UAE brings art, culture and heritage to life for children through interactive workshops and exhibitions.
Abu Dhabi: Umm Al Emarat Park is set to transform into an open-air celebration of art, nature and imagination as the Middle East’s first outdoor Children’s Biennale takes place from November 6 to December 6.
Organised by Abu Dhabi Festival, an initiative of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), the event is being presented in partnership with National Gallery Singapore, Umm Al Emarat Park and Salayel Hospitality.
Held under the theme “How the World Feels”, the Biennale invites children to explore art through their senses, encouraging them to touch, listen, move and interact with creative installations set among the park’s trees and green spaces.
The month-long event aims to inspire curiosity and help young visitors discover new connections between nature, creativity and cultural heritage.
Eight interactive art installations
The Children’s Biennale will showcase eight immersive installations, including seven newly commissioned works by UAE-based artists and one installation by Indonesian artist Eko Nugroho.
The seven new works have been created by Alia AlShamsi, Aya Afaneh, Hana El-Sagini, Moza Almatrooshi, Moza Almazrouei and Meera Almazrooei, and Nada Almosa, who collaborated with UT-R Studio and Sarah Afaneh.
Curated by Dana Almazrouei, the installations explore themes ranging from biodiversity and the natural environment to Emirati traditions, identity and cultural heritage.
Each artwork has been designed to encourage children to engage with their surroundings through hands-on exploration and sensory experiences.
A major highlight is Indonesian artist Eko Nugroho’s “Kenangan Kunang-Kunang” (“Memories of Fireflies”), an immersive installation inspired by traditional Eastern Javanese lanterns.
First exhibited in Singapore in 2019, the artwork will make its UAE debut at the Biennale, marking National Gallery Singapore’s first collaboration in the region.
“Children are not just visitors to this park – we want them to be its custodians,” curator Dana Almazrouei said.
She explained that participating artists were encouraged to consider how children would interact with their installations and what lasting impressions those experiences might create.
Creative workshops, guided tours and family activities
Taking place during the UAE’s 2026 Year of Family, the Biennale will offer a programme of educational and creative experiences for children, families and schools.
Schools will be able to book guided morning tours throughout the exhibition period, allowing students to explore the installations and learn more about the artistic ideas behind them.
Families can also participate in artist-led workshops on November 6, 7, 13 and 14, with activities beginning at 6.30pm.
The workshops will feature hands-on experiences such as drawing, weaving, lantern making and sound exploration, giving children opportunities to experiment with different artistic techniques.
On Friday, November 20, a panel discussion titled “From Place to Belonging: How Art Shapes the Way We Feel the World” will take place at the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial’s main hub in Mina Zayed.
The discussion will explore the relationship between art, place and belonging, highlighting how creative experiences can influence people’s connections with their surroundings.
Celebrating art, community and Emirati heritage
The Biennale also celebrates more than a decade of Umm Al Emarat Park serving as a gathering place for families and communities in Abu Dhabi.
By bringing contemporary art into an outdoor setting, the event seeks to create an accessible cultural experience that encourages children to appreciate nature, explore Emirati heritage and develop their creativity.
The event is held under the patronage of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan.
