An Artistic Oasis Amidst Urban Hustle: XVA Gallery

by Alexandra Mansilla

An Artistic Oasis Amidst Urban Hustle: XVA Gallery

5 Feb 2024

In the perpetual motion of Dubai's towering skyscrapers and the hustle of daily life, an invitation to a different facet of the city awaits. If you yearn for a respite from screens and the digital whirlwind, venture to the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Dubai's oldest enclave, and uncover a Hidden gem — the XVA Gallery.

The XVA Gallery, a harmonious blend of a gallery, café, and art hotel, offers a unique and immersive experience, enveloping visitors in a world of art from every perspective.

“The architecture of the houses inspired me to use the space in this way. I wanted everyone who loved art to feel at home,” Mona explains the decision to gather three places in one.

A home for creativity

Formerly known as Bastakiya, the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood boasts a rich history as a bustling hub for traders and merchants. Nestled within its labyrinthine pedestrian lanes, adorned with 19th-century Persian architecture, lies the transformed XVA Art Hotel. Originally owned by the Seddiqi family, renowned watch dealers in Dubai, the building underwent a transformative renovation in 2023 by art maven Mona Hauser, evolving into the exquisite boutique hotel it is today.

Photo: Nikita Berezhnoy

The century-old coral stone house caught Mona Hauser's eye upon her arrival in Dubai from the United States in 1993. “I could feel a special energy in this area. I immediately knew I wanted my gallery here or in the desert,” Mona says. “Al Fahidi windtower houses are made by hand, and that connection is felt by all who enter. I repeatedly am told there is a special healing energy here.”

Six years passed, and in 1999, with HH Sheikh Mohammed's approval, Mona commenced converting a Fahidi house into a gallery. Choosing the Siddiqui family's residence presented her with a dilapidated structure in dire need of restoration. Four years of meticulous work culminated in the gallery's grand opening in 2003.

Instagram: @xvagallery

On our question about how the gallery has changed through the years, Mona responds, “From 2003, XVA has developed so much. When we began in 2003, we were posting invitations in the mail that we had handmade. To the almost entirely digital world of today. XVA has developed an international profile by participating in Art Basel Hong Kong and directing the Bastakiya Art Fair for several years in Al Fahidi. Our artists have been selected for museum collections in the Met and British Museum, to name a few.”

Today, every visitor to the XVA Gallery feels the embrace of art within its walls as the space transforms daily through the enchantment of artistic expression.

A sanctuary for artists

Specialising in contemporary art, the gallery's mission is to showcase the richness and diversity of Middle Eastern art on a global stage. It provides an equal platform for established and emerging artists, with art manifesting in myriad forms throughout the space.

Instagram: @xvagallery

“The art we show is somehow connected to Dubai or resonated with me. It is a serendipity in motion. XVA means position, velocity, and acceleration which explains best everything about life inside the walls and Dubai,” shares Mona.

Instagram: @xvagallery

A vegetarian culinary retreat

Photo: Nikita Berezhnoy

Since its inception, XVA Cafe has earned the title of “Dubai's best-kept secret”. The café specialises in Middle Eastern-inspired vegetarian dishes, featuring a delightful Arabian breakfast with homemade labneh and flatbread. The menu extends to an international array, boasting a mezze platter with hummus, mutabbal, and tabbouleh, alongside sweet potato fries, watermelon, and pan-fried Halloumi.

Photo: Nikita Berezhnoy

A retreat for sweet dreams

With 15 individually designed suites or rooms, the XVA hotel has become “the perfect spot for a historic staycation”, as aptly described on the gallery’s Instagram page. Sleeping surrounded by art, guests awaken, relax, and spend the entire day immersed in creativity. The place is so inspiring for creativity that one guest even stayed here for many years. “Halim Al Karim, the Iraqi artist, lived here for 10 years!” Mona reminds.

Instagram: @xvagallery

Sometimes, the decorations of the hotel rooms change — but there is no dependence on something. “All of XVA changes from time to time. It is an art project in process. It doesn’t feel like work to come here for me. I get into a zone of creativity, which is exactly what suits me best,” Mona explains.

For some, XVA Gallery becomes a wellspring of energy and power. For others, it serves as the canvas upon which they express themselves. For a different set, it is a destination for a journey into the diverse art world. And for yet others, it is where time seems to pause. But for all, it remains a place that beckons them back, time and again — a sanctuary of inspiration amidst the dynamic rhythm of Dubai.

by Alexandra Mansilla