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DubaiArt

by Barbara Yakimchuk

Dubai’s Walls Speak — But Only With Permission

10 Jul 2025

Photo: Elfiptik

I had been circling around this topic for a while — trying to touch on it here and there, never quite sure where to begin. Then one day, I stumbled across one Instagram account. It belonged to a guy doing street art in Dubai. And, as it often goes, one account led to another… and then another.
Before I knew it, I was deep in a rabbit hole, wondering: how does street art actually work here in the UAE? Do you need special permits? Is it a big scene or just a few scattered pieces? And most importantly — who are the artists behind it all?
So here we go — diving into the questions you and I might both be asking.

The legal side

While Dubai is a cultural hub buzzing with creativity, it is also known for its strict laws and deep respect for order. Most of us hesitate to even go a few kilometres over the speed limit (not complaining, by the way!) — so imagine painting the random wall next to your home.
So how does a city like this end up being known for its colorful, mural-covered walls? Answering the most common questions.
Is graffiti (or other forms of street art) allowed in the UAE?
Yes — if it is officially approved. And no — if it isn’t.
Unauthorised graffiti is considered vandalism of public or private property. Without prior permission, it can lead to serious consequences: fines (starting at 1,000 AED) or even jail time — up to a year. If the act is done in a group, the sentence could go up to five years.
But street art still exists — how is that possible?
While unpermitted street art is strictly off-limits, the truth is, street art in Dubai is actually encouraged — as long as it is done the right way.
One of the biggest pushes comes from Dubai Culture. Through the initiative led by Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed, Dubai Culture teams up with local creative institutions like Art Dubai, Tashkeel, Alserkal Avenue, and Art Jameel to run open calls throughout the year. The goal? To invite artists to transform public spaces — legally and beautifully.
Then there are the big annual festivals, also backed by the government — like Dubai Canvas (going strong since 2015) and the SIKKA Art & Design Festival. Each year, they collaborate with street artists, giving them the opportunity to create.
And then there is the business side. In the UAE, art is a serious part of urban planning, and many developers actively work with both local and international street artists. Meraas, for example, brought murals and vibrant installations to City Walk and La Mer. Emaar has done the same in Creek Harbour.
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masses.com; iamrubensanchez.com; streetartnews.net

So, what are the steps to do street art in Dubai?
Most of the opportunities come through Dubai Culture. If you head to their website, there is a “What’s On” section where they regularly post updates about open calls for artists. The next one coming up? Applications for SIKKA Art & Design Festival — set to open at the end of July.

Cultural traits

Street art in Dubai is very different from what you might see elsewhere in the world. How exactly? Let’s break it down:
  • First — it is never political
In cities like New York, Berlin, São Paulo, or even Cairo, street art often reflects what is happening on the ground — protests, unrest, major social movements. You can treat the walls like history textbooks: Black Lives Matter, the fall of the Berlin Wall, urban inequality, the Arab Spring — it is all there.
But in the UAE? The art steers clear of politics. The most political it ever gets is a portrait of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on a wall.
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Street art in Berlin and New York Photo: Márcio Pêgo; Yosri Gamhttps; The frolicsome Fairy

  • Second — there is always a local touch
Arabic culture, traditional clothing, even the color palettes — everything carries a hint of local identity. And then there is calligraphy. You won’t see it everywhere, but it shows up often. Some artists use it as a subtle detail, while others build entire pieces around Arabic script.
  • Third — it is always part of the space
Street art in Dubai is carefully integrated into its surroundings. It doesn’t scream for attention or clash with the space — it fits. And that is probably because it is never spontaneous. The design is usually approved and refined long before it ever hits the wall.
  • And fourth — it is never illegal
In many other countries, street art carries an underground, rebellious edge — think Banksy and that whole outlaw mystique. But in the UAE, there is no surprise graffiti, no rule-breaking. It isn't about rebellion here — it is about creativity working within the system.

People to watch

Dubai is home to a growing number of standout street artists — and the best way to understand them is to see their work in action.
el Seed
If you want to truly understand Arabic street art, the first name you need to know is el Seed. Originally from Tunisia, he has worked across the Arab world — and naturally, the UAE is no exception.
His signature style? Arabic calligraphy. What started as a personal touch in his early pieces has become his trademark. In the UAE, many recognise his work from the large-scale murals in Ajman and on The Green Planet building in Dubai.
But his most iconic piece here is without a doubt Declaration — a bright pink 3D sculpture made of Arabic letters, standing just outside Dubai Opera.
Fathima Mohiuddin
Born and raised in Dubai, Fathima Mohiuddin has taken her art around the world — and her style is a whole different story. It has a distinct personal touch, with a signature color palette that instantly feels like her. At the heart of her work is a recurring theme: the connection between humans and nature.
In the UAE, one of her most well-known pieces is the large mural on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. But Fathima’s presence here goes far beyond just her own art. Through her initiative Domino, she has helped support and promote local street artists — leading to some seriously cool murals across Downtown Dubai, Sheikha Fatima Park, and other spots around the city.
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Source: fatspatrol.com

Dia Allam
Born in Ajman, Dia Allam is one of the most recognised calligraphers and muralists in the UAE. As he puts it, calligraphy is at the heart of everything he does. His most iconic piece? A record-breaking glow-in-the-dark mural in Ras Al Khaimah — officially recognized by Guinness World Records.
Ruben Sanchez
A Spanish muralist also known as Zoonchez, Ruben first arrived in Dubai in 2013. Since then, his colorful, expressive work has continued to pop up across the city — both in public spaces and through commercial collaborations. With murals across North America, Europe, and the Middle East, we spoke to him about what makes street art in this region so unique.

The view of the insider — Ruben Sanchez

— You have done street art in many countries. How is Dubai — and the UAE in general — different from a legal or logistical perspective?
— These days, the street art scene in Dubai is quite big. But back in 2013, when I first moved here, it was a completely different story. People weren’t really familiar with street art at all. Sure, there were artists around, but you didn’t see public murals or spontaneous pieces on the actual streets. Most of the work was tied to events or private commissions.
Dubai didn’t have that raw, unfiltered street culture like in London, Barcelona, or New York — places where the walls are practically alive with art.
When we tried to create a proper public mural, it meant dealing with the municipality, convincing building owners, and even importing spray paint from Spain. After a lot of back and forth, we finally pulled it off — a two-story mural on Jumeirah Beach Road. It stayed up for a few years until a new building was constructed in front of it.
— How long does it usually take you to complete a piece, from concept to final brushstroke?
— It really depends. Once, I finished a mural in a single night — but the sketch and concept took longer. I had to get municipality approval and make sure I was being respectful to the local culture.
So the painting itself might be quick, but the planning can take time.
— When you look at street art, what makes you stop and say, "This artist has something"?
— Same as with any kind of art — it needs to say something. It has to spark emotion, raise questions, be original, and have creativity. If it hits me on that level, I am in.
— What are the local street artists in the UAE you admire?
— My friends MyneandYours and eL Seed — not just incredible artists, but really good people too. There is a lot of talent in the city and I love seeing how artists here are evolving.
— I saw you have worked on both public and commercial projects. What has been your personal favorite in the UAE so far?
— Honestly, probably that first mural I mentioned earlier. It was my very first project in the city. It was tough to make happen, but the challenge made it that much more rewarding.
As for commercial work, I would say The Muse Hotel is a favourite. They gave me total freedom — I painted loads of murals there, even the pool. That kind of trust makes a big difference.
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Source: iamrubensanchez.com