separate room of the Al Qatar gallery.
Description of the Arts Center
For the convenience of visitors, the institution was equipped with:
- soundproof studio located in the center of the building: it is ideal for music lessons on various instruments;
- a special room for painting and drawing;
- a room for teaching photography;
- calligraphy studio;
- fully equipped premises for the development of pottery and ceramics;
- computer room.
In all rooms visitors can get acquainted with the history and traditions of the local population, enrich their knowledge and experience. The main purpose of the institution is to promote the arts and culture of the United Arab Emirates. In the gallery of Al Qatar, not only students come, but also professional art lovers. Here they can exchange experience, expand knowledge or provide their work for the public at the exhibition.
What to see in the center?
The expression "modern art" is interpreted by local people in their own way. The cultural life here is on a grand scale. Each studio in Al Qatar shows guests a small show. During the tour, visitors will be able to:
- take part in discussions;
- to watch a movie;
- to attend a concert or theatrical productions;
- To see the work of young and famous authors (sometimes they are stars of world size).
Also during the tour in the center of the arts is:
- Visit the unique library, where original books of special subjects are collected.
- Go through the exhibition halls, where instead of the usual mediarts and installations you can see vases, jewelry, calligraphy, dishes, paintings, photos, etc.
- Apply for thematic courses.
Features of visit
On the territory of the center of Al Qatar there is a living room and a cafe where you can relax, drink drinks and have a snack. The institution works every day, except Friday, from 08:00 to 20:00 hours.
How to get there?
The Art Gallery is located in El Ain , near Abu Dhabi. From the capital you can get here by car on the highway Abu Dhabi - Al Ain Rd / E22, Abu Dhabi - Sweihan - Al Hayer Rd / E20 or Abu Dhabi - Al Ain Rd / E22 and Abu Dhabi - Al Ain Truck Rd / E30. The distance is about 160 km.
From the center of the village to the Al Qatar Arts Center, you can get on 120th St / Mohammed Bin Khalifa St and 124th St. The journey takes up to 30 minutes.