Abu Dhabi Art Programme to Showcase Artists Commissions in Cultural Sites
Abu Dhabi, 6 November 2025: Abu Dhabi Art has revealed participating artists for its 2025 Artist Commissions in Cultural Sites programme.
The Abu Dhabi-based trio Ramin Haerizadeh, Rokni Haerizadeh and Hesam Rahmanian, alongside Nike Davies-Okundaye, and Issam Kourbaj, have been invited to showcase their commissioned works at Al Ain City, opening to the public from 19th November 2025 and remaining in exhibition until 26th April 2026.
Supported by the Global Partner of Abu Dhabi Art, HSBC reaffirms its support of the fair’s mission to connect contemporary artistic practices with the UAE’s rich heritage. Through its partnership, HSBC supports programmes such as the Cultural Sites Commissions, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to fostering cultural dialogue and expanding access to art in diverse communities.
Ramin Haerizadeh, Rokni Haerizadeh and Hesam Rahmanian will present their new work Luminous Shadow at Hili Archaeological Park. The Arch explores the sinuous, dynamic qualities of Arabic and Pahlavi scripts as visual embodiments of sound. These scripts, framed as hieroglyphic serpentine notations of symbolic resonance, emphasise entangled forms and expressive modulation of consonants. The trio commented “At Hili Archaeological Park, the largest Bronze Age site in the Emirates, the Arch rises from the silent depths of the sand. We are honoured to be participating in this edition of Abu Dhabi Art’s public art commissions, a moment that allows us to bring this work into dialogue with such an ancient and significant site.”
Headshot of Ramin Haerizadeh, Rokni Haerizadeh and Hesam Rahmanian
Al Ain Oasis will be home to Nike Davies-Okundaye’s large-scale tapestry installation, combining embroidery, appliqué, and adire, dyed cotton textile. Stemming from initial reference to symbolic backdrops used in Yoruba travelling theatre in the 1950s in Nigeria this site-specific commission is inspired by the palm tree and its place in the ecosystem of the Oasis. Her installation features a tapestry of connected palm trees and represents the shared values between the UAE and Nigeria. “I’m so happy to be invited to create an installation at Al Ain Oasis. Being there last year was such a beautiful experience, and I’m excited to return this year and share more of our African culture and stories. Art connects people, and I’m grateful for this chance to keep building that connection through creativity and tradition. This opportunity shows us how deeply connected we all are through creativity, culture and tradition.” commented Nike Davies-Okundaye.
Portrait of Nike Davies-Okundaye
Issam Kourbaj has conceived of intimate interventions across the cityscape of Al Ain located at several key cultural sites. The artist has placed camera obscuras at these sites, enabling visitors to interact with the works and experience the cultural sites in new ways. Participating sites include, Al Qattara Oasis. Kourbaj commented “It’s an honour to be part of Abu Dhabi Art’s Al Ain commission, to witness a land where light remembers and ancient towers stand as witnesses. Through the lens of the camera obscura, I explore the word Al Ain, in Arabic, as both eye and spring, revealing the delicate interplay between perception, place, and time. I look forward to walking alongside the Al Ain community and offering a reading of this remarkable place, like a spring, ever alive.”
Portrait of Issam Kourbaj
Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, this year’s Abu Dhabi Art will take place from 19th to 23rd November at Manarat Al Saadiyat. The fair is extended by a year-round programme, encompassing commissions, exhibitions, and a strong focus on educational outreach.
For further information on the artists visit the website www.abudhabiart.ae.
ENDS
