Where to paint, sculpt and unleash your creativity
Art CentrAl This art shop recently opened on Reem Island and is a good place to buy prints, frame artwork or even pick up supplies for your next project. There’s a range of artwork for sale, but we recommend you ask about the variety of art classes on offer for both adults and children. Be sure to check out the workshop area in the very back of this space, where lessons in decoupage, drawing, portrait painting, photography, silk painting and sculpture are hosted.
Boutik Mall, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, timings vary, Dhs1,200 to Dhs1,500. Tel: (056) 2017970. Taxi: Boutik Mall, Reem Island. facebook.com/ artcentraluae
l’Atelier Des Arts Founded in 2011 by Lebanese artist Shirine Saleh, expect unique arts and crafts classes and more at this wellstocked shop. Boasting a huge selection of retail products and goods, we like this store for the variety of classes on offer. From the more traditional oil painting and sketching, to the region-specific Arabic calligraphy courses, or the handson decoupage and porcelain painting lessons, there’s plenty to try. Plus there is a dedicated evening class schedule, for those who work full-time.
Fotouh Al Khair Centre, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Thur 10am to 10pm, Fri 4pm to 10pm, Dhs950 to Dhs1,700 depending on the class. Tel: (02) 6397104. Taxi: Marks And Spencer building. latelierarts.com
Abu DhAbi Pottery From basic pinch pots to wheel throwing, this tiny pottery shop is the place to go if you want to try your hand at making ceramics. You should get plenty of inspiration from the professional pots on display and the handful of amateur attempts drying on racks in the back. They also host children’s birthday parties.
Abu Dhabi Pottery, 16th Street, Al Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Thur 9am to 1pm, 4.30pm to 9pm, Dhs195 per session, Dhs1,800 for 12. Tel: (02) 6667079. Taxi: Opposite Khalidiyah Park. abudhabipottery.com
Abu DhAbi Art hub More of an artist community than a shop, this specially dedicated space in Mussafah has a rotating group of international artists who work and create art in Abu Dhabi through special residencies. The Art Hub also hosts monthly exhibitions, affordable art sales and workshops for the general public. Past classes taught at ADAH have included pottery, jewellery making and Arabic calligraphy.
Abu Dhabi Art Hub, Mussafah, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Thur 9am to 7pm. Tel: (02) 5515005. Taxi: Near ICAD residential city. adah.com
Art beAt This friendly art studio is targeted specifically towards children. Think clay modelling to making dragons and bears, painting on T-shirts and using decoupage on camel figurines. Adult classes are also available, so parents can join in the lessons too.
Art Beat Studio, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, Mon to Thur 9am to 6pm, Sat 11am to 7pm, Dhs60 to Dhs300. Tel: (02) 4445135. Taxi: On the corner of Muroor Road and 25 Street. artbeatad.com